How to Fertilize Hops

Hops produce large green leaves and interesting cones of small flowers along climbing vines. The plants work well when planted along trellises or fence lines, where they provide greenery and privacy. The dried flower cones add the bitter flavor to beer, so they are often grown by hobbyists and home brewers. These perennial vines return each year with fresh vigor when provided with proper fertilization and soil nutrition. Fertilization begins before you plant the first hops vine and continues for the life of the plant.

Soil test kit
Limestone
All-purpose fertilizer
21-0-0 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Test the soil with a pH testing kit at least one month before you plant. Hops need a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The test kit details the pH and any fertilizer needs for the site.
- 2
  Add limestone to the soil if the soil test indicates it's necessary to bring the pH within the optimum range. Sprinkle the limestone over the planting site and till it into the top 8 to 12 inches of soil.
- 3
  Place 2 tbsp. of all-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-5-10 blend, into each planting hole. Combine the fertilizer with the soil in the bottom of the hole before planting the hops vine.
- 4
  Sprinkle 2 tbsp. of all-purpose fertilizer in a ring around the base of each vine when growth resumes in spring. Apply the fertilizer 6 inches out from the base of the vine.
- 5
  Apply a 21-0-0 high-nitrogen fertilizer each summer in June. Sprinkle 1/2 tbsp. of fertilizer in a ring around the base of each vine.
- 6
  Water the bed thoroughly after each fertilizer application. The water dilutes the fertilizer and forces it into the root zone of the plants.

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