What is the Sea of Green (SOG) method and how does it work?

What is the Sea of Green method (SOG)

The Sea of Green (SOG) method is one of the most popular approaches to growing, used both outdoors and in closed systems. It got its name from the appearance of the plantation: dozens of small bushes grow close together, forming a continuous green carpet. Visually, it really resembles a “sea of green.”

The main principle of the method is simple: when growing cannabis using SOG, the plants are transferred to the flowering phase much earlier than in classic schemes. As a result, they do not have time to stretch out and form massive branches, but concentrate their energy on developing the central inflorescence. The result is a faster harvest and high-quality buds.

Interestingly, the technique is only effective under properly balanced conditions. For example, if a plant has a deficiency or excess of iron, it will not be able to develop evenly in dense plantings. Therefore, growers who use the sea of green method pay special attention to the nutrient solution and lighting. This is what makes the technique unique: maximum productivity can be achieved with minimum bush size.

How the SOG method works

The principle of the SOG method is based on the fact that plants are not allowed to grow into full-fledged bushes, but are transferred to the flowering stage just 2–3 weeks after rooting. Thus, instead of a long vegetation period and branch formation, the plant directs its energy to the main stem and central bud.

To understand the mechanism, it is worth highlighting the main steps:

1. Plant preparation — germinating seeds and rooting cuttings, which will later be used for dense planting.
2. Short vegetation period — the grower keeps the plants under intense light, preventing them from stretching too much.
3. Early transition to flowering — the lighting regime is changed just 14–21 days after the first leaves appear.
4. Bud formation — plants concentrate on central inflorescences, producing a dense crop.
5. Condition control — it is important to monitor nutrition and microclimate, as any mistake in dense plantings quickly affects the overall result.

Many beginners confuse the SOG method with the ScrOG technique. Therefore, it is useful to understand what ScrOG is: unlike SOG, it uses a mesh through which shoots are pulled to distribute light evenly and increase the number of buds. If SOG is aimed at speed and a large number of small plants, then ScrOG is suitable for those who work with fewer bushes but want to unlock their potential with a wide crown.

Thus, SOG cultivation can be called a method for those who value time and compactness, and ScrOG is for those who are willing to pay more attention to the formation of bushes.

Advantages of SOG cultivation

The Sea of Green cannabis technique is valued by growers for its simplicity and effectiveness. It is especially convenient in small spaces where it is important to make efficient use of every inch of space. Unlike classic schemes, which require more time to form large bushes, when growing cannabis using SOG, the harvest can be obtained faster while maintaining high bud quality.

One important point is the correct germination of cannabis seeds, as this determines the future uniformity of planting. The more stable the young shoots are, the better the method will work.

For clarity, the main advantages can be summarized in a table:

Thus, the SOG method can be called the optimal choice for those who value speed, stability, and efficiency in cultivation. When conditions are met and attention is paid to details, yields remain high, and the process itself becomes easier for the grower.

This text is for informational purposes only and does not contain instructions for cultivation. Any actions involving plants of the Cannabis genus must comply with the laws of your country/region.