[darrenwest1]

does any one have any info on growing hops
ie when to plant
where to get thm
how to look after them
i brew my own beer and would like to use my own hops
many thanks

[viettaclark]

Hops will climb like the blazes reaching 20' or more and spreading over the whole area because they have incredibly tough roots that travel everywhere and are impossible to erradicate.
That saying, it's a lovely plant for climbing up a tree etc. and looks attractive for most of the year with it's big leaves, bee-loving flowers and hops in the Autumn.
I don't think they need any particular treatment. You see wild ones growing anywhere there's height to climb.

[Rich]

The problem with growing your own hops for brewing is knowing the alpha acid content so you can determine the quantity to add. I have grown Goldings, Fuggles and Targets quite successfully but have had differing results when it comes to brewing with them. As for acquiring a rhizome or a cutting, i'd join a brewing forum and ask, failing that try A-Plus Hops.
Grow-Hops group on yahoo is an excellent resource for tips on growing the wee green gems.

Good luck with the brew, have you one on the go at the mo or just made a batch?

[darrenwest1]

i am a member of thbf but as i am also a member here i thought i would ask
many thanks

[Rich]

i am a member of thbf but as i am also a member here i thought i would ask
many thanks

I would send you a cutting from my remaining rhizome but its not doing at all well atm. Its either suffering from the last time i took a piece for someone or the cat's pee is making it unwell.