Created by Ryan Quinn Step 1 Location Select a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day A southfacing location is ideal The planting site needs ample room for a large trellis to support the mature hops plant ID: 308450
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "The Steps of Growing Your Very Own Hops" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
The Steps of Growing Your Very Own Hops
Created by Ryan QuinnSlide2
Step 1: Location
Select a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. A south-facing location is ideal. The planting site needs ample room for a large trellis to support the mature hops plant
.Slide3
Step 2: Cultivation
Add abundant aged manure to the soil. The soil should feel crumbly to the touch. The planting site must be well-draining because the hop plant will not tolerate standing water around its root
system
. A soil pH of 6.5 to 8.0
is
preferred
.Slide4
Step 3: Planting
Plant hops rhizomes 4 inches deep in a 1-foot-high mound of soil in the spring. Plant the roots of the rhizome facing downwards. Plant rhizomes 3 to 5 feet apart, depending on the variety
.
Mulch around the hop plant with 2 to 3 inches of mulch. Use peat moss, bark chips, or straw.Slide5
Step 4: Building a Trellis
Erect a large, sturdy trellis next to the hops. Many people use a strong fence line as a trellis or poles with rope woven between them.Slide6
Step 5: Pruning
Choose the largest stems from the plant to begin training on the trellis. The stems always grows in a clockwise direction. Attach the hop stems by weaving them into the trellis or attach them with a light cotton string. Over the course of approximately a week the hop plant learns to climb the trellis on its own. Only allow the strongest and healthiest shoots to climb the trellis. Prune the weak shoots off at ground level
.Slide7
Step 6: Watering
Water the hops plant regularly. The plant should never be allowed to completely dry out. In warm climates, daily watering might be required as the plant is a heavy drinker. Use a drip-irrigation watering system or a soaker hose so the foliage of the hop plant does not become wet. Wet foliage can cause powdery mildew
.Slide8
Step 7: Fertilization
Fertilize three times from March to July using nitrogen. Apply 3 pounds for every 1,000 square feet of garden space.Slide9
Step 8: Harvesting
Hops will mature and be ready for harvest in mid-August to September. If these are first year
hops, expect a small harvest. They use most of their energy developing their root system which makes it difficult for the cones to reach their peak yield. Expect a full harvest in second year hop
gardensSlide10
Step 8: Harvesting (cont.)
A ripe, mature cone will be springy, dry and sticky to the touch, have a strong hop odor and a visible thick yellow substance known as
lupulin
.
A cone that has not quite reached maturity will feel moist and stay compressed when squeezed. There will also be no visible yellow powder.
When
a cone has passed this test, cut it vertically and inspect the inside. It should be full of a yellow sticky substance
. Slide11Slide12
Step 9: Cutting the Vine
When harvesting by cutting down the vines, wait until most of the cones are ripe and cut the vines two to three feet from the ground. This prevents injury to the roots and crown. Then the cones are hand picked off the vines. Dispose of the vine by burning or using for a craft project. Slide13Slide14
Step 10: Drying
Use a food dehydrator, oven, window screen or home-made dryer. Remember, good airflow is very important and the temperature of the dryer must not exceed 140 degrees F. If using a window screen, spread hops out evenly and place screen off the ground in an enclosed area free of wind, light and bugs. The hop cones must be turned daily. Slide15
Step 10: Drying (cont.)
This process should take two to three days. When the hops are dried completely and properly, they will be springy to the touch and the yellow
lupulin
will fall off easily. Check the central stem. It should break not bend. It is very important that the hops are thoroughly dry before storage because they can become moldy, wilted, or even
rancid.Slide16Slide17
Step 11: Storing Your Hops
To store hops, place them into a plastic freezer bag or a food saver bag. Once sealed and labeled store in the freezer. Never thaw then refreeze hops as it can compromise their quality and freshness.Slide18Slide19
Step 12: Repeat
Because hops are perennial crops, the plants grow back every year on their own if you cut the vine properly and keep the soil and roots intact. The cold temperatures of winter will not have an effect on the plants. All you’ll have to do before the plants start growing again is hanging new ropes for the vines to grow on to.Slide20
The End
Slide21
Sources
http://www.gardenguides.com/111150-care-hops-plants.html
http://
www.northwesthops.com/Harvest_and_Drying_Hops_s/14.htm