How To Grow Hops At Home For Craft Beer Enthusiasts

Growing Hops: Tips for Craft Beer Enthusiasts

If you’ve ever considered growing hops in your backyard, let me tell you—there's nothing quite like it. These climbing, aromatic vines aren't just eye candy for your garden; they’re the backbone of every great craft beer. But hops aren't as fussy as you might think, and with a little guidance, you can cultivate them like a pro.

Choosing the Right Hops Variety

Not all hops are created equal, so your first step is choosing a variety that matches the beer you want to brew and your climate. Cascade is a fan favorite if you’re into IPAs—citrusy, floral notes—and it performs well in most temperate zones. For something spicier, try Northern Brewer. If you're in a hotter region, Centennial might be more forgiving.

Ask yourself what flavors and aromas light up your palate. Then, research from there. Pro tip: Start with two or three varieties so you can experiment and figure out what works best for both your garden and your brewing style.

Location, Location, Location

Hops are sun worshippers. They’ll sulk in the shade, so pick a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. I’m talking blazing, glorious sunshine. They also need well-drained soil, but don’t let that scare you—most decent garden soil will suffice with a little tweaking.

If your soil feels sticky when wet, mix in some sand or compost to loosen it up. Hops hate soggy feet. Trust me, I've made the mistake of planting them in a low-lying area where water pooled after every rainstorm. They didn’t last the season.

Trellises and Training

Hops are climbers, and when I say climbers, I mean they’ll race up a trellis like it’s their life’s purpose. Install a sturdy support system because these bines (not vines—yes, there’s a difference) grow fast and heavy. A simple setup using 16-foot wooden poles and heavy-duty twine works well.

Once your bines start growing in late spring, you’ll need to train them. Wrap the strongest shoots clockwise around your twine or wire, and prune any extras. Limit each plant to three or four bines for maximum airflow and productivity. Don’t skip this step unless you enjoy untangling a jungle.

Watering and Feeding

Hops are thirsty but don’t overdo it. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on your weather. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soaked. They’re divas about overwatering and will throw a fit with root rot if left in standing water for too long.

As for feeding, hops love nitrogen during their growth phase. I use an organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen early in the season, switching to a balanced one when the flowers start to form. Too much nitrogen during flowering can stunt the cones. Think of it as feeding a teenager—lots of energy early on, but tapering as they mature.

Dealing With Pests and Diseases

Spider mites and aphids are the two biggest jerks you’ll have to face. If you see webbing on your plants, you’ve got spider mites. Spray with water to knock them off, then introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs. Aphids can be blasted off with a hose or treated with insecticidal soap.

Powdery mildew can also creep up, especially in humid conditions. Keep the plants pruned and ensure good airflow. If mildew shows up anyway, treat it with a sulfur spray—early intervention is key. Once it takes over, you might as well pour yourself a beer and start over next season.

Harvesting and Drying

By late summer or early fall, your cones will be ready to pick. How do you know? They’ll feel papery and dry to the touch, and the lupulin (that glorious yellow powder inside) will smell pungent and sticky. Pinch one open; if it smells like beer heaven, it’s ready.

Harvesting hops is a tactile joy. Pull the cones carefully, leaving the bines intact. Then, dry them immediately to preserve their oils and aromatics. I use a food dehydrator set to low heat, but you can also spread them on a screen in a warm, well-ventilated area. Just keep them out of direct sunlight.

Fresh hops can lose up to 80% of their weight during drying, so don’t panic when your haul shrinks. It’s normal, and what you'll be left with will pack a punch.

Storage and Brewing Tips

Once dried, store your hops in airtight bags in the freezer to lock in their aroma and bitterness. Oxygen and heat are the enemies here. Vacuum-sealing is best, but a freezer-safe Ziploc will work in a pinch.

When you’re ready to brew, weigh your hops carefully. Homegrown hops can vary in alpha acid content, so you might need to experiment with quantities. That’s part of the fun—every batch feels like an adventure.

The Reward of Growing Hops

There’s something deeply satisfying about pouring a pint of beer brewed with hops you’ve grown yourself. The aromatics are fresher, the flavors more vibrant. It’s a connection to your craft that no store-bought ingredient can match.

So roll up your sleeves, plant a rhizome or two, and see where it takes you. You’ll never look at a glass of IPA the same way again.

Growing Hops is a great way to enjoy the many benefits of hops! This versatile plant can be used to create herbal teas, as a flavoring ingredient in beer and food, and even as a natural medicine. Hops are relatively easy to grow and if you have the right environment and conditions, they can be grown organically. Not only are Hops a great and tasty additive to your kitchen, they also offer numerous health benefits, from calming anxiety and helping with sleep to their anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties! So why not give Hops a try today and enjoy all the rewards of this home-grown super-plant!