permaculture

["sunsh8ine" <nature1@uniserve.com>]

When growing hops, in my experience, a lot of space is good between hops area 
and other plant growing areas!  Hops like to spread, even with trellising 
(which directs their attn up rather than out in every direction I guess).  
Their roots can be hundreds of feet long, and they have a tendency to pop up 
where they like and take over the area.  And, once they have spread they are 
not easily discouraged from growing in their new spot(s).  Areas with minimal 
water or low water tables might not have this difficulty, but those with high 
water levels, beware the enthusiastic hop plant!  Very low care plants, and 
harvesting can be simple, too.  Pull down the vines off the trellises, trees 
they have crawled upon, etc, remove hops flowers (it's a short season harvest 
so watch for those flowers laden with pollen), cut back the vines (feed to 
animals or compost) and wait until next year when they will be back with 
gusto!  Sunshine (coastal zone 7)