Rhoobarb

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Well, I went and did it. I’m taking the plunge and trying my hand at growing my own hops. I just ordered some hop rhizomes from Freshops. I bought two rhizomes each of Cascade, Nugget and Willamette. I figured, if one doesn’t take root, then the other would be my back up. If they both take root, more hops for me! While I was at it, I bought four ounces each of their whole leaf Cascade, Fuggle, Goldings, Hallertauer, Nugget and Willamette hops. Even with the shipping, the cost was more than 30% less than buying them from my LHBS!

I’ve gathered a lot of reading material, including the latest issue of BYO, on growing hops, so I’ll soon be delving into all of it. I’m sure it has been discussed here before, but I’d welcome any input from those who have ‘been there, done that’! Unless someone advises me differently, I plan to plant them indoors in a pot until it gets warmer here in Northern Illinois, then transplant them outdoors, probably in mid-April.

I’m psyched!

homebrewer_99

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I ordered a couple of Hallertau rhizomes myself.

I'll need to take the pipes and fencing from the kennel (we don't have any pets but the house I bought has 3 kennels) and set it up at the end of the garage. The single car garage is at the end of my 2+ acres. My wife says I should turn it into a Biergarten. I will probably take her up on it. After the the hops grow I can start adding trees this year and planter the next. We already have 2 large picnic tables, water, electricity, and cement out there.

Anyway, the first year should only grow a couple of feet and the second should grow hugely.

From what I read, we should yield about 2 lbs per plant.

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HB Bill

Rhoobarb

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Hey, Bill!

Glad to see another Northern Illinois brewer here! I almost bought Hallertau rhizomes myself! But, I was afraid they might not take kindly to our lattitude and longitude! I'd truly be interested to hear how yours turn out!

Ahh, now I know why ya married 'er! Yer a lucky man!

homebrewer_99

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Howdy! I agree! I have a great wife.

If the hops don't work out I'll just keep them around for decoration......

I remember reading somewhere that they used to grow hops in NC, NJ, NY, but couldn't maintain them because of the humidity. We'll see.

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HB Bill

Brewman

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I just bought Cascade hops and waiting on them to come in..... I hear they grow like 9+ inches per day..... should be fun to watch.....

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UMMMMM BEER!!!!!!!!!!!!

billhilly

Recipes 

Hi guys newbie here, thanks for the wonderful information you all divulge. Now with that being said,what is a good hop variety for growing in southern states, northwestern Georgia specifically.