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Colorado Hop Garden Techniques

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khillje:
Hey there!

So I've recently bought a house with an acre and a half.  Previously I've rented my friends basement where I have 3.5 year old hops growing in his back yard.  This spring, I plan to do some transplanting (and plant a few additional varieties).  This previous (HOT) summer wasn't a great harvest due to the severe drought, but I did notice that the vine that caught the first shade from a nearby tree in late afternoon has always performed better.  I'm wondering what % of sunlight works best for growing hops.  Since I'm starting anew, I want to plant right from the ground up.  Any techniques/tips that can get my brew garden off on the right foot?

Thanks!

yso191:
I'm no expert, but I took the Hops Academy class in August from J.I. Haas here in Yakima.  What I remember that would apply to your question is that full sunlight (no shade) is the best.  As a consequence, hops also require a lot of water.  The only other thing with sunlight is that hops grow best between 45 and 55 degrees latitude.  This gives long enough Summer days, but it is the shortening of the days in the Fall that trigger hop cone maturation.  So I'm wondering if the shade tricked the plant into thinking it was further North.  Just a thought FWIW.

Steve

khillje:
Thanks for the input!  I'm thinking i didn't water them enough this summer, so the shaded soil was likely retaining more moisture.  I thought I'd heard 100% sunlight before but I wasn't sure.  Now I know!  Has anyone used spent grain to compost (or just spread on the ground) where the hops are growing?  Would this be detrimental in any way?  Also, has anyone used the commercial style of using ropes/twine for the vine to climb?  If so, any pics of your setups?

Thanks!

tschmidlin:
I used to string twine for my hops and cut it down at the end of the season.  I found that much easier than trying to rip the dead bines off of a structure.

"Used to" because I stopped growing hops - sunny spots are at a premium in my yard and it's not worth it for me.

pinnah:
Lots of water, however I think some late afternoon shade is a plus in the dry and hot intermountain west.

I have messed with all kinds of growing techniques.  Twine, pig panels, concrete mesh tubes, rebar, sunflower stalks...hops can grow on lots of things.  Think about ease of harvest if you are going to plant a lot.
 
If you are growing for home use, you don't need anything fancy or 18 foot tall.

I think it better to compost spent grains and then apply compost.  Just my opinion however.

Good luck.  As you plan, remember hops are wicked prolific and can take your life right over. ;)

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