Hop in April: monthly care

Hop is a vigorous perennial climber that dies back to ground level each winter and regrows rapidly from spring onwards. Plant bare-root crowns or pot-grown plants in March, April or November, choosing a spot in full sun or partial shade. Hops tolerate some shade but produce more abundant cones in sunnier positions. They thrive in loam-based soil that is moisture-retentive yet well-drained; dig in plenty of garden compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve structure and fertility. Space plants 200 cm apart to allow for their considerable spread—mature hops can easily cover 2–4 metres horizontally and climb 4–8 metres vertically. Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and plant the crown 5–8 cm below the soil surface. Firm in gently and water thoroughly. Hops are twining climbers that need sturdy vertical support from the outset: install tall posts, wires, pergolas or allow them to scramble up trees or buildings. Traditional hop gardens use coir strings or wires running from ground anchors to overhead wires at 4–6 metres high. Immediately after planting, water well to settle the roots and apply a 5–8 cm layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the crown itself. In the first season, guide the young bines (hop stems) clockwise around their supports as they emerge; they will quickly grip and climb on their own. Water regularly during dry spells in the first year to help establishment.