Am I Missing Something...

[bosox]

I'm growing two first year rhizomes, which have started sprouting within the pastr few days.

I live in Boston, which gets its fair share of rain, to say the least....Everything I've read on here, and books tells me to avoid getting water on the actual stems or shoots whatever you prefer, as they start gorinw tall....

????? I don't get it...hops are ok with inches of rain water a day, but not ok if you water them? Do I need something to protect them from rain?

 

[Suthrncomfrt1884]

No...don't worry about it. What people are really saying is to avoid spraying on the leaves as it gets older. Right now, it's not an issue.

Spraying on the leaves (depending on what time of day) can cause burns. If it's raining outside, it doesn't effect the plant because it's also cloudy. But, if you're spraying at 1-3pm on a sunny day....

Just spray at the bottom of the plant and you'll be fine.

 

[cactusgarrett]

I think one issue is that if you keep spraying, you're inviting mold to grow. I think the idea is to keep water continuously off, in that you need to let the bines & leaves dry to avoild mold.

 

[Homercidal]

I think it's generally better to just soak the ground. Wet leaves can help cause fungus to take hold. I use a soaker hose for mine and they have done well. It you get lots of sunshine and good airflow, I wouldn't worry about it either.

 

[benmoore]

I live in Boston, which gets its fair share of rain, to say the least....

Hey, I'm just north of Boston near Newburyport.

When did you plant your rhizomes. I'm getting a late start and planting mine this week. But I was hoping the New England late spring would favor my chances of getting them going this year. Thoughts? Experience?