My Hop Garden..

[BrewCity]

FYI - I've been doing a little research, and apparently the most reliable way to tell when to pick them is to do a Loss on Drying test.
More details here: http://immaculatebrewery.com/the-hop-harvest/

Basically, if the moisture content of the hops is 20-23%, then you're good to go. I just tested a few by nuking them in the microwave, and we seem to be in around 20%.

[Will_D]

I bought some plants (stupidly as it's not the season for planting). Should I keep em indoors over the winter?

Jack,
My advice would be to pop them into the soil in a nice sheletered place.

If you have them indoors there is a risk of drying out/neglect.

If they are growing well in their pots (which they sould be) you can pot them up a size and then sink the pots in the garden.

They will be fine then for the spring planting out

[johnrm]

Put a blanket of Hoseshit over them too if you can get it.

[jackflash]

thanks guys. I had them watered and in the utility room. The leaves were starting to feel a bit 'crispy' alright, so I put them outside. Going to re-plant in bigger pots today. I was going to use a mix of top-soil and regular compost. Is there any fertelisers/nutrients I should use?

[Motorbikeman]

Put plenty of mulch or straw over them to protect them against frost .   Small pots get very exposed to freezing temps.  The ground is safer.

[Motorbikeman]

Im not 100% sure but I think these are very nearly there.  I recon they need to wilt a little before picking.  I have read about the flick test.  If they come off the stem with a flick, it means they are ready.    They smell nice but still a little grassy.

   I have thousands of them.  More than I will ever need.   

[BrewCity]

I've been picking a few here and there, and I have to say I think NOW is the time. I picked a bunch yesterday that were really pungent and actually smelled like hops (not green grass). I've put them in kraft paper bags to dry out a little, but we will probably use them pretty quickly. Can't wait!

[Motorbikeman]

Lads I have more hops than I need or want to dry.   

Let me know if you want to come to Sallins and take some.     


0872982664. 

Would hate to dump them..     

I have a few bucket loads

[jackflash]

Lads I have more hops than I need or want to dry.   

Let me know if you want to come to Sallins and take some.     


0872982664. 

Would hate to dump them..     

I have a few bucket loads

Defo! I'll take some. And I'll return the favour next year!!

[Motorbikeman]

no problem. 

Might just leave them one more week though.  I dried a pot full today in a warm room.   Room smells a bit grassy yet.
  I think more time on the plant might make them better.

Keep your eyes on the thread. 


One of the plants smell really citrusy .  Awsome..   Cant wait to use them in my next kit. 

[krockett]

Hard to be sure if they're ready isnt it..

I took mine down today.

[LiamTutty]

Hey motorbikeman - hate to jump on the bandwagon, but I'll be home (Ballymore Eustace) next weekend to press cider and will be passing through Sallins. If you still have some going to waste, I'd love to get my hands on some.

Thanks,
Liam.

[johnrm]

Picked about 400g of Challenger yesterday. Identifiable by the red bines.
Fuggles and EKG are going th be mixed up as I can't unravel them. I reckon there's about 2kg in it...

[krockett]

Lads keep an eye out for Aphids in the cones.

[jackflash]

Lads keep an eye out for Aphids in the cones.

How do you get rid of them?