How Many Plants Can You Fit In a 4x4 Grow Tent Comfortably

We have seen so many questions from personal growers regarding how many plants you can fit in a 4x4 grow tent or in other measurements.

Some people prefer straightforward answers, but this question is more complex than it seems.

If you grow plants in the normal way without any growing approach, then you can grow like 5-6 plants, but you can’t sustain the durability of the growing area.

You should use different training techniques to overcome all the problems regarding growing plants inside a compact-sized tent.

Like if you follow the SOG method you can easily fit between 6-16 plants comfortably. On the other hand, using SCROG, you can adjust 4 plants inside a 4x4 grow tent. Other techniques including LST and Topping can fit between 6-8 plants simultaneously.

 

How Many Plants Can I Fit Into 4x4 Grow Setup?

There isn’t any definitive answer to this question unless you know the type of plants you want to grow in a tent under the LED grow lights.

Apart from the traditional or normal way of growing indoors, there are plenty of techniques you can adapt to the artificial environment that will help you identify the number of plants that you wish to grow in a 4x4 grow tent.

 

•The Simple Way (Without Growing Method)

The general rule of thumb for simple or normal indoor way, without using growing methods, should be 1.7 square feet per plant—that summarizes 5-6 plants in 4x4 grow without any growing technique.

This data is based on our years of growing experience and collected from different experienced indoor growers around the globe.

 

•SOG (Sea of Green) Method

The Sea of Green (SOG) method is best if you target massive yield in a limited growing space like a 4x4 grow tent.

Using this technique, plants only require 0.5 square feet of space, which means you can fill out up to 32 plants in a 4x4 grow tent.

Remember, the SOG method aims to speed up the vegetative growth and quickly transform it into the flowering stage.

Therefore, when flowers bloom, the whole 4x4 growing area gets packed, and only a few plants can be nourished.

 

•SCROG (Screen of Green) Method

SCROG requires more space than the SOG method, requiring a flat frame for plants to climb on the nets.

This technique aims to grow plants taller rather than more expansive—a highly recommended method for compact spaces like 4x4 grow tents.

You can acquire 4-6 square feet per plant using this technique. That means you can grow at least three plants in a 4x4 grow tent.

 

•LST (Low-Stress Training) Method

LST is by far the most straightforward growing technique compared to others.

With this technique, you can only require 2 square feet for a single plant, allowing you to grow up to 4-6 plants easily in a 4x4 grow tent.

This technique aims to produce more excellent buds by removing the top chunk of the canopy, allowing light to reach the plant's surface.

 

•Topping

Topping is an efficient and skillful technique to increase yield. This method requires enough space to perform this technique—almost 2-4 square feet away from each other. With this training, you can easily grow between 4-8 plants in a 4x4 grow tent.

 

•DWC (Deep Water Culture) Method

The DWC method is entirely different from other growing techniques we discussed earlier.

This method follows hydroponics agriculture, which means plants grow and nurture with the help of water and nutrients.

Since this method involves different gallons of buckets, 9 gallons of buckets are recommended for a tent environment.

A single 9-gallon bucket has the broadness of one foot. With that radius, only 4 buckets are suitable for a 4x4 grow tent.

Reminder for Growers:

It’s important to check the local laws if you are growing cannabis/marijuana at home or commercial level.

The laws for cannabis farming are moderate all over the country. But still, some US states prohibit entirely or limit cannabis cultivation.

Rules for California prescribe that home growers can grow no more than six plants for leisure and relaxation.

For medical purposes, you are free to grow within 100 feet of your residence. In Alaska, an individual should be over 21 years of age to grow up to six plants.

Despite that, only three among six can be flowering simultaneously.

For a better understanding, you need to know how different training techniques work and help you utilize the compact growing spaces.

Once you understand the basic techniques, you won’t have to ask questions regarding fitting plants in 4x4 grow tents.

 

5 Best 4x4 Grow Tent Grow Methods

Before diving into our topic, you must keep in mind that we’re explaining these methods for cannabis plants. You can also use the following techniques for other plants if their structure is identical to cannabis.

