'Grow-Hops' is the best Internet resource about growing hops

[billvelek]

Our free Grow-Hops group SPECIALIZES in the topic of growing ingredients to brew beer -- primarily hops but some minor coverage of barley and brewing-herbs, too. Now with 1,154 members, including some professional growers/farmers, we're undoubtedly the largest and best resource about growing hops on the Internet today; if you have an interest, please join us at Grow-Hops : Homebrewer's Garden: Hops/Barley/Herbs

It's not too late to be put on our list for free hop rhizomes (based on availability, and limited to the U.S.), and we have an extensive list of commercial sources, too, in case we run out or if you live outside the U.S. (I have NO financial interest in any of them). We're just a bunch of friendly homebrewers who also like to garden and are trying to ensure a supply of the hops we want during the ongoing hop crisis. I know that I've made similar announcements, but since our membership is expanding even faster now than a few months ago -- over one hundred in just the past week -- this is evidence that there is still a lot of interest and a need to keep this information readily available within all homebrewing communities -- especially since time for preparations is quickly running out. And because we specialize in _gardening_ topics, all other brewing discussion is OFF-topic in our group; we're therefore not a replacement for _any_ brewing forums, so you should continue to support this group.

Thanks.

Bill Velek

[wolfechino@aol.com]

I'm interested in hop rhizomes.

[billvelek]

Rhizomes are not usually available in the U.S. -- whether from commercial sources or private individuals -- at this time of year. Rhizomes are cuttings from the crown (major root system), and harvesting a rhizome at this time of year would be disruptive to the plant and the crop that is developing. Also, this would now be a terrible time to plant a rhizome in the U.S. (although okay for places in the southern hemisphere because there spring is approaching); it would have little time to develope a root system and gather strength for the winter. Your best chance to obtain a rhizome is when they are normally harvested in the U.S. in late winter or early spring, which is also the best time for you to plant. In addition, it is a good idea to prepare your location in advance by killing off grass and weeds and tilling in manure, compost, etc. in the bed you'll be using, as well as building the support structure, so this is a good time to get started (actually, I'd wait until it cools off a bit myself because I don't like working that hard in the heat). You ought to join my Grow-Hops group for more information; we now have 2,277 members. Visit us at Grow-Hops : Homebrewer's Garden: Hops/Barley/Herbs

Cheers.

Bill Velek

Bill Velek