A lot of folks seem to swear by a 50/50 mix of potting soil and sand. I like good loam/topsoil mixed with some sand and high organic matter (compost/manure). Throw in some spent grain to make sure the soil doesn't get too compacted.
My established plants are doing fine. The second phase of hop yard expansion seems to be having a tough time. I have about 25 more plants I would like to put in.... September will be the target month. Sweet pumpkins are doing fair but show signs of too much water on the lower leaves.
They will eventually fall over under their own weight, say 12" to 16" depending on variety. Then your concern is moisture contact with top soil on the base of the bine, you can develop a contact rot issue. Like a sore on the bine. You can always train them up something like a driveway...
I have not yet settled on a plan of attack so to speak. I am leaning toward larger containers for this season and a full time home for them in 2014. Suggestions and thoughts are always welcomed!
"What is your industry saying relative to the long-term market potential?"
The Mass DAR states that the craft beer industry here in Taxachusetts can use 100 acres of hops. They have started a craft beer study to evaluate the potential, I suspect the results will be available this year...
Mark from Bobcat spoke at the 2012 conference about handling, he also served each of the 200 plus attendees 6 samples of beer. The beer samples contained hopping mistakes (4 mistakes/2 correct beers) to show growers what mishandling hops can lead to in the long run.
The general consensus seems to be the failure to establish a relationship with a brewer or brewery. Several people, including a speaker from Canada, had gone into the project rather blind I think.
Failure to have testing done was a specific issue, but that ties in to being an unknown...
My situation is unique and after speaking with a number of other hop farmers I realize how thankful I am.
I am a failed cranberry grower....it still stings a little but its true. I had just over 2 acres of my own and an acre of lease bog. The plan was to have a little for retirement when...
I am trying to get plants started using aeroponics and then transplant them into pots or directly into my hop yard expansion area. I am cautiously optimistic.