1.Sea of Green (SOG) Method

The term “Sea” in the SOG method refers to numerous plants in one place. If you plan to cultivate a massive yield in a limited space, then the Sea of Green technique is best for your indoor setup.

This method mainly focuses on growing many small plants in a tight area rather than focusing on large plants.

The compact positioning of plants within a smaller surface leads them to grow together and form a canopy of buds; that’s why it’s called the “Sea of Green.”

 

 

This technique aims to force the plants into an earlier flowering stage, training them to use their canopy more efficiently.

The tightness from either way forces the plants to grow sideways, allowing them to focus on just one purpose: hefty bloom.

Thus, they start blooming in small sizes rather than staying in the vegetative phase.

This whole SOG process allows growers to achieve higher yields in much shorter periods and compact spaces.

 

How to Use the Sea of Green Method

• Like any other growing process, germinating the seeds or using clones to begin the process. For the SOG method, clones are preferred as they grow faster than seeds. Moreover, clones ensure uniformity as they are identical and best for maintaining an evenly-heightened canopy.
• Like choosing the clones, it’s also important to choose the right strain that is suitable for the SOG technique. Note: Not all strains are perfect for the SOG technique. Indica is the most recommended and commonly used strain for the SOG method, as it supports small growth and is much bushier than sativa.
• Since the idea is to grow small plants in a compact area, therefore, using smaller pots (4-6 liters) is necessary. Small pots will stop the plants from growing bigger. Place the pots close to each other (1-2 plants per square foot), but it’s highly advisable not to put those pots too close.
• Putting a net at the beginning is also recommended to access the innermost plants as they grow tall together.
• Once the plants reach the vegetative stage, they will need 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness. The vegetative stage with the SOG technique lasts between 4-6 weeks until they get tall enough (6-10 inches).
• At the developing stage of plants, all of them receive an equal amount of light. That’s why choosing the best light for your tent is crucial.
• When plants move to the flowering stage, the light hours change to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of absolute darkness. This light cycle forces the plants to expand the canopy and focus the energy on the main cola.
• If buds show signs of cloudiness and whiteness, plants are ready to be harvested. The harvesting time depends on the type of strain you use for your grow.

 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using this Method

Advantages

• Best for massive yield for compact spaces
• Provides clones for the future after trimming
• Short growth cycles
• Easy-to-use growing technique
• Indica strains perform well in the SOG method.

Disadvantages

• Only a few strains are recommended for this technique
• Require more caring compared to other techniques
• Chances of mold and pest problems spread quickly
• It is harder to grow multiple strains simultaneously, as maintaining an even canopy is difficult.

 

How Many Plants Can You Grow in a 4x4 Using SOG?

Using this technique, home growers can grow up to 32 plants (0.5 square feet per plant) in a 4x4 grow tent, depending on the strain type.

But things get pretty incense as plants get 2 times more prominent in the vegetative stage, so targeting the 8-16 or 6-8 plants would produce good results.

 

2. Screen of Green (SCROG) Method

The Screen of Green (SCROG) is entirely opposite compared to SOG, as plants grow taller rather than wider.

The purpose of this technique is to exploit the branches to expand horizontally instead of vertically, exposing more flower nodes to light sources.

SCROG usually performs well indoors, but you can also use it for outdoor operations.

 

 

The procedure includes placing the screen above the top branches and weaving them through the screen where plants grow and mature.

This helps growers lift the lower branches and top branches down, creating a uniform canopy that allows buds to receive evenly distributed light.

 

How to Use the Screen of Green Method

• Build a screen or purchase a screen from the market. Most growers prefer to build a screen of their own as it’s easy to construct. The equipment can vary depending on the type and size of the grow tent. However, the lattices should be 5-10cm long, so you are good to go.
• Now, place the screen above the top of the pots (20-40 cm above). Before you place the screen above, please make sure your plants are ready. SCROG technique is usually done on plants at the beginning of the vegetative stage. Once your plants progress at least five nodes, cut the highest node with sterilized scissors or blades.
• Now, it’s time to weave the plants. As your plants mature, you must manually incorporate them around the screen. The cannabis plants don’t act like vines, so you have to twist them to accept the new conditions forcefully. When you start weaving the branches, don’t crook or break anything. Slowly, the branches would adapt to the lattice.
• Pruning is the most crucial aspect of this method. You need to prune every branch or foliage that grows underneath the frame. Anything that grows underneath the frame would consume all the energy necessary for the canopy.
• After everything is done, monitor the activity regularly because Screen of Green puts much stress on the planet. Ensure you don’t actively weave the plants; give plants a week’s rest before winding.

