Hop in March: 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.

Hops have moderate water needs and perform best with consistent moisture, especially during the rapid growth phase from April to July. Water deeply once or twice a week during dry spells in spring and summer, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering after the cones have formed in late summer, and stop altogether once the foliage begins to die back in autumn. Mulch annually in early spring with garden compost or well-rotted manure to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and feed the soil. Feed twice a year: apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser or blood, fish and bone in March as new growth begins, then give a second feed in June with a potassium-rich fertiliser (such as tomato feed) to encourage cone development. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds after June, as these promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Hops are fully hardy (zone 3–8) and need no winter protection in temperate Europe. The crown survives underground and resprouts reliably each spring. Common pests include aphids, which cluster on young shoots and the undersides of leaves in early summer—spray with insecticidal soap or encourage natural predators. Red spider mite can be troublesome in hot, dry conditions; increase humidity by watering and misting. Powdery mildew and downy mildew may appear in damp summers; ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves promptly. Slugs and snails can damage emerging shoots in spring, so protect young growth with barriers or organic pellets.