At this time of year, I used to collect a handful of hops from the hedgerows, on my homeward journey from the school run. Inevitably crushing them in my hand as I crammed as many as I could into my grasp. The fragrance is gorgeous, although not one I connect with first thing in the morning. Passing cars might have thought I was picking blackberries. The hops, in the hedgerow, usually went unnoticed. No-one else ever seemed to collect them.
I took a cutting or two and they rooted. I planted them by my covered bench, protected from the strimmer by an old pottery drainage pipe. They grew. Covering half the bench roof. I thought I had no hops this year, until I checked under the leaves today. Was I wrong. They are bigger than the ones I found in the hedgerow.
I’m growing them to fill sleep pillows, rather than for beer. Just need to find out when best to harvest. Anyone know?
I grew hops once; someone gave me seeds. A beautiful plant, but I didn’t harvest them.
It is a lovely plant.
They look ace X #mmbc
They look ace, i remember my granddad growing these in his back garden #mmbc
I wonder what he used them for.
My dad has hops in his garden. I didn’t know you could use them for anything other than beer x #MMBC
They make great pillows.
They look amazing, but I can’t help with your harvesting question. Having made ‘home brew’ in the past, I always liked the smell of the hops.
It is a gorgeous, earthy scent.
I have never smelled them but I’m sure they are wonderful based on your description. The plant looks beautiful!! I love this time of year when the senses are heightened!
That is so true. It is a lovely time of year.
I’ve never seen hops growing so I have no clue about harvesting. You do have a green thumb! #MMBC
I have a feeling that hops are fairly easy to grow.
These are beautiful – so delicate!
As they dry, they become more paper like.