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SOG (Sea of Green) method: How to get the most buds in the least amount of space
Jan
In the world of indoor growing, time is money. The quicker you go from seed to harvest, the less you will pay in electricity bills and the sooner you will get results.
That's why the Dutch technique known as the SOG (Sea of Green) or «Sea of Green». It changes the rules of the game: instead of growing a few huge «trees» for months, you grow many small plants very quickly.
Today, we explain how SOG works and why the genetics of 00 Seeds -known for its compact structure and stability - is the standard for this technique.
What is the SOG method?
The concept is simple: Many Plants + Short Growth = Fast Rotation.
In a classic grow, you can give a plant 4-6 weeks of vegetative time to grow before switching to flowering. In a SOG grow, you change the light cycle to 12/12 (flowering) much earlier, often only 1-2 weeks after germination.
Advantages of the Sea of Green:
- Speed: You save weeks (sometimes a month) in the vegetative stage.
- Luminous Efficiency: Low plants receive uniform light. No more small buds («popcorn») on low branches where the light does not reach.
- Maximum Yield per metre: You fill every square centimetre of your cupboard with productive glues.
The Perfect Structure: What genetics do you need?
Not all strains are suitable for SOG. Sativa strains that stretch and branch out of control will turn your wardrobe into an unmanageable jungle.
For SOG, you need:
- Indica dominance: Plants that remain low and robust.
- Mono-stem structure: Genetics that concentrate energy in a main tail instead of side branches.
- Uniformity: All plants should be of the same height so that they do not shade each other.
This is 00 Seeds' speciality.
Top 3 Varieties of 00 Seeds for SOG
We have selected the varieties that work best in high density cultivation.
1. 00 Kush (The potent classic)
Our flagship. It is a pure and potent Indica that grows compact and predictable. In SOG, it forms heavy, dense «rockets» in the central cola.
- Flowering: 55-60 days.
- Production: Up to 600 g/m² (in SOG).
- Effect: Powerful physical blow. 👉 Buy 00 Kush
2. Chocolate Cream (Flavour and Density)
If you want dessert terpenes with commercial yields. This strain is famous for its chocolate aroma and dark resin. Plants are bushy but easy to manage in a sea of green.
- Trait: Unique terpene profile.
- Structure: Spruce shape with a massive tip. 👉 Buy Chocolate Cream
3. Northern Lights (The Stable Legend)
The most stable strain in the world. In the SOG method, Northern Lights plants look like soldiers in training: all identical in height, with minimal branching and huge main colas. Perfect for beginners.
- Aroma: Discreet (ideal for stealth cultivation).
- Resilience: Forgive mistakes in watering and fertilisation. 👉 Buy Northern Lights
How many plants per m²?
This is the most frequently asked question. For a classic SOG with 00 Seeds seeds, we recommend:
- 5-7 litre pots: Optimal are 16 floors (4×4 grid).
- 3-4 litre pots: You can put 20-25 floors (5×5 grid), but usually requires drip irrigation.
Tip: Ensure good ventilation. A dense canopy increases humidity, so fans are critical.
Conclusion
The SOG method is the choice of the pragmatic grower. You spend less time waiting and harvest more often. The secret to success is seed selection. By choosing stabilised Indicas from 00 Seeds, you are guaranteed a uniform «carpet» of buds with no surprises.
FAQ
R: Traditionally, SOG used cuttings for perfect uniformity. However, modern stabilised feminised seeds from reliable seedbanks like 00 Seeds are uniform enough to make a successful SOG straight from seed.
R: When growing from seed, we recommend only 10-14 days of vegetative (18/6 cycle) after the first true leaves appear. Switching to 12/12 early keeps the plants low.
R: Yes, we recommend lollipopping: remove the lower branches and leaves during the first week of flowering. The light won't get there anyway, so direct the energy to the upper cola.
