ScrOG (Screen of Green) Setup Guide for Bigger Indoor Yields

Quick answer: ScrOG (Screen of Green) is a training method that weaves cannabis branches through a horizontal screen to create a flat, even canopy. By keeping every bud site at the same height under the light, ScrOG maximizes light efficiency and can dramatically increase yield per plant — making it one of the best techniques for small indoor tents.

ScrOG turns one or two plants into a tent full of evenly lit colas. It pairs perfectly with LST and topping, and it’s the highest-yield-per-watt method for home indoor growers. Here’s how to set it up. New to indoor growing? Start with our indoor growing guide.

ScrOG vs. SOG (Sea of Green)

Step-By-Step

1. Install the screen. Mount a horizontal net or screen with roughly 5–8 cm (2–3 in) squares about 20–40 cm (8–16 in) above your pots. It should be level and securely fixed to the tent frame.
2. Veg until plants near the screen. Grow plants in veg, optionally topping once for more main branches, until they reach just below the screen.
3. Start tucking. As branches grow through the screen, gently bend and tuck them back under and sideways into the next empty square. This ‘weaving’ keeps the canopy flat and fills the whole screen.
4. Fill ~70–80% of the screen. Keep tucking through the rest of veg until branches fill most of the screen evenly — leave room for the stretch.
5. Flip to flower (12/12). Switch to a 12/12 light schedule. During the 1–2 week flower stretch, keep tucking until the screen is full and even, then stop.
6. Defoliate and let them stack. Remove leaves shading bud sites for airflow and light, then let the colas grow up through the screen and fatten into an even canopy.

ScrOG Tips and Mistakes To Avoid

• Don’t flip too early. Fill most of the screen in veg — once you switch to 12/12, the window for filling gaps is short.
• Keep the canopy flat. Any branch poking far above the screen wastes light and shades the rest.
• Photoperiod seeds are best for ScrOG because you control veg length. Browse feminized photoperiod seeds.
• Pair with defoliation for airflow — see our defoliation guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should a ScrOG screen be?

Place the screen roughly 20–40 cm (8–16 inches) above the top of your pots. The exact height depends on plant size and tent space, but it should sit low enough that you can train branches across it during veg.

When should I flip a ScrOG to flower?

Flip to 12/12 when branches fill about 70–80% of the screen. Plants typically stretch and fill the remaining gaps during the first 1–2 weeks of flowering.

Is ScrOG better than SOG?

ScrOG maximizes yield from a few plants by training a flat canopy and is ideal when you’re limited on plant count. SOG uses many small plants for a faster turnover. ScrOG suits home growers with limited plants; SOG suits high-volume setups.

Can you ScrOG autoflowers?

You can, but because autos have a fixed timeline, you must train gently and early. Photoperiod plants are easier to ScrOG since you control how long they veg.

Educational content for home growers. Grow only where legal in your state or country.