SWMBO gave me the green light on growing my own hops. I know hops are traditionally grown in colder climates with shorter growing seasons than we have here in the Sunshine State, but I figured I didn't have a lot to lose -so I picked varieties that are supposed to do well in all climates (especially hot ones). On order are: Cascade (3 rhizomes), Williamette (2), and Mt Hood (4). I'd initially ordered only Mt Hood (which is why I ordered 4) -had I expected to be able to get the Cascade and Williamette, I'd have ordered fewer and possibly tossed in some Sterling, but no worries, I'll be happy as punch if these babies deliver the goods. To prepare, SWMBO picked up 9 21" diameter 19.5gal buckets (plastic) with rope handles -we will fill these babies (one for each rhizome) with potting soil (that bill weighs in at over a hundred bucks) because my soil really isn't very conducive to growing things (WEEDS have a tough time growing in my yard) -I'm figuring on sinking 3 long PVC "poles" in the ground, each supporting 3 rhizomes on string that will pass through an eye-loop at the top of the pole (from each planter) then run down the side of the pole -the idea being that at harvest time, I can just untie the string at the base of the pole, and let it out to bring the long vine-supporting side down to ground level for picking, then run it back up when done.
Pics will be provided as I get the rig completed.
I'm pretty excited at the chance to grow my own.
Pics will be provided as I get the rig completed.
I'm pretty excited at the chance to grow my own.