Last spring was one of the rainest times in Cincinnati history. I had poor drainage for my hops and my US Tettnang spent much of the spring under water. I felt that was a reason for a disappointing first season. My plants (4 varieties) didn't get that tall and I didn't even get one cone.
I built up the bed last fall and felt I gave my hops a much better growning enviornment and they started off this season great. But as of 2 weeks ago most of my plants were only around 6 feet tall. What was I doing wrong? I'm now certain it was a lack of water during this current spring. I was so afraid of overwatering after last year that this year I likely didn't water enough.
Now that it is in the mid 90s everyday, I've tried to get out there and water daily and the hops are taking off! The Cascade and Mt. Hood are easily growing a few inches a day and the Cascade is putting out a ton of arms. Everything I've read said that they need plenty of water. I tried to keep them wet during this past spring and early summer, but it wasn't anywhere close to enough I now know.
So my plan is to continue to water them daily while its hot and hope for the best. Now for next year, a much stricker watering schedule earlier in the spring. Though I know I won't have a great yield, I'd love to at least get some cones this season! Time will tell.
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