permaculture

["Heide Ciplin" <cial@on.aibn.com>]

Hello,

I have had hops growing up an old hydro pole (no longer attached to 
electricity) in very heavy clay soil. They are very vigourous climbers so a 
very tall support is required. They spread aggressively and unless they are 
grown in an area where they can be contained can become invasive. I have 
found it  difficult to grow anything within a couple of metres of them 
because of the young hop plants sprouting up everywhere. Both male and female 
plants are required and of course, the hops are only produced on the females. 
The main stems die back here in southwestern Ontario, Canada but resprout 
again from the ground in the spring. I understand that borers are sometimes a 
problem and powdery and downy mildew but haven't had any problems in their 
so-far six year lifespan. Buying healthy plants free of mildew in the first 
place is a good idea. They are a plant probably for those who have uses for 
the hops because from an ornamental point of view, they are non-native and 
don't have many attractions even though the three (or more) lobes add 
interest; however when the hops are ripening which they seem to do in great 
profusion, it is quite a nice view.

Heide Ciplin


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "chauncey williams" <chaunceyfree@yahoo.com>
To: <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 11:25 AM
Subject: [permaculture] Growing Hops



I am looking into getting into growing organic hops.  Do any  of you have 
anything you might be able to offer, characteristics of the  plant? good 
companion plants? Uses within a permaculture design?   Thanks

  
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