Growing Hops for Homemade Beer

Home gardeners across the globe take great pride in what they grow. Gardeners can grow anything that fits into their climate and for many parts of the U.S. hops are easily grown. Growing hops in your backyard in no more difficult than growing tomatoes or corn, but hops do require some additional planning on your part, and can require a little more of your time than other plants. However, there is nothing really difficult about growing your own hops, so go ahead and give it a try.

Growing hops in your own garden or backyard is easier than you may think. If you have gotten into the eventful, rewarding experience of brewing your own beer, chances are you will also consider growing your own hops. Hops are one of the most costly products that go into beer making, and therefore growing your own can considerably reduce the expense of beer making and give you a fresher, better tasting end product.

Most parts of the U.S. are well adapted to hop growing. Hops grow best in the northern areas of this country, but some hop growers have grown with great success are far south as Texas. What hops need are sunlight, cool temperatures, and plenty of water. If you can find a way to provide that in your area, you can grow your own hops. For southern growers, the biggest challenge is heat. Hops don't like heat and will quickly dry out and die in hot temperatures. If grown in southern areas, you must select a shady location and be prepared to constantly water your hop garden. For those of us in Northern areas, we have it easy. Hops truly prefer the northern areas of this country. They grow best in moderate temperatures and areas with plenty of rain.

Now that you have decided to grow your own hops, there are only a few things you need to know. A mature hop plant can reach over 30 feet tall. It must be supported or it will simply fall to the ground and die. The support system can be as simple as rope tied to an eyelet in a tree, or as elaborate as a full blown trellis system.

Choosing a hop variety is really a matter of taste. If you like a particular variety, give it a shot. Most American varieties such as Cascade, grow very well in the Northern U.S. , but any hop variety can grow in your garden with the right care.

After planting your hops, water them every couple of days and wait for them to grown. As they grown, wrap them in a clockwise manner around your support system. Within a few months after planting, you should have hops in excess of 10 feet tall. Near late August or early September your harvest will be ready. The first year harvest is typically small, but each year thereafter you will see a significant increase in the amount of hops.

Home gardeners know that growing anything is a rewarding experience. You get to see and consume the plants that you cared for in your own backyard. Hops, for beer fans, is the ultimate home gardeners plant. So go ahead and give hop growing a try. With only a little time and patience, you will be satisfied with the end result.