 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using This Method

 

Advantages

• SCROG offers a shorter growth cycle, which means commercial growers can achieve the advantage of using this technique.
• You have complete control over the plants' height, making gathering all the blooms to a sweet spot easier.
• Watering and fertilizing will become easier as you are dealing with less quantity.

Disadvantages

• It follows a complex structure for beginners
• SCROG produces less yield compared to the SOG technique
• Lot of maintenance and caring are required.
• It may require multiple grow tents, one for vegetative purposes and the other one for flowering.

 

How Many Plants Can You Grow in a 4x4 Using SCROG?

As we discussed in the SOG, it depends on the type of strain you are cultivating.

The key difference between SCROG and SOG is that you won’t add many plants in the tent using the SCROG method compared to SOG.

The Screen of Green technique consumes more space.

This technique requires 4-6 square feet per plant, so you can grow 4 plants in a 4x4 grow tent.

 

3. Low-Stress Training (LST)

Here’s another training technique that can utilize the inside space of a 4x4 grow tent. Before going to the actual question, you need to know precisely what low-stress training (LST) is and how it performs.

 

 

When cannabis plants mature, they transform into a pyramid shape or a Xmas tree. When the leaves get thick and widely spread from the top and thinner from the bottom, it enhances the light piercing to the bottom.

That’s where LST helps to prevent that from happening. The idea of this technique is to manipulate the size and appearance of the plant by gently bending the middle branches.

 

How to Use the Low-Stress Training Method?

• Identify the plant that you want to train. Make sure you select those plants with long, lined branches with many leaves. You can also broaden this technique to multiple branches of the same strong plant.
• Now, it is time to bend the branches you’ve selected for the training. To bend the branches, use soft materials that aren’t harmful to the plant. Use a soft tie or twine and knot them to the branches. You can also put additional weight to bend the branch by hanging stones or heavy objects to the link.
• After bending the branches, give plants some time and monitor them regularly.
• Repeat the process again and again until you find your plants in the desired position or shape.

 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using this Method

Advantages

• LST promotes light distribution to every plant node, resulting in healthier growth and maximum output.
• Consume less light in the indoor environment.
• You are in complete control of how to shape your plant.
• Best for 4x4 grow tents and other compact spaces.

Disadvantages

• It requires more time because bending the branches one by one can be challenging at the commercial level.
• If this technique is done aggressively, it may stunt the plant growth.

 

How Many Plants Can You Grow in a 4x4 Using LST?

Like SCROG, the LST technique also consumes more space. Bending the branches allows cannabis plants to expand sideways, therefore taking more space.

A typical LST plant requires 2-4 square feet of space. So, you can add about 4-8 plants in a 4x4 grow tent with this training technique.

 

 4. Topping

Topping is the most straightforward and most widely practiced technique to significantly increase quality and yields.

It’s not only the easiest but also the cheapest technique to utilize the cultivation space. It involves trimming the primary stems of the plants just above the leaf node, the point where leaves pop.

This process helps increase the number of colas, maximize harvest, and even out your canopy. Before topping the plant, energy and hormones are directed to the one channel at the top of the plant.

The magic happens after the topping; the growth hormones are re-distributed from the main stem and all the other nodes with auxiliary buds which will be competing for growth.

This whole process makes the plant grow wider rather than taller—wider means more colas result in a bigger harvest at the end of the grow.

 

 

How to Use Topping?

