H-Balm
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2012
- Messages
- 117
- Reaction score
- 0
So I am in the world of hops production!
Ordered some rhizomes, and am ready to start the project.
The first step outdoors, was to set up my structure device. I have a large property so space is not a concern. I decided upon a back field, that rarely gets used much. I will tuck this hop area along the side, the nice benefit is I will have a little less to mow now.
The location is at the base of a hill, so I was able to get a bit creative. In the shed I had a large spool of wire available. This wire was strung between two trees, one at the bottom of the hill, and the other up a little bit. I was able to get the cable to be about 25' up in the air. My plan will be to have the plants grow up a cord that crosses the support cable. On the other side will be a tie off of the line. This should allow me to untie at harvest time to lower the plant.
Being a heavy wire, strung three passes through, I should be able to support a nice yard down the line.
As for the background, I have no delusions that I will grow truckloads of hops, and make a wonderful side business. It just seems like a fun, goofy thing to try. New York State was a large producer of hops in the past, so it is a little neat to explore the heritage side of it. It also creates more interest for me than growing a tomato or cucumber plant. I am fortunate to have the space, so I may as well play with it!
Ordered some rhizomes, and am ready to start the project.
The first step outdoors, was to set up my structure device. I have a large property so space is not a concern. I decided upon a back field, that rarely gets used much. I will tuck this hop area along the side, the nice benefit is I will have a little less to mow now.
The location is at the base of a hill, so I was able to get a bit creative. In the shed I had a large spool of wire available. This wire was strung between two trees, one at the bottom of the hill, and the other up a little bit. I was able to get the cable to be about 25' up in the air. My plan will be to have the plants grow up a cord that crosses the support cable. On the other side will be a tie off of the line. This should allow me to untie at harvest time to lower the plant.
Being a heavy wire, strung three passes through, I should be able to support a nice yard down the line.
As for the background, I have no delusions that I will grow truckloads of hops, and make a wonderful side business. It just seems like a fun, goofy thing to try. New York State was a large producer of hops in the past, so it is a little neat to explore the heritage side of it. It also creates more interest for me than growing a tomato or cucumber plant. I am fortunate to have the space, so I may as well play with it!