Hop harvest with kids

[GilaMinumBeer]

How many of you out there (if any) harvest hops with your kids?

My curiosity is with respect to the soporific effects of harvesting hops. I am sure you have heard or read the stories about harvesters feeling drowsy as a result.

Has anyone noticed this to have a profound effect on their toddlers or older children?

It will be some time for sure before my toddler is mature enough to pick hops with me but, I would hate to find that the action of harvest could put my (say) 5 year old into a hop induced coma or something.

 

[BierMuncher]

How many of you out there (if any) harvest hops with your kids?

My curiosity is with respect to the soporific effects of harvesting hops. I am sure you have heard or read the stories about harvesters feeling drowsy as a result.

Has anyone noticed this to have a profound effect on their toddlers or older children?

It will be some time for sure before my toddler is mature enough to pick hops with me but, I would hate to find that the action of harvest could put my (say) 5 year old into a hop induced coma or something.

I know when I consume excessive hops...I get a bit drowsy.

 

[Big "A"]

Hops supposedly are a sleep aid when steeped in tea.

 

[jfish63]

Some people are sensitive to touching the hop bine. It can cause a poison ivy type reaction on some people. I doubt there will be any other problem harvesting.

 

[Evan!]

I'd say that'd be an added benefit...you get help picking hops AND you get the little hellspawn to STFU and take a nap. Win-win!

 

[quickerNu]

I'd say that'd be an added benefit...you get help picking hops AND you get the little hellspawn to STFU and take a nap. Win-win!

I will reference your post to SWMBO when she complains about too much gardening time...There is a payoff for her!!

 

[david_42]

My neighbor said his father used to depend on the local school kids to harvest hops, but that was a long time ago.

 

[zoebisch01]

Don't! They'll Fall Asleep And Be Attacked By Flying Monkeys!

Oh that's funny, you can't do all caps.

 

[EvilTOJ]

That's only if they're wearing the ruby slippers, zoe.

 

[Danek]

The Homebrewer's Garden recommends wearing long sleeves and cotton gloves when harvesting hops to minimize skin irritation, so that might be something to bear in mind when recruiting junior helpers.