My hops

[davebl]

I decided a thread to document my hop growing attempt. So far so good.

Since Arkansas Spring's are so weird weather wise, I started these in pots indoors. Once our weather lines out, they'll go outside.

Here's what I bought:

Willamette and Centennial Rhizomes from Freshops



Then a trip to Wal-Mart to get these pots and dirt.



What I liked about these pots, is that they have a slotted false bottom, and then a place below that to fill with water. This way, you don't have to add water on top of the plant, but the soil will wick water up. This prevents over watering and allows natural drainage. I think they work really well for starting hops. My hope is that they will encourage downward root growth.

[davebl]

Then, the Centennials, at day 7 and 10, respectively:

[davebl]

And the Willamette:

[ben the brewman]

nice start man. looking good.

[WOP31]

Nice looking plants Dave. I am waiting for th garden to dry out before i plant my new ones. but the ones from last year have really taken off.

That is a good looking Boxer you got there. There seems to be a few of us on here with boxers, we should start a club or something

[davebl]

Originally Posted by WOP31

That is a good looking Boxer you got there. There seems to be a few of us on here with boxers, we should start a club or something

I love my boxer. I think they have so much personality to them... I don't know if my beer would turn out if she didn't help brew.

[mediamst]

I have heard that hops are extremely dangerous for dogs.

"Hops, a plant used in making beer, can cause malignant hyperthermia in dogs, usually with fatal results. Certain breeds, such as Greyhounds, seem particularly sensitive to hop toxicity, but hops should be kept away from all dogs. Even small amounts of hops can trigger a potentially deadly reaction, even if the hops are "spent" after use in brewing." This was from a simple google search on "hops dangerous for dogs." Brewers Best kits actually come with a warning inside the kits as well.

I am really concerned that my two dogs would eat some of the hops off the plant or something. just something to keep in mind

[davebl]

Originally Posted by mediamst

I have heard that hops are extremely dangerous for dogs.

"Hops, a plant used in making beer, can cause malignant hyperthermia in dogs, usually with fatal results. Certain breeds, such as Greyhounds, seem particularly sensitive to hop toxicity, but hops should be kept away from all dogs. Even small amounts of hops can trigger a potentially deadly reaction, even if the hops are "spent" after use in brewing." This was from a simple google search on "hops dangerous for dogs." Brewers Best kits actually come with a warning inside the kits as well.

I am really concerned that my two dogs would eat some of the hops off the plant or something. just something to keep in mind

I have heard that too. It causes the dogs to basically run a fever so hot it shuts down their bodies. I can't remember the name of the condition....

I also have read that dogs will rarely eat whole hops. What they WILL eat are hops that have been in wort, because the wort is sweet.

[WOP31]

yeah you got to keep the dogs out of the hops. I have a little fence around mine that usually keeps Buster out of them. When he did get in last year he just pawed at the fresh soil I had put around the base of the plant and broke the bines off. It killed the bines, but he didn't mess with eating them or anything. Plus when they are tall enough, you should strip the bottom 18-20 inches to help with airflow around the base, so that really only leaves a bare bine at "most" dogs level.

[davebl]

I spent all day building up an area for the hops to go. I built a 11' circle of wonderful soil, about 3 feet deep, lined with "home grown" river rock. I dug the whole area out about a foot below ground, built my rock wall, then filled the inside with dirt, peat moss, and compost. The entire garden is about 2 feet above ground so I know I'll have really good drainage.

In the center I have a 25' pole that I'm going to use for my trellis. After the weather straightens up, I'll transfer my potted hops to their new home.

I'd upload pictures, but it was dark when I finished and my back is done for the day. Pics tomorrow......