This year I am going to try my hand at growing my own hops. I have a bit of a green thumb and have been publishing a vegetable garden blog for three years now so they should be easy enough for me to grow. I have chosen three varieties even through I really only have room for two and they will be grown up strings that are about 20 feet long.I wanted to grow general purpose hops and I also wanted to select vigorous & disease resistant varieties. Here are the ones I selected and a short description of how I want to use them:
- Nugget - selected for an all purpose bittering hop.
- Goldings - selected for ales, stouts & barely wines. Possibly used for lagers as well.
- Cascade - selected for pale ales & IPA's
Here is what arrived, Short rhizome cuttings. I planted them about 6" deep with a good amount of compost. Once they start growing I will run some string from the ground to the eaves of the house and let them grow. I am guessing this year hop production will be pretty low. Hopefully I get something though.
I have been thinking of doing this....look forward to your updates!
ReplyDeleteHops is one thing that I haven't doneyet. My last brew was a molasses beer with organic Brewer's Gold hops.
ReplyDeleteI did just put in a few grape vines for wine. Best of luck!
Wow! How many plants will you need to be self sufficient? Is that in the plans or do you still plan on supplimenting?
ReplyDeleteVery cool Dan...I look forward to seeing them grow...we were going to grow some until I found out they are toxic to dogs...unfortunately I have a pup who will eat anything....oh well can't wait to see your progress!
ReplyDeleteMatt - If you want to grow them you have to order before March 10th. Seems hops roots are in demand!
ReplyDeleteRed - It would be cool to grow grapes... if I only had space!
Ribbit - they should provide more then enough hops for my needs. Some beers call for specific hops so I will have to buy those ones.
Sunny - I had heard about the toxicity. We are pet-less so it's all good here.