Rhizomes pre-order or wait

[chudsonvt]

So I am purchasing my first house, with my wife. We are closing in April. After moving in, I definitely want to get at least a few hops started this year. I figure I can add more next year. At least this way, I will have something yielding well by next year. Because of closing costs and down payment with the house, we are trying to avoid spending any money between now and then.

So, the question is how important is it to pre-order? If I don't and wait until near the end of April, after closing and moving, will I have trouble finding some to buy (especially if I have particular varieties in mind)? Assuming availability is not a problem, will they cost more because I didn't pre-order?

Thanks!

 

[signpost]

http://www.greatlakeshops.com/

Except for commercial orders, they don't even do pre-orders. And they do plants, not rhizomes.

I haven't ordered from them, as I'm just getting ready to grow hops for the first time, myself. But I've looked through just about every online hop source I could find and they have the best selection and grow plants for sale year round. And every review or thread I've read about their products and service have been uber-positive.

 

[B-Hoppy]

~How important is it to pre-order?
Not very important at all. Most of the places offering pre-order are usually middle-men who are just letting their suppliers know how many to dig. One big disadvantage in buying from a 'reseller' is that the plant material has a greater opportunity to be mishandled and the final results may be disappointing.

~Can you still find cuttings after April and will they cost more?
Sure you can and they'll probably charge you the same as pre ordering. Some of the sellers who are 'reselling' the rhizomes may close ordering after a certain point, but that's just for their convenience. If you buy directly from a farm, most of the time they're more than willing to help you out after the spring rush. Some reputable suppliers are freshops.com, rnventerprises.com, http://www.hopsdirect.com/rhizomes/ etc..

 

[chudsonvt]

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[chudsonvt]

~How important is it to pre-order?
Not very important at all. Most of the places offering pre-order are usually middle-men who are just letting their suppliers know how many to dig. One big disadvantage in buying from a 'reseller' is that the plant material has a greater opportunity to be mishandled and the final results may be disappointing.

~Can you still find cuttings after April and will they cost more?
Sure you can and they'll probably charge you the same as pre ordering. Some of the sellers who are 'reselling' the rhizomes may close ordering after a certain point, but that's just for their convenience. If you buy directly from a farm, most of the time they're more than willing to help you out after the spring rush. Some reputable suppliers are freshops.com, rnventerprises.com, http://www.hopsdirect.com/rhizomes/ etc..

Thanks. That makes me feel a little more comfortable with my situation. I am excited to start growing and can't wait to reap my own crop. This is part of my bigger plan to move toward homesteading. Next summer I'll try a small crop of barley too.

 

[chudsonvt]

http://www.greatlakeshops.com/

Except for commercial orders, they don't even do pre-orders. And they do plants, not rhizomes.

I haven't ordered from them, as I'm just getting ready to grow hops for the first time, myself. But I've looked through just about every online hop source I could find and they have the best selection and grow plants for sale year round. And every review or thread I've read about their products and service have been uber-positive.

Thanks

 

[clingy]

I preordered last year and got them wayyy before I was ready for them or expecting them based on the timeframe they gave me. Had to keep them in the fridge for a couple months until it was warm enough and to build my trellis. I'd wait.

 

[Calder]

You will find them on clearance in May. Last year I ordered a couple early to get a good price - something like $2.99 from RiteBrew. A lot cheaper than anywhere else.

After planting in April, I decided I wanted a couple more, and ordered two more in early May for something like $1.25 each from RiteBrew again.

One of the later ordered plants (Cascade) grew best.

 

[chudsonvt]

You will find them on clearance in May. Last year I ordered a couple early to get a good price - something like $2.99 from RiteBrew. A lot cheaper than anywhere else.

After planting in April, I decided I wanted a couple moore, and ordered two ore in early May for something like $1.25 each from RiteBrew again.

One of the later ordered plants (Cascade) grew best.

And I was afraid they would cost me more! Haha. Thanks.

 

[HALIFAXHOPS]

I just did a thread on preorder delivery starting in mid April weather permitting.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=572883