Hops not only have a place in beer - they should also be a medicinal plant in every garden. Here are 6 tips on how to grow hops in the garden.
The Hop Plant
The hops, which have been cultivated for several centuries, became world-famous as an ingredient (bitter substance) for beer. But the climbing plant that blooms from July to August is also one of the best antibacterial and calming medicinal plants. In the case of easy-care hops, however, you have to differentiate between male and female plants. The female spike cones are always used for brewing beer and as a medicinal plant.
So that the hops in your garden are always growing and you can benefit from a good harvest, we have put together some tips for growing and caring for the hops here.
Hops in the garden - 6 tips for growing
Tip 1 - Location
The robust hop is particularly suitable as a container plant, e.g. on terraces, where it mutates into a natural shade provider in summer. But you can also grow it in the garden. Once planted in a location that is as sunny as possible, the roots can remain there all year round.
Tip 2 - Soil
You should know that hops prefer nitrogen-rich soil or garden soil. You also have to be careful, especially in the bucket, that no waterlogging forms.
Tip 3 - Trellis
Basically it is better if you always let the proliferating hops grow up a stable trellis. From May you should then thread the strong shoots of the hops clockwise around the trellis. You must then carry out this work regularly until harvest time.
Tip 4 - Pruning
You should always prune the climber, which climbs up to about 7 meters high, in February.
Tip 5 - Fertilizing
You should fertilize the plants in July with a complete fertilizer. In addition, you can of course work in compost or animal manure around the rootstock in spring.
Tip 6 - Use of the hop cones
After the harvest you can dry the hop cones and use them for a soothing tea drink, for example. Simply fill the cones with hot waterPour over and let this mixture steep for about 6 to 8 minutes. Then drain and sweeten to taste.