SCROG: Mastering Screen of Green technology

SCROG (Screen of Green) maximises light utilisation and yields through horizontal growth:

**What is SCROG?**

A net above the plants ensures uniform canopy height and optimum light distribution.

*Advantages:*

- Maximum light utilisation of all inflorescences

- Higher yields with the same lighting

- Even flower development

- Better air circulation

- Ideal for a few plants in small rooms

*Disadvantages:*

- Plants more difficult to access

- More labour intensive than normal cultivation

- Requires experience in timing

- Longer vegetation period required

**SCROG setup:**

*Mesh specifications:*

- Mesh size: 5-10cm ideal

- Material: Nylon or sturdy plastic

- Height: 20-40cm above pot rim

- Flexible adjustment is an advantage

*Frame construction:*

- PVC tubes or wooden slats

- Stable enough for flower weight

- Easy to erect and dismantle

- Can be attached to tent poles

**SCROG process:**

*Phase 1: Preparation (week 1-3)*

- Allow young plants to grow normally

- No training yet

- Wait for healthy root development

- Position the net at the correct height

*Phase 2: Screen filling (week 4-8)*

- Bend shoots under the net

- Thread through various meshes

- Aim for even distribution

- Remove lower branches (lollipopping)

*Phase 3: Pre-flowering (week 8-9)*

- 70-80% of the mesh area filled

- Final fine-tuning of the shoots

- Prepare for flowering changeover

- Final defoliation at the bottom

*Phase 4: Flowering (week 10+)*

- Shoots grow upwards through net

- No further manipulation

- Only care and watering

- Support with heavy flower weight

**Variety selection for SCROG:**

*Ideal:*

- Sativa-dominant hybrids (more stretch)

- Strong side shoot formation

- Uniform growth

- Medium to long flowering time

*Less suitable:*

- Autoflower (too short vegi time)

- Very compact Indicas

- Unevenly growing varieties

- Extremely fast flowering strains

**Common SCROG mistakes:**

*Too early in flower:*

- Mesh not filled enough

- Wasted potential

- Solution: Patience, wait for 70-80% filling

*Flowering changeover too late:*

- Overfilling of the net

- Canopy too dense

- Solution: Convert in good time

*Insufficient defoliation:*

- Poor air circulation

- Energy in unproductive areas

- Solution: Courage for radical defoliation below

**Pro tips:**

- One plant per 0.5-1m² net area

- Extend the vegetation period by 2-3 weeks

- Encourage strong side shoot development

- Combine training with LST before SCROG

- Reuse net after harvest for next grow