The Sea of Green (SOG) Cannabis Training Technique
If you’re looking to elevate your growing skills to new heights, the Sea of Green (SOG) method is an excellent cannabis cultivation technique to consider. This procedure is designed to maximize yield and make the most of your grow space, creating a dense canopy of buds that thrive under optimal light conditions.
In this article, we’ll delve into the key principles of the Sea of Green method and provide a step-by-step guide to successfully implement it in your garden.
What is the Sea of Green (SOG) Method?
Rather than growing one or two large plants, the Sea of Green method involves growing many small plants within close proximity of each other to create a uniform canopy, maximizing both space and light.
This technique focuses on the early initiation or switch to the flowering stage, requiring the grower to transition clones or seedlings to flowering plants when they’re 30 to 50 cm tall. This results in a dense canopy that can be harvested more quickly than traditional setups.
Benefits of the Sea of Green (SOG) Method
The Sea of Green (SOG) method offers a range of benefits for cannabis growers, enhancing yields by encouraging the growth of shorter, bushier plants. This technique allows for a higher density of plants per square foot, resulting in a lush, vibrant green canopy.
The key is to keep the plants densely packed, which maximizes the use of space and encourages lateral growth. This also creates a uniform canopy, ensuring each plant receives equal exposure to light.
This training technique is particularly effective for cultivating Indica strains and Indica-dominant hybrids, characterized by their compact size and bushy growth patterns. These plants thrive in small indoor growing spaces, allowing growers to maximize yields while keeping their height to a minimum. In contrast, Sativa strains generally exhibit a taller, more elongated growth structure, presenting challenges in space management and light distribution within the growing area.
Indica (left) vs Sativa (right) cannabis leaf examples.
Many cannabis cultivators who utilize the Sea of Green growing method often prefer to start their cannabis plants from clones to save time in the vegetative cycle. Clones, taken from a healthy mother plant, can typically be rooted and prepared for flowering within two to three weeks. In contrast, the germination process for seedlings generally takes significantly longer, requiring more time before they can be transitioned to the flowering stage.
Setting Up Your SOG Grow Room
To set up your growing area, here’s a list of equipment you’ll need:
- Grow tent
- LED grow lights
- Growing medium (soil or coco coir) or hydroponic system
- 1 to 3-gallon containers
- Trellis Netting and clips
- Drip trays
- pH and EC meters
- Organic-based nutrients
- Exhaust fan and intake fan
- Carbon filter and oscillating fans
When setting up your Sea of Green (SOG) setup, it is highly recommended to install trellis netting at the beginning of the growth cycle because the plants tend to become top-heavy throughout the flowering period. To install trellis netting in a grow tent, measure and cut the netting to fit your tent. Secure it six to ten inches above the canopy using zip ties or clips on the tent frame. Guide plants through the net as they grow, and add additional layers as needed.
While the fundamental principles of the Sea of Green method remain unchanged, there are various options to consider when selecting a growing medium. Soil-based growing offers a natural and supportive environment for plant development. Hydroponic systems provide nutrients directly to the roots through nutrient-rich water, whereas aquaponics integrates aquaculture and hydroponics for sustainable plant growth and development. It’s your choice!
Achieving the optimal plant density is crucial, and typically, this involves maintaining a density of approximately one-half to one plant per square foot. An example of this can be illustrated with a 4′ x 4′ grow tent. This cultivation area measures 4 feet by 4 feet, totaling 16 square feet. With an optimal plant density of one plant per square foot, this configuration would accommodate 16 plants, aiming to create a dense canopy of buds while minimizing the vegetative phase.
The Vegetative Stage in the SOG Method
During the two—to three-week vegetative stage, the primary focus is developing a strong root system and establishing a uniform canopy that measures 30 to 50 cm in height, depending on the growing environment. This essential stage is vital for creating a sturdy plant structure and promoting lush foliage. To optimize growth, maintain temperatures between 65°F and 80°F and humidity levels between 55% and 70% to transition into the flowering stage.
Transitioning to the Flowering Stage
Transitioning to the flowering stage requires adjusting the light cycle to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness, signaling the plants to begin producing buds. To support flower development, switch to a nutrient regimen high in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) while lowering nitrogen (N). Ensure adequate light intensity by focusing on red wavelengths and maintain temperatures between 72 and 85°F, with relative humidity levels at 40% to 60%.
Maintaining a Uniform Canopy and Light Distribution
Once the canopy of buds starts to form above the trellis netting, you should use training techniques, such as pruning yellowing leaves and removing lower branches that don’t receive enough light. This will help ensure optimal light exposure for bud development and maintain a uniform canopy. Additionally, it’s essential to regularly check your plants for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies to promote healthy growth and development in your garden.
Harvest Time and Post-Harvest Care
As your cannabis plants conclude their grow cycle, closely monitor the trichome development using a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe. The buds should appear dense, emit a strong aroma, and be coated in sticky resin.
All Gas OG trichomes under magnification.
For optimal potency and quality, aim to harvest your plants when about 70% of the trichomes are cloudy, and 30% are amber. When it’s harvest time, carefully use trimming shears to cut the entire plant down at the base of the stem.
Hang the plant upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F and humidity maintained at about 50% to 60% for approximately 21 days. After the drying process is finished, gently trim the buds using trimming scissors and place the dried buds loosely in airtight glass mason jars. This method helps lower the chlorophyll content and improve the terpene profile. Seal the jars and keep them in a cool, dark location.
During the first couple of weeks of curing, open the jars daily for about 15 minutes to let any excess moisture escape and replenish fresh air. This process, known as “burping,” prevents mold growth and helps enhance the buds’ terpene profile. After the initial curing period, you can reduce the frequency of burping to once every few days. Like a fine wine, the longer the cure, the better the flavor!
We’d love to hear about your experience with the Sea of Green method! Share your journey with us on our Instagram account—tag us and let us know how it went!
About the Author: Mark Smith