• Applying this technique to your plants is pretty simple. First, you need to identify if your plant is ready for topping. Once you identify the plants having six nodes that all developed fan leaves and your plant is 6-10 inches tall, they are ready for the first topping.
• Now, time to count the nodes where you should top the plant. Remember, don’t cut the nodes by the cotyledons or first stems with single leaves, as they can be weaker and grow slower. Only cut those nodes that have visible auxiliary buds.
• Count the six to eight nodes from the bottom. All you have to do is simply eliminate the main shoot from the developing tip; two more shoots will take its place, redistributing the plant’s growth energy, hormones, water, and minerals to all the other stems on the plant. A single cut results in two shoots and two cuts will replace four, and the pattern continues.

Isn’t it that simple?

This training technique doesn’t require fancy equipment and performs well in a 4x4 grow tent.

 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Topping

 Advantages

• It doesn’t require any skill or technical knowledge to perform topping.
• It’s easier and cheaper than all of the training techniques.
• Some plants grow vertically extensive in indoor environments, causing problems for small indoor setups. Topping your plants can bypass this issue.

Disadvantages

• Topping may stunt the growth and delay the flowering phase.
• Your plants are vulnerable to different diseases after topping. It’s kept threatened until the wound has completely healed.

 

How Many Plants Can You Grow in a 4x4 Using Topping?

Topping is no different from LST when compared to fitting plants in a 4x4 grow tent. Practically, a single plant for topping requires about 2-4 square feet of space. Therefore, using this technique, you can fit 4-8 plants in a 4x4 grow tent.

 

5. Deep Water Culture (DWC) Method

Deep Water Culture (DWC) is a revolutionary training technique in the indoor environment.

It’s entirely different from all the methods we’ve discussed above. This method involves water and nutrients to grow the plants instead of soil.

 

 

In this method, the plants grow and nurture in the water filled with nutrients 24/7. The roots developed inside the pot containing small clay pebbles that give additional support.

Additionally, the root gets the oxygen supply with the help of an air pump that provides enough oxygen during the growing process.

Since the plant’s roots take direct nutrients during the process, it’ll give you a fast and colossal harvest.

 

How to Use DWC?

If you want to avoid any hassles and start the setup easily, you can go with a ready-made DWC system.

There are plenty of options available on the market/internet—choose the one that fulfills your needs and start cultivating the cannabis straight away.

Or, if you want to go for the traditional way, here’s the list of tools that you’ll need;

• Air Pump
• Air Stone
• Airline Tubing
• Net Pots
• 5-Gallon Bucket
• pH Kit
• PPM Meter
• Growing Media
• Hydroponics Nutrients

Making a DIY deep water culture is pretty simple;

• Link the pump to the tubing, join the airline tubing to the air stone, and lastly, put the stone in the bucket.
• Then, fill the bucket with water, keeping the pH levels in check, add the nutrients, and start the germination process.
• After the successful germination process, the roots begin to hit the water instead of growing into the soil, resulting in a burst of growth.
• If the water remains oxygenated, there’s no way the plant’s roots can't immerse in the water to the end of the lifecycle.

 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using DWC

Advantages

• Rapid growth due to direct nutritional uptake. Reduces the harvesting time by up to 30 percent.
• No need for additional supplements or fertilizers
• Easy to set up and assemble the equipment.

Disadvantages

• If any equipment gets broken or malfunctioned, there’s a brief timeframe to replace it.
• It can be expensive and requires skillful hands to operate.
• Since everything runs on electricity, any power or hardware failure will quickly damage the plant’s health.

 

How Many Plants Can You Grow in a 4x4 Using DWC?

In a 4x4 grow tent using the DWC method, it’s advisable to use the 9-gallon buckets to promote a healthy hydroponic environment.

A single 9-gallon bucket is equal to the diameter of 1 foot. This means 4 buckets can easily fit into a 4x4 grow tent.

 

Conclusion

Well, if you’ve come that far, it means you have understood the importance of different training techniques and how they provide value to your compact growing spaces.

The number of plants you can fit in a 4x4 grow tent depends on the type and way of grow.

You can’t just believe in theoretical answers unless you try by yourself. There’s a massive gap between practical and speculative answers.

We tried to explain everything in our practical experience for your best interest.