What is the SCROG technique and how is it applied in outdoor marijuana cultivation?
The SCROG technique, which stands for Screen of Green, is a cultivation method that optimizes marijuana production by using a mesh or net that is placed on the plants. The main goal of this technique is to maximize the light exposure of each part of the plant, allowing for more uniform growth and higher bud production. In outdoor cultivation, this technique adapts perfectly to natural conditions, making the most of sunlight and available space.
How is SCROG applied in outdoor cultivation?
To implement the SCROG technique in an outdoor crop, several fundamental steps are followed:
- Selecting the right net: A mesh with spaces large enough to allow the growth of the branches should be chosen, usually 10 to 15 centimeters.
- Mesh Installation: The netting is placed on the plants when they reach an adequate height, usually during the vegetative phase.
- Training the plants: As the branches grow, they are guided and positioned through the mesh so that they are evenly distributed, maximizing the light they receive.
Applying the SCROG technique on outdoor crops not only improves yield, but also reduces shade between plants, which promotes a healthier environment and reduces the risk of disease. By properly managing plants and their exposure to light, growers can harvest more and better quality.
Benefits of using the SCROG technique in outdoor marijuana cultivation in 2021
The SCROG (Screen of Green) technique has become increasingly popular among outdoor cannabis growers, especially in 2021. This methodology allows you to maximize the production and quality of cannabis plants by optimizing light and space. Below are some of the main benefits of applying the SCROG technique in outdoor crops.
1. Maximizing light
One of the most prominent advantages of SCROG is its ability to maximize the light that plants receive. By using a mesh or net, growers can evenly distribute plant branches towards the light, minimizing shadows and increasing photosynthetic efficiency. This approach results in more robust growth and heavier yields.
2. Improved air circulation
The use of SCROG also improves air circulation around plants. By keeping the leaves and branches evenly distributed, moisture in the lower parts of the plant is reduced, helping to prevent problems such as mold or mildew. This is especially important in hot, humid climates, where these problems are common.
3. Growth and height control
Another key benefit of the SCROG technique is the control of plant growth and height. Growers can limit the height of the plants while maximizing the number of flowers produced. This is particularly useful in gardens where space is a limiting factor and helps prevent plants from becoming too tall and unmanageable.
Essential steps to implement the SCROG technique in your outdoor marijuana cultivation
The SCROG (Screen of Green) technique is ideal for maximizing the yield of your marijuana plants in outdoor crops. Below are the essential steps you need to take to implement this technique successfully.
1. Preparing the Grow Space
- Select an area with enough direct sunlight for your plants.
- Install a SCROG mesh or net over your plants, making sure it is at an appropriate height to allow growth.
2. Selection of plants and varieties
Choose cannabis strains that are suitable for the SCROG technique, preferably those that have strong vertical growth. Plants like Indicas are usually better suited to this method due to their dense and robust structure.
3. Training and pruning
- Start training your plants when they reach about 30-40cm in height, guiding them through the mesh to promote horizontal growth.
- Do light pruning to remove the lower leaves that won’t receive light, allowing energy to be directed to the upper shoots.
By following these steps, you can set up an efficient SCROG grow that promotes uniform growth and maximizes flower production in your outdoor marijuana grow.
Practical tips to maximize the yield of your outdoor SCROG marijuana crop
The SCROG (Screen of Green) method is a popular technique for maximizing yields in cannabis crops, especially outdoors. Implementing this technique effectively requires attention to several key factors, from plant variety selection to daily care. Here are some practical tips to help you optimize your crop.
1. Selection of the variety
- Choose suitable strains: Opt for varieties that are well suited to your local climate and have robust growth.
- Preference for indica strains: Indica strains tend to be more manageable and lend themselves better to the SCROG technique due to their compact structure.
2. Preparing the grow space
Make sure the area where you’ll be growing has enough direct sunlight. When employing the SCROG technique, it is essential that all plants receive uniform access to light. Place the support mesh at an appropriate height, allowing the plants to grow towards it and maintaining a balance in their development.
3. Daily care
- Proper watering: Maintain a balanced watering schedule, avoiding both excess and lack of water.
- Nutrient control: Monitor and adjust nutrients based on the growth phase of plants, ensuring they receive what they need to develop healthy leaves and flowers.
Common mistakes when growing marijuana with the SCROG technique and how to avoid them
The SCROG (Screen of Green) technique is very popular among cannabis growers for its ability to maximise plant yields. However, there are common mistakes that can compromise the success of this technique. Here are some of the most common ones and how to avoid them.
1. Improper mesh placement
One of the most common mistakes is not placing the SCROG mesh at the right height. If the mesh is too high, the plants can grow disproportionately, while if it is too low, it will make it difficult to access the lower parts of the plant. Make sure that the mesh is located about 30–45 cm above the growing medium.
2. Lack of training of plants
A logical but frequent mistake is not properly training plants before they are mowed. Without proper handling, branches may not reach the mesh or be evenly distributed, resulting in unbalanced growth. It is essential to ground the branches and guide them to pass through the mesh, ensuring uniform growth.
3. Ignoring the growing environment
- Lighting: Make sure all parts of the plant get enough light.
- Humidity and temperature: Maintain ideal conditions for growth and avoid mold.
- Nutrients: Adjust the feed according to the stage of growth and avoid overfertilization.
Not paying attention to the environment can lead to problems such as illness or reduced yields. Maintaining the right balance is key to the success of SCROG.
