Technically alive
Some of you may have noticed a deficiency of posts about our homegrown hops of late. This is because my hops have been experiencing a deficiency of their own. I’ve been hoping that they would turn their season around (much like Vince Young turned the Titans’ season around last year), but I think it’s about time to give up (much like the Falcons should after being trounced by the Vikings today). The good news is that my hops are still technically living.
The bad news is probably evident in the use of the word “technically.” However, I have learned a few things from this whole experience:
- I am not nurturing.
- Plants need “water.”
- Atlanta’s summer doesn’t like good beer (apparently).
At this point I have resolved to keep these plants alive just long enough to plant them in Jeff’s new backyard (congrats on the new house!). I think our hops will enjoy being in the ground, given that they are supposed to have fairly extensive root systems. We will also take this opportunity to pump these suckers full of manure.
And finally, I’m going to try to set up some sort of drip irrigation system, pending Hannah’s approval. (Hannah is Jeff’s wife. She makes good lasagna.)
Jonathan, Joel & Jeff
September 9th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
When transplanting make sure there’s lotsa light. Direct sunlight for the majority of the day.
I’m having the same problem with some of mine. The ones in the shade are not growing. The ones in the sun are like weeds that just won’t stop.
I’m pretty sure they will go gangbusters next year when I get them out in the sun.
September 10th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
I just planted three of my own this year. Yours look a lot like mine. It said in the directions though that it was the result of newly planed. Supposedly the second year is much better.
September 10th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
I know nothing about hops, but I believe I detect a subtle allusion to the great cinematic epic known as Fletch: “You and your wife are currently alive, I take it?”
September 10th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
I’ve had all of mine for two years. The ones in the sun went crazy. The other ones didn’t.
The good news is that the others should have a decent root system now and will hopefully do well when I transplant them.
September 11th, 2007 at 9:14 am
Hops love water, and need a little time. Next year they will start taking off and the following year they will be out of control wanting to take over the world. What started as two vines of mine have turned into 8 that I mound and harvest. Results may vary in the south as I am growing the Pacific Northwest. Also add lady bugs, they love living in the hops and will take care of any aphid problem or other nusance.