How to increase the yield of cannabis plants with the ScrOG method?
TheSCROG method is quite well-known among cannabis growers, but if you have not tried it before, you may find it a bit complicated and risky touse when growing cannabis. This method allows cannabis growers to achieve higher yields, reduce the risk of pathogens and increase plant resistance. In this article you will learn when and how to use SCROG to get the highest yields.
What does the ScrOG method involve?
The term "ScrOG" is an English acronym for "Screen of Green" or "green grid." Like many other growing techniques , theScrOG method is used to facilitate the growing process. It is a technique that uses amesh screen that is hung over the cannabis plants. The stems and branches of the plant are tied or intertwined to this mesh grid, for cing them togrow horizontally rather than vertically, allowing light to reach more of the sticks.
ScrOG is usually used when growing indoors to increase yields, but can also be used when growing outdoors.
Advantages of ScrOG cannabis cultivation
This method has several advantages. These are:
- increase in total yield and trichomeformation . This is because the light hits a greater number of branches, increasing their photosynthetic potential, which contributes to growth and resin formation.
- Reduced water and nutrient consumption.
- More efficient use of growing space and maximising the benefits per plant. Many growers achieve a higher yield from a single plant grown in a smaller space than from multiple smaller, uncultivated plants.
- There is more air flow between plants, which reduces mould and pests.
- Both feminised seeds and cuttingscan be used in this method .
Disadvantages of growing cannabis using the ScrOG method
Since we have mentioned some of the positive aspects of this method, it is also necessary to mention some of its disadvantages:
- This method is more demanding of the grower's control and attention.
- It isusually recommended when growing sativa varieties.
- The growth phase is much more intense.
- When growing in pots , theplants cannot be moved from the growing site.
When to start with the ScrOG method?
Thebest time to start the ScrOG method is whenthe plant reaches a height of 20-25 cm. It is best to be one step ahead of the plant. Ideally, you should set the trellis so that the branches grow through it, instead of having to push them through the trellis later
The moment the plants start to touch the trellis, you can direct them through it to help them grow through it. It is recommended toplace the trellis about 20 cm above the plants, as their growth rate will determine exactly when the weeding starts.
Important information before starting the ScrOG method
Although the ScrOG method may seem complicated at first glance, the opposite is true, it is not too much work. Even if you have little experiencewith growing cannabis, you can easily get good results withthis method . Before starting the ScrOG method you need to consider:
Choosing the right variety
Growers should always tailor the choice of variety to their preferences, spatial possibilities and climatic conditions.
Some varieties are more suited to the ScrOG method than others. These are usuallysativa varieties, as they produce lateral branches more quickly and have thinner and more flexible stems than indica plants .
Suitable plant spacing
If you are growing several cannabis plants at once, make sure that the plants are spaced correctly. Proper spacing will help to reduce mould and also encourage the highest yield. The branches of one plant should only lightly touch the branches of neighbouring plants.
The ScrOG method in 7 steps
This guide will take you through 7 simple steps to help you grow cannabis using the ScrOG method:
Step One: Setting up the mesh
One of the most important parts of the ScrOG method is the mesh grid. This can be made of different types of material, the choice depends on your financial budget and the layout of your grow room.
Along the frame, screw in the eye bolts, spacing between each bolt should be approximately 6 cm. Then simply tie the string through each eyelet. Make sure that it is sufficiently taut.
Step Two: Place the trellis over the plants
Thetrellis should then be placedat a height of 20-40 cm above the cannabis plants. Once the trellis extends to the centre of the top of the plant, it can be permanently fixed in this position. If any branches have bent during this process, they can be pulled through and straightened so that they point upwards through the trellis.
Step three: trimming and pruning cannabis plants
After a few weeks in the seedling stage, the plants will enter the vegetative phase. At this stage, the cannabis plants need to be trimmed. Cut off the terminal stalk and after a week you will see 2-4 new branches growing. This is because trimming will cause the plants to grow into multiple main stems instead of one. This encourages lateral growth, which is more suitable for the ScrOG method.
Step 4: Branch interlacing
Once thecannabis branches have penetrated the trellis and are at least 5 cm above it, it is time to weave the cannabis branches through the trellis. Try to fill each square hole with a single branch, donot place multiple branches in the same hole as this could cause overcrowding. Be careful as you don't want to break any branches during this process.
Step 5: Transition to flowering
Once all the necessary adjustments have been made, it's time to start theflowering phase. Indoors, this involves changing the light regime to 12/12.
Step Six: Lollipopping the cannabis plants
Following this, regular maintenance needs to be carried out. Cannabis plants are often stressed during the ScrOG process. Make sure to water them immediately after each weeding. Also supply the plants with sufficient nutrients.
Lollipopping is a method of defoliation in which thelower leaves and canes are removed from the branches. This improves aeration and redirects energy to larger and more prolific canes.
Step Seven: Achieving a bountiful harvest
After the flowering phase begins , it is time to rest and watch new buds form.
Your hard work will pay off when you see the massive clusters forming on individual branches a few weeks later.
Start with the ScrOG method
TheScrOG method is not a difficultgrowing task that only experienced growers can do. Once you learn the correct procedure, you will get much more out of a single plant. In fact, a properly executed ScrOG can increase yields to the maximum. With just a little preparation and a small investment in your choice or trellis, you can take the first steps towards using this method.
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