Screen of Green (SCROG) Technique – The Complete Guide to Bigger Cannabis Yields

If you want bigger cannabis yields in a small grow space, the Screen of Green (SCROG) method is one of the most effective ways to achieve it. By training just 1–2 large plants under a screen, you can create an even canopy, maximize light efficiency, and drastically increase your harvest.

This article covers everything you need to know about the SCROG technique, including:

What SCROG is and how it works
The benefits of SCROG for indoor cannabis cultivation
Essential plant training methods (Topping, LST, Pruning, Super Cropping)
When to set up your screen and which pots to use
Optimal environment and airflow management
The best cannabis strains for SCROG
Harvesting tips and top SCROG strategies

What Is the SCROG Method?

SCROG stands for Screen of Green. The goal is to train cannabis plants to grow horizontally through a screen, creating a flat canopy of buds from wall to wall. Unlike the Sea of Green (SOG) technique, which uses many small plants, SCROG focuses on 1–2 large plants with a long vegetative period (8–10 weeks) and intensive plant training.

Benefits of an Indoor Cannabis SCROG

Maximized yields in small grow spaces
Only 1–2 large plants required
Custom-fit screens for any grow tent or room
Even light distribution across all bud sites
Uniform, high-quality buds throughout the canopy

An example of one plant using the SCROG method

Essential Plant Training Methods for SCROG

Training is critical to the success of SCROG. Here are the techniques you’ll need:

Topping

A high-yield training technique where the main stem tip is cut to create two main shoots instead of one. Repeated topping produces multiple bud sites and a bushier plant.

LST (Low Stress Training)

Involves tying down branches to encourage horizontal growth. This prevents a single dominant cola and creates evenly distributed colas across the screen.

Pruning (Defoliation)

Once the screen is filled, remove all growth beneath it. This ensures that the plant’s energy is focused on the top canopy buds, resulting in dense, high-quality colas.

Super Cropping

A high-stress technique where branches are gently bent or twisted during veg. This strengthens stems, improves nutrient flow, and supports heavier buds later.

This plant is the ideal size for training into the screen.

When to Set Up Your SCROG Screen

Plants should be 45–60 cm tall before adding the screen.
Ensure 4–5 internodes and multiple side branches from topping.
Use large pots (30–50 liters) to support root development.
Wait until the plant has woody, strong stems for easy training.

Photo 3 Scrog Amoutn Plants — This grow has used 9 plants under the screen

Best Pot Size for SCROG

Use 30–50 liter pots to grow robust, high-yield plants. Fabric pots are preferred as they air-prune roots, increasing root mass and plant health. Keep plants under 18/6 light for up to 10 weeks to build strong growth before flowering.

Ideal Environment: Temperature, Humidity & Airflow

Vegetative Stage (18/6): 24°C, 70% humidity
Flowering Stage (12/12): 22–24°C, 50% humidity
Ensure constant airflow with oscillating fans and proper exhaust to prevent mold and bud rot in dense canopies.

Best Screen Options for SCROG

Metal chicken wire – durable, 2–3 inch spacing
Plastic pea netting – easy to install, 2-inch spacing
Elastic fabric nets – flexible and adjustable
DIY bamboo trellis – customizable and eco-friendly

Scrot Net Options — An example of chicken wire that could be used.

Best Cannabis Strains for SCROG

Indica: Compact, dense growth but harder to train through the net; doubles in height during flowering.
Sativa: Long side branches, wide internodal spacing – ideal for SCROG as they fill the screen easily.
Hybrids: Sativa-dominant hybrids (e.g., 70/30) are perfect for balanced growth and net coverage.
Autoflowering: Not recommended – too short of a vegetative period for proper training.

Harvesting Cannabis with SCROG

Cut each branch individually once buds are mature.
Remove the screen only after all branches are free.
Since all lower growth is removed, trimming is quick and efficient – only top-quality buds remain.

5 Pro Tips for SCROG Success

Use the same strain for uniform growth and canopy consistency.
Prefer sativa-dominant hybrids for better net coverage.
Do not switch to flowering until the screen is 100% full.
Plan for 8–10 weeks of vegetative growth to maximize yield.
Combine training methods (Topping, LST, Super Cropping, Pruning) for optimal results.

Grow below SCROG Net — his grower has pruned away the growth underneath the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions About SCROG

How much should I prune under the screen?
Remove 100% of growth below the screen for airflow and bud quality.

Which net is best – metal, plastic, or fabric?
All work well; just ensure 2+ inch openings for easy training.

Are fabric pots better than plastic?
Yes – they promote better root development through air pruning.

Can I grow more than 2 plants in SCROG?
Yes, but it can limit access to your plants in tight spaces.

Final Thoughts on SCROG

The Screen of Green technique is one of the most effective indoor cannabis training methods. By maximizing light distribution, utilizing plant training, and focusing on quality over quantity, SCROG allows growers to achieve massive yields from minimal plants.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or commercial grower, SCROG is a game-changer for efficient, high-yield cannabis cultivation.