I just recently moved to central VA and have 6 cascade hop rhizomes on pre order. Most curious about what mixture of soil to add, what kind of fertilizers to use, and how to properly feed at end of season. Also any ideas on companion planting? like a big leafy plant that grows low to have bugs eat that instead of the vines.. any advice would be helpful..
Contact your county Ag Extension and see if they can get you information from the state universities.
Hop is not a house plant so there's no need to add soil. Cascade does reasonable well in central VA's hot'n humid environment even when left unattended...as long as soil moisture is adequate to sustain growth (think routine watering and mulch). - Native pine-tree soils are acidic and stringent. - Soil amendments of wood ash or crushed limestone are indicated strongly at planting with sustaining amounts provided each fall. - Humus-rich soil is alwasy good for everything...so feel free to add compost at will. - June bugs (Jap beetles) can be a problem along with Tiger butterfly larvae both of which can be controlled in the early years with hand-picking or with an occasional light chem spray.
Just planted my Cascades today! I'm excited and nervous till I get some growth. Tomorrow I think I'll put up a small fence to keep the damn dog from digging them up.
Cascade is a monster. It will grow well just about anywhere, though cones from different environments will smell and taste different. The main issue in the east is ensuring well drained soil; hops like water but can't handle soggy roots.
I've been growing Cascades in Charlottesville for the last couple of years from a single rhizome. First year, nuthin'. Second year, about five ounces, wet. I'm hoping for a bunch more. The Fifth Season in C'ville is a great resource. They do home brewing and gardening, so you couldn't ask for a better combination of skills.
Blue Mountain Brewery grows some hops and Hardywood hands out rhizomes each year for people to grow for their community hop beer. Those two might be good resources if you want more info for growing in VA.
