| TipsDo you have a spot in the garden that calls for a vine? Practically every garden does! If so how about trying hops.If this sounds like a novel idea it really isn't. Hops were first introduced into this country from Europe by the Massachusetts Company in 1629. Hops are native to temperate zones from Western Europe to Asia, and are hardy to -20 F., dying back to dormant roots in winter, plus they are heat-tolerant in summer (not a problem for us this year). A hop rhizome is a cutting of the female, cone-producing hop plant. Hops can be planted almost anywhere in the continental United States, and they require 120 frost-free days to produce fully ripe flowers. Under good conditions, you can yield up to two pounds of hops per vine.Choose a good location for growing the hops. Hops prefer a southern exposure, with as much sunlight as possible. Hops thrive in light-textured, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-8.0. If drainage is a problem, build mounds around the hops using the surrounding topsoil mixed with organic matter. Ensure the hops are not in the immediate vicinity of a strong 24-hour light source, as this will prevent flowering. Dig a hole about 10 – 12” deep. This is the time to add some organic matter such as peat moss or compost to the soil. Plant hop plant in middle of hole and return soil, gently compacting around the plant. Fertilizer can be applied now or within a week or so of planting. Use a good fertilizer such as 8-32-16 or miracle Gro lightly but often during the growing season.First year hops have a minimal root system, so don’t allow the soil to remain dry for prolonged periods. Frequent, short waterings are best. You may also mulch the soil surface with organic matter to conserve moisture and control weeds.Once the hop vines are approximately one foot long, select the heartiest 2-3 vines and wrap them clockwise around a trellis or support. Prune all the other vines from the base of the hop.For the first year, the support system can be a thin 8-foot stake. As the plant grows you will need a taller and stronger support system. You may also drop twine from a tree, pole, or house roof. Ensure the twine is taut and strong, as mature hop vines are quite heavy.Hops will die back to the permanent root stock (crown) each fall. The crown is hardy, and relatively unaffected by even the deepest winter freeze. Hop vines break ground at about the same time the earliest spring flowers appear. Hops grow back much stronger after they have developed a good root system. Stop into the greenhouse for a visit anytime. See what's growing at DIMOND GREENHOUSES....The Growing PlaceWe are open Monday through Saturday from 9 to 6 and 11 to 5 on sunday. |  
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