Archive for homegrown hops
April 19th Hop Sprouts Update
Posted by: | CommentsWe had a few warmer than normal and sunny days this week. About a month ago, the hop sprouts just broke ground. Then it snowed and got cold again – not conducive to plant growth. Anyway, the Magnum hops are in the lead at 3 feet tall. The Nugget bines are in second at 2 and a half feet tall. Finally the Cascade sprouts/bines are about 2 feet tall.From this point on, I should see a minimum of 1 inch a day growth and up to a foot a day in growth. I am guessing they will top out (13 – 15 feet tall) by mid May or before.
I am adding to my soil amendments this year with Azomite powder – a volcanic rock dust with 67 major and trace minerals for plant growth. Most soil is deficient in 1 or more minerals, this will help replenish the minerals. I also use kelp for this purpose. Soil gets depleted of minerals and must be replaced to supply plants of everything they need for optimal, healthy growth. I also use a fish emulsion fertilizer for growth.
The weather is supposed to be high in the low 50’s, lows around freezing and cloudy for the next 4 days so I don’t expect too much growth until the sun returns. There you have it, a quick hops update. Hopefully the next update will have some impressive hop bine pics for you.