On Mon, 1 Mar 2004 23:44:53 -0000, "Andy Hunt"
wrote:



Anyway, presumably we would need to grow some hops. Would anyone here
know
about this, or what quantity of hops we'd need to make a decent quantity
of
beer? Could I grow hops in tubs?

I don't see why not - the bigger problem would be where to put what
grows out of the pot!
My two year old Golden Hop practically covered one side of the house
before I upped it and moved it somewhere where it could ramble more
conveniently.

I didn't realise it was a 'climbing' type plant. I think I may have just the
place for it! My mate says that "challenger" is a good strain of hop,
apparently. But then, he claims that the hop is a close relative of
cannabis, so I'm not really sure how to take his advice!

I think, at least for the variety I have, that 'rampant' would be a
more accurate term!

Then again, I've seen fields of hops all sitting prettily on frames -
so perhaps there are varieties that are less vigorous than
others....or it could be entirely due to the method of cultivation.

I wouldn't worry too much about its relations... the potato has some
extremely nasty cousins, as do many other plants we now quite happily
munch on.

My hop was selected for its colour - but I pretty sure that there are
varieties out there bred for flavour, so your friend might be better
placed to advise you on that score.

If all else fails you can always cut them down when the hops are still
green and trail them round the house. They smell wonderful, and mine
are still in good nick ( though much browner ) some six months down
the line.

Regards,



--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk
Emails to: showard{who is at}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk