Winter in the hop yard is a time for rest and preparation for the busy spring season.

While the hop bines slumber beneath the soil, there are still some important tasks you can do to ensure a successful grow the following year. Here are some key things to focus on:

1. Maintain the crown:

• Mounding: Cover the hop crowns with a 4-6 inch layer of mulch like straw or compost to insulate them from freezing temperatures and prevent frost heaving.
• Potassium boost: Apply a high-potassium fertilizer before the ground freezes. Potassium helps prevent crown bud damage during winter.

2. Clean up and prep for spring:

• Remove debris: Clear the hop yard of any remaining bines, fallen leaves, and weeds. This prevents disease and encourages air circulation around the crowns.
• Trellis check: Inspect your trellis for any damage or loose parts and repair them before winter storms.
• Inventory and order: Take stock of your hop crowns and plan any replacements for weak or diseased plants. Order replacements before spring rush.

3. Soil and drainage:

• Soil test: Consider getting a soil test to check nutrient levels and pH. This helps you plan proper amendments for spring.
• Drainage check: Ensure proper drainage around the hop crowns to prevent waterlogging and potential crown rot.

4. Planning and research:

• Research new hop varieties: Explore new hop varieties you might want to add to your yard in spring.
• Plan your brewing: Start planning your spring brews and determine which hops you'll need.
• Connect with other hop growers: Join online forums or communities to discuss winter maintenance tips and exchange experiences.

5. Enjoy the break:

Remember, winter is also a time for rest and reflection. While the hop yard sleeps, you can take some time to relax, plan ahead, and dream of the delicious brews you'll create with your next harvest.  Interested in hops to make your new craft beer, check out our Partner site at upstatehops.net  

Cascade Hops

Columbus Hops

Centennial Hops

Vista Hops

Spring is a busy time in the hop yard, as it's the time for planting, pruning, and setting up trellises for the hops to climb. Here are some of the main things you'll need to do in your hop yard in spring:

• Planting: If you're planting new hop plants, you'll need to do so in early spring, once the soil has warmed up and the danger of frost has passed. Hops can be planted from bare root crowns, rhizomes, or cuttings.

  

  Planting hops

• Pruning: Once the hop shoots have emerged from the ground, you'll need to prune them back to a few healthy buds. This will help to encourage strong growth and prevent the plants from getting too leggy.

  

  Pruning hops

• Trellising: Hops are climbing plants, so they need a trellis to support them as they grow. You can build your own trellis or purchase one from a gardening store. There are many different types of trellises, so you can choose one that fits your needs and space.

  

  Trellising hops

• Watering: Hops need plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months. Make sure to water your hop plants regularly, especially if there is no rain.
• Fertilizing: Hops also need fertilizer to grow strong and healthy. You can use a balanced fertilizer or one that is specifically for hops.
• Pest and disease control: Hops can be susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. Be sure to monitor your plants for any signs of trouble and treat them accordingly.

Looking for hops to brew beer, visit our partner at upstatehops.net  

Cascade Hops

Columbus Hops

Centennial Hops

Vista Hops

In early spring you will want to cut back your hop plant shoots but you will only want to cut back the correct ones.  There are two types of shoots that will emerge from the hop plant.  The first ones that come out are called "bull" shoots.  These early shoots will be only a handfull, 3-5 per plant and they will have a hollow stem.  You will want to scout the yard early to see when the shoots come out.  Once you see some shoots emerging from the hill you will want to remove the dirt from the hill and locate the level of the 2nd set of shoots.  They will be separated by inches if not more and the goal is to cut the hill between the two levels of shoots.  By removing the early "Bull" shoots you are also removing any downey that may have attached to the plant during the winter.  You will want to BE CAREFUL not to cut below the 2nd level of shoots, this will affect you'r yield.  We recommend you remove the soil in one hill in ONE varieity, measuring the difference and then cutting above the 2nd level.  Once you do one plant and identify the location where to cut, you can cut the rest with an automated tool such as a mower or weed eater.  VERY IMPORTANT:  This will be varieity specific so make sure you look and work per varieity becouse each one may be different and you will NOT want to cut the 2nd level of shoots by mistake.