How to Grow Hops in High Tunnels

Build the Trellis

• 1

  Set up the high tunnel in a sunny location, sheltered from the winter winds. High tunnels are as large as 8 feet tall, 15 feet wide and as long as you desire.

• 2

  Dig out the grass inside the high tunnel, using a shovel and a wheelbarrow to move it. Rake the dirt smooth.

• 3

  Dig two rows of post holes 2 feet deep and 7 feet apart. Situate the rows 7 feet apart, with the mid-point of the rows centered inside the high tunnel. Pour 4 inches of gravel into each hole and tamp. Fill the holes with water, allowing the water to soak into the soil before proceeding.

• 4

  Set a post in each hole, then fill the hole with one bag of cement. Add water until the cement mix is thoroughly wet. Adjust the post to vertical as needed while the cement is still wet using a helper and a level. Allow the cement to dry overnight.

• 5

  Bridge the aisle between the rows of posts by screwing a 2-by-4 board to the top of each pair of 4-by-4 posts.

• 6

  Measure and mark the inside of each post at 18, 36, 54, 72 and 90 inches. Screw a large eyehook at each mark, with the hook pointing up. Add a hook at the top of each post, screwed into the 2-by-4 and facing out, away from the structure.

• 7

  Starting at one end, attach the wire at the bottom eyehook. Wind the wire back and forth along the row, making parallel lines of wire up the posts. When you reach the top, wind the wire twice around the top eyehook and take it diagonally across the open space to the top eyehook on the next post on the opposite row. Continue zig-zagging across the top of the structure, then straight across the top to the other side and zig-zag the wire back to make a series of "X"s. Wind the wire twice around the corner eyehook; wind it into a series of horizontal lines on the opposite row of posts.

Planting the Hops

• 8

  Dig a hole in front of each post. Amend the soil with compost, heaping into an 18-by-18-inch mound. Plant the hops rhizome with the bud side up and cover with 1/2-inch loose soil. Water thoroughly.

• 9

  Lay out the drip irrigation system, with an emitter at each plant. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist until the rhizomes sprout, then watering only when the top of the soil is dry.

• 10

  Surround each mound with 3 to 4 inches of mulch. Pull the mulch 3 inches back from the rhizome -- do not cover it.

• 11

  Remove all but two or three of the strongest shoots when the vines are 2 feet long. Begin training up the post, encouraging a set of horizontal vines at each wire. When the main stem reaches the top, begin training across the top of the structure.

• 12

  Prune weekly or bi-weekly to avoid tangled vines. Hops are vigorous growers and will outgrow the trellis if allowed to grow unchecked through the summer.

• 13

  Fertilize early with a balanced fertilizer or a compost tea. Hops are heavy feeders, so fertilize every other week according to the manufacturer's directions. Water thoroughly after fertilizing.

• 14

  Watch for pests such as aphids, cucumber beetles and spider mites. A soapy spray of water kills aphids; however, introducing ladybugs to the high tunnel is an organic solution to the pest problem.

• 15

  Harvest when the hops cones are papery and dry, fragrant and the yellow powdery lupulin makes your hands a little sticky.