I started trying to grow hops in my backyard last year. Between being busy developing their root systems, and occasional run-ins with a weedwhacker, they never got very far, and only the Cascade (I had also planted Mt. Hood and Sunbeam) made it through the winter. This year, though, I put up a proper wooden trellis and a little fence around the base of the bine to make sure it was clear that this is a thing that is supposed to be here.
I’m very happy to report that the Cascade is now bearing flowers! Some of them look close to ready for harvest, in fact. I am very excited about the prospect of brewing beer with hops I grew in my own yard.
Hop flowers — poor quality cellphone photo
