What are some hints for growing hops?

Hops require six to eight hours of sun per day, making site selection for planting hops very important. Finding a location that has good air circulation, ample drainage and plenty of vertical space is also key. Hops grow best in soil with a pH level ranging from 6 to 7.5, which makes soil amendments necessary in some conditions.

Adding plenty of compost and a good fertilizer to the soil prior to planting gets hops off to a good start. Hops rhizomes should be planted 6 inches deep and 1 1/2 to 3 feet apart. Raised beds are the best place to plant them, but any soil worked to 2 feet deep should be sufficient for good root development. Keep weeds and pest levels low by covering the soil with a thick layer of mulch after planting.

It is important that a trellis of some sort is constructed for the hops before they grow more than a few inches tall. This structure should allow the hops to climb and be sturdy enough to withstand their weight as well as a strong wind. The trellis must also be large enough that the entire leafy part of the hops plant is able to receive direct exposure to the sun.