Sea Of Green (SOG) Marijuana Growing

Sea of Green, usually abbreviated “SOG,” is a method of growing marijuana that forces flowering at a young age. The plants will have only been in vegetative state for about two weeks. This method allows you to harvest much earlier than growing your plants normally.

So, what are the benefits of the SOG technique? It’s really used when space is limited in a grow room. It allows you to maximize your space without sacrificing on yield. When you put the plants into flowering stage with a 12/12 light regimen, you can fit more flowering plants into more space. The yield of a single plant might be smaller, but the yield you get cumulatively will be larger.

SOG growers generally have time constraints, as well. Certain marijuana varieties take longer than 10 weeks to complete their vegetative cycle. With the SOG method, you get more harvests and more marijuana. This is method employed by larger operations where a consistent supply is required.

Growing cannabis under artificial light means that you need to make use of that light more efficiently. This is because you’re paying the electricity bill, but also because you want to get the most out of your plants. Many grow rooms are set up to light plants from above. With this system, the upper leaves and branches cast a shadow on the lower sections, meaning that there is always part of the plant that’s not receiving as much light. When you pack the plants in close proximity, you create a canopy of buds that makes the most out of your light. One big HPS light will only give you one option for lighting, but multiple HPS grow lights will give you greater light coverage across your entire crop.

The SOG technique is especially useful with large quantities of cuttings from a cloned marijuana plant. It saves you from having to buy seeds and also ensures that your plants will be female and of a high quality. SOG grows typically don’t require pruning, but some growers like to tidy up the lower branches below the canopy. This helps the plant put its focus on the main bud and improve the overall flow of air underneath the canopy. You can also clone these cuttings and provide another bunch of SOG plants to keep the system on repeat.

How to Use the Sea of Green Method

You don’t need to have any special skills for the SOG method to be effective. All you really have to do is understand the concept. The lack of a need for training and pruning makes SOG one of the easiest methods for growing weed.

Below you’ll find a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Germinate seeds or take cuttings to create clones
2. Grow them using 18 to 24 hours of light until they reach around 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) in height
3. Space the plants out at about 1 or 2 plants per square foot (30cm by 30 cm) and change the lighting regimen to 12/12 to force flowering.
4. Once a dense canopy of buds forms, trim the branches beneath and use them for clones.
5. Harvest when you’re ready.

‘You can pack short plants tightly together in a “sea of green” (SOG) or a “screen of green” (SCROG) to maximize yield.’ ~ Jorge Cervantes

Some growers start a 12/12 lighting regimen when the marijuana plants are only about 6 inches tall. Likewise, some growers may pack the plants more or less densely depending on their preference. Requirements will change depending on the variety and the grow room. Use this guide as a base, but make adjustments as necessary for your particular situation.

TIP: Download my free grow bible for more information about Sea of Green marijuana growing.

SOG systems generally work better with indica varieties because of their short stature and single primary cola. Sativas can work, but they are typically too “leggy” for the SOG system to work well. Best is to top sativa strains a few days before changing the light cycle to 12/12. Indicas like White Widow, Big Bud and Super Skunk are good for the SOG method. Sativa’s like Amnesia or Super Silver haze are also good options when topped.

If you want start growing SOG, download my free grow guide and order some high quality marijuana seeds at this link here. We ship seeds to the US, CA and many other countries. For any growing related question please visit the marijuana support page.

Robert

The founder of I Love Growing Marijuana, Robert Bergman, is a marijuana growing expert that enjoys sharing his knowledge with the world. He combines years of experience, ranging from small-scale grows to massive operations, with a passion for growing. His articles include tutorials on growing... [read more]

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