My second year hops are doing very well this year even after a very harsh winter. Like last year, we’ve had a lot of rain in northeast Ohio in April, May, June, and into July. From left to right I have Magnum, Nugget, Zeus, Chinook, Cascade, two Centennials (third year), Golding, Willamette, Mt. Hood, and Perle. The Chinook plant is growing the most obnoxiously. It was over the roof, but it’s full of cones and has fallen down some. I had the most cones on the Zeus last year, but it’s not as strong this year. Something dug the mulch up around it at some point during the winter. But everything is looking pretty good!
The hills are looking very healthy. You should get a decent harvest this year.
By way, are you using hardwood mulch?
Most of the base mulch is hardwood that is byproduct of splitting, hauling, and storing firewood. The majority would be cherry with some elm, oak, locust, and chestnut sprinkled in. Then last fall we coated with store bought bags of earth grow mulch. We did the same thing this spring. The hops seem pretty healthy, but I will keep your advice in mind.
Those are looking great, Frank ! Nice variety.
Beautiful garden!
If you’re in NEO, are you going to the hop seminar in Wooster? About CFAES Research | Office for Research and Graduate Education
I wasn’t aware of it. I have other obligations tomorrow anyways. But thanks for putting it out there!