Anyone have experience growing hops?

Reminds me...I broke a shovel last year trying to dig some rhizomes for my son. : )

 

'B-Hoppy' has been at it since the late '80's and have grown them in NY, PA and the last 25 years here in Ohio. The crowns can get huge so you're cheating yourself if you attempt to grow them in containers. Yes you can have a great experience using containers, but you can get a lot more out of them if they're planted in the ground. Understanding how they grow (what goes on underground) is the hardest thing for folks to figure out and what causes most problems of them 'taking over' an area. If you're planting rhizomes, usually at the beginning of their third year, you should take a shovel and dig a trench around the entire crown (about a foot out from the center). While digging, lift the soil and you'll see any rhizomes that have formed and are creeping away from the crown. Cut these off (as close to the crown as possible) and remove to replant, give away or whatever. This yearly practice will keep the crown contained and neat.

Plant as many different varieties as you can afford and give them at least 3 years before you remove the poor performers. Some varieties are naturally more vigorous than others and your particular growing conditions will determine which will do well for you. Generally, you see areas of hop production in proximity to areas of grape production, this is due to the deep soils in those areas. They like very deep well drained soils but will pretty much grow anywhere, just not as well as if they have ideal soil conditions.

Any plant that will grow up to 20+ feet in a few short months will require a lot of moisture (at least an inch per week) to sustain their growth. Fertility is up to you. I personally just rely on spring and fall topdressings of healthy compost to keep them going and it's served me well over the years without the addition of supplemental nutrients. They like to climb so it's up to your imagination here. A natural fiber rope, a tree, a chain link fence etc.. Here's a good article on what they're all about: http://faculty.agron.iastate.edu/fehr/HOCP/27HOCP.pdf

A few good friends who supply what you need are: http://freshops.com/ http://rnventerprises.com/ and for plants: http://greatlakeshops.com/.

Hoppy Trails~

 

NICE. Last year was my first in the ground, they are coming up finally underneath the trellis where I planted them. Probably about 3 feet apart so maybe too close, but we will see how they do this year. Hoping to get enough to at least do some dry hopping with them in one of my homebrews.