Idea: "boxing in" the hops?

**sweetcell** · 01-21-2012, 08:17 AM

i have a spot under my balcony, currently has grass, that would be perfect for growing hops. i want to grow 3 or 4 varieties. in order to keep them separate, i've been considering creating in-ground "boxes" or "pens" for each plant (not sure what the correct term is here) to keep their roots separate from each other.

what i want to do is dig up the area and use treated wood or plastic landscaping material to create dividers (partitions?), then put the soil back in, so each rhizome has its own section.

is there any value in doing this? if i plant the rhizomes 3-4 feet apart, will they eventually become a big tangled mess otherwise? would i be better off just planting them in the soil without worrying about creating dividers between them? we have pretty good soil and i'm an avid gardener... i'm trying to plan for the future

thanks!

**B-Hoppy** · 01-21-2012, 03:45 PM

You can do it but the idea of a containment system seems like too much work for my own situation. If you have gardening experience you're a step ahead in the game because you'll most likely have do dig the whole crown up and prune it back about every 2nd or 3rd year to keep the 'spread' from occurring. How far they'll spread depends on the soil texture and the varieties you plant. Some tend to run a little more than others. You make the call but no matter what you do, make sure to have fun with it!

**Greatlakeshops** · 01-27-2012, 11:25 PM

You might want to consider reducing the number of varieties in that small a space. Most hops develop 30-40" side arm branches -which cause the tangling. Good rule of thumb between varieties is 6' between. (Unless you don't mind a little mixing

) Same variety?- then 3 foot spacing is fine.

**friday** · 01-29-2012, 05:35 PM

If all you want to do is keep the roots from spreading then planting them in boxes will work. I've got mine growing in old tires, kind of like a lazy mans raised bed. I've had them growing like this for 4 years and it's a great way to contain them.

CentralWABrewing · 02-01-2012, 06:05 AM

That is exactly what I did with some of my hops. I first grew them in a homemade cedar box, then the next season I dug a hole the size of the box, removed the "rootball" from the box, took some cuttings off the rhizomes, wrapped the ball with weed fabric(lay it down under landscapping to keep out weeds), then outlined the top of the soil with cedar trim. The roots go down, not out. Works like a charm.

This is one of my Chelans. Took cuttings(easy to do this way) and made some new hills with them. I wrapped this with antiweed fabric and placed in hole.

The one tall planter box has no bottom. The rest are simply outlined on top with cedar to help keep seperate on top. Am able to grow Cascades, Chelan, and Chinooks close together.

ETown · 02-26-2012, 03:51 PM

I currently grow Cascade Hops and would like to plant a Centennial variety as well. Can you show me more pictures specifically how to guide them as they grow higher. I have stumped several landscapers on how to incorporate my hobby into my backyard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CentralWABrewing

The one tall planter box has no bottom. The rest are simply outlined on top with cedar to help keep seperate on top. Am able to grow Cascades, Chelan, and Chinooks close together.

CentralWABrewing · 02-27-2012, 05:56 AM

I use tent stakes anchored to the base of the plant, attach twine to it and attach the other end to the overhang of the roof of the house. Shoot for approx. 18ft in height and you'll have no issues with not enough room.

Hopgardencody · 02-27-2012, 06:14 AM

I grow hops on trellis 14 feet tall in center and 7 feet on sides in a 20' square area. 2 sides only. 2 open ends with no hops

Hopgardencody · 02-27-2012, 06:17 AM

I wait until it is warm before training the bines on the bailing twine I got at the farm store. I have 6 plants on each side with 5 ' between varieties. I have 3 varieties of hops only.

Hopgardencody · 02-27-2012, 06:25 AM

I train every couple of days when they are growing fast. I allow 6 bines per plant to grow and train them as I wish. Spend considerable time keeping the new starts trimmed at ground level