Beginning of March, Time to Prepare

It's the beginning of March and now is the time to start planning your hop growing season. If this is your first year at it, you need to begin thinking about what varieties to grow, how many rhizomes you want to plant, where to plant them, what type of trellis system you will use, etc, etc. If this isn't your first year, then its time to reflect on last years growing season and think about what worked and what didn't and if any changes are necessary for this year.

Last year was my first attempt and I would consider it to be pretty succesfull. Although I didn't get enough hop cones for a full batch of beer, both plants did very well and both produced a pretty good amount for a first year. I need to start think about the trellis design that I'm using and if there are any changes that I'd like to make to it. I like the overall concept that I'm using now as it allows for the entire plant (pot and trellis) to be moved and relocated as the summer heat and sun increases and in case of hurricanes. I'm also considering planting one or two more rhizomes this year.

The Brew Your Own Magazine website has a list of shops that sell hop rhizomes and some are already taking orders. Check out the list here.