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An example of the SOG method filling this room from wall to wall. Photo courtesy of Bill Sutherland.
The Sea of Green (SOG) method is one of the best ways to grow numerous plants in a small space with a quick turnaround time. There are many benefits associated with this style of growing cannabis. This article breaks down the art of the SOG method, plant count, pot size, the best strains to use, common mistakes to avoid, and more.
What Does SOG Mean?
The SOG method, according to Weedmaps, focuses on growing “many small cannabis plants at once rather than a few larger plants. The method plays on the idea that if plants in a small space are forced into their flowering phase early, they only need to grow to half their size to support cola development.”
When done correctly, there should be no empty space between each plant, maximizing the yield potential and lighting efficiency in the shortest time frame.
Pot Size, Growth Times, and the Optimal Plant Size
Working with 1-1.5 gallon-sized pots will be the best option. Doing so will ensure the plants will receive the same amount of intense lighting and eliminate the concern of overcrowding.
The most important part of the SOG method is to only provide short vegetative times of one to two weeks.
Cannabis seeds will require 10-14 days to grow large enough to flower, whilst cannabis cuttings will typically require 7–10 days. Plant height prior to flowering will be 15-30 cm, resulting in a uniform canopy and final height ranging between 30-50 cm tall by harvest time, as recommended by Sensi Seeds.
How Many Plants Should Be Used for SOG?
The principle of the SOG style involves planting six to 36 pots closely together, with a short vegetation time. The space between plants can vary, but the general rule is that one should not be able to see the floor from above once the flowers are mature. This allows them to become full and compact, creating an abundance of uniform plants capable of yielding the same amount of buds. This will depend on the size of the grow space and growers can apply it in a small tent or a commercial-scale operation.
Which Cultivars are Best for SOG Set-ups?
Indica-dominant hybrids will be the best candidates, as they will ensure the plants do not become overgrown, which may cause plants to compete for light and available space. Sativa or sativa-dominant strains will be difficult to maintain, resulting in an uneven canopy and potential overcrowding. Grape Ape, Critical Kush, Wedding Cake, Gelato 44, and Candy Kush Express will produce the best results, as advised by RQS, experts in all styles of indoor cultivation.
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The Benefits of the SOG Method
- Indoor-grown crops will only require short vegetative times, saving electricity and nutrients.
- Every plant will have an equal amount of light, making the grow room as efficient as possible.
- There will be far less foliage to trim and harvest compared to a large cannabis plant.
- Every plant will produce the same amount of buds and one main cola.
- The canopy will be totally even and become far easier to maintain once flowering.
- Harvesting and trimming plants grown in the SOG will be quicker.
- Indoor growers are capable of perpetual harvests thanks to the short growth period.
- Using fast flowering cultivars can allow more harvest per year and a perpetual cycle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Allowing plants to vegetate for more than the recommended time frame can cause the final plant height to be too tall and bushy. This can become an issue once flowering and may cause buds to touch one another. As a result, it increases the risk of molding buds and powdery mildew due to poor airflow.
Using multiple different cultivars in the same room can also lead to an uneven canopy. It also defeats the objective of creating a uniform crop. Doing so will cause some plants to fight for dominance, resulting in some plants yielding significantly less than others.
Sativa-dominant strains will have a tendency to dramatically increase in size once flowered. The outcome may be a final plant height and growth structure that is difficult to maintain and have access to in the event of an emergency, such as botrytis.
Prematurely flowering cannabis plants will result in a low-yielding crop and a short final plant height when harvesting. Not only will doing so result in a waste of potential grow space, but it will also be an inefficient use of electricity.
Placing pots without giving enough space between them, or using a higher number of pots within a grow space than necessary, will promote overcrowding. Provide the right amount of space between the pots and create a floor plan in advance for the best outcome.
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