Short answer
Buy a net that measures 48 in by 48 in. That is 4 ft by 4 ft, or 16 sq ft. A 4 in mesh opening is the standard. A 4x4 net gives 12 rows and 12 columns, so 144 tie points.
Cheap Cannabis SCROG Setup Ideas: A Buying Guide
Tent footprint vs net size
Most 4x4 grow tents have an inner footprint of 48 in by 48 in. Frame poles run 0.6 in to 1 in thick. A 48 in net with corner clips fits that frame. Elastic nets sold as 4x4 stretch to about 60 in, which lets you hook the corners on the poles and keep tension.
For a DIY build, cut trellis netting to 52 in by 52 in. The extra 2 in per side wraps around the poles. Pull the net tight. Loose netting lets branches push upward instead of spreading sideways.
what size scrog net for 4x4 tent
Mesh opening size
- 4 in (10 cm): default choice for a 4x4. 144 openings across 16 sq ft.
- 2 in to 3 in: more tie points, better for small plants and tight training.
- 6 in: fewer tie points, used with large plants and thick stems.
Math for the common case: 48 in divided by 4 in gives 12 squares per side. 12 x 12 = 144 openings. A 6 in mesh gives 8 x 8 = 64 openings.
Height above the medium
Set the first screen 8 in to 12 in above the top of the pot or bed. Lower placement spreads growth early. Higher placement delays training until branches reach the net.
Plant count for 16 sq ft
One plant can fill a 4x4 canopy in 6 to 8 weeks of veg with topping and tucking. Two plants fill it in about 5 to 6 weeks. Four plants fill it in 4 to 5 weeks. More plants mean more stems per square, so a wider mesh can be easier to manage.
Convenience
Pre-made 4x4 nets cost $10 to $25. They arrive with hooks or clips and install in under 10 minutes. A 5 ft by 30 ft roll of trellis netting costs about the same and covers 7 tents, but you cut, tie, and tension it yourself. Elastic nets hold tension without a frame, which removes the need for screws or zip ties.
Second net
Add a second 4x4 net 8 in to 10 in above the first during flower. The upper net holds colas that lean under weight. Keep both nets the same mesh size so tucking stays consistent.