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New Hops Trellis

For many years, I had what I will call a hops growing system that involved my shed and the tree that hung over it.

The strings that the hops climbed on were fastened to the top of the shed, about twelve feet up in the air.  Then, an extension of those strings were connected from the shed’s roof to a tall branch of the tree, giving me a total of eighteen feet of height for the bines to grow.

In the fall, the tree came down and now I need to figure out a new hops trellis solution for this year’s growing season.

There are two leading ideas for what I could do.  The first one involves adding some kind of structure to the top of the shed’s roof to regain the majestic heights of the previous system.

The other thought is to put up a new, free standing structure that would built either right in front of the shed or have it stand thirteen or so feet away from where the bines grow (if I am remembering my Pythagorean theorem correctly).

The final decision will be made weighing