Harrowsmith – September 2019

Harrowsmith Fall 2019 | 53

GARDENING

GETTING STARTED

Hops are hardy perennials up

to Zone 4 (Ottawa/Montreal).

They are grown from rhizomes,

which can be divided every three

years. Plant rhizomes directly in

the ground in early spring. Hops

require nutrient-rich soil that is

well drained. We add a bushel of

finished compost into the garden

soil at planting time. We also add

sharp sand under each rhizome

to improve drainage.

ROOM TO GROW

Hops prefer a location in full sun.

Plant rhizomes a minimum of

75 cm (2 1/2 feet) apart. Each plant

will require a vertical support

structure. Commercial growers

often use elaborate systems

of wires and stakes. For the

ornamental garden, we use jute

twine attached to bamboo poles.

The fast-growing plants quickly

cover the support structure by

mid-season.

Hops do not have to be tied to

supports. They are twining vines,

which twist their way up strings

and wires. Vines have coarse

hairs to help them climb quickly.

O

ur neighbour grows hops for a craft brewing

operation. Each year, the plants spring to life

and quickly take over the 4-metre (13 foot) high

support structures they have in place. We couldn’t help

but notice how attractive these plants really are. In fact,

it inspired us to grow hops on our property last year, as

fast-growing ornamentals.