Hops can be a beautiful addition to any garden and they are great for any home brewer. Watch this video for some advice from Tricia on how to grow hops!
Why Grow Hops?
Hops are not just essential for brewing beer; they also make a beautiful ornamental plant for the garden. These versatile plants are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8 and can grow over 20 feet tall in one season, providing both beauty and utility in your garden.
Planting Hops
- Rhizomes: Hops are typically planted from rhizomes to ensure you grow female, cone-bearing plants for brewing. Avoid growing from seeds to prevent male plants.
- When to Plant: Plant rhizomes in the spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. In cooler climates, they can be planted as late as June.
- How to Plant: Build a mound about 6 inches tall, lay the rhizome horizontally in a trench with bud eyes facing up, and cover with 1 inch of soil and 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture.
Care and Maintenance
- Watering: Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Fertilizing: Apply a high-nitrogen, low-phosphorus fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
- Trellising: Hops are bines, not vines, meaning they climb by wrapping around support structures. Use rough twine or hemp to create a trellis system.
- Pruning: Prune roots annually in winter to prevent spreading, and cut back low lateral branches to encourage cone growth and improve air circulation.
Harvesting Hops
Hops are harvested in August or September. Cones are ready when they are springy, dry, sticky to the touch, and yellow Lupulin is visible. You can hand-pick cones as they mature or harvest all at once by cutting down the bines.
Drying and Storing Hops
- Drying: Dry hops on a window screen or in a dehydrator set to 140°F for about 12 hours. Properly dried hops should be springy, and the Lupulin should easily fall out.
- Storage: Store dried hops in a vacuum-sealed bag and place them in the freezer to maintain freshness over the winter.
Conclusion
Hops are easy to grow and bring both beauty and functionality to your garden. Whether you're brewing your own beer or simply enjoying their ornamental appeal, hops are a rewarding addition to any space. Grow hops and Grow Organic for Life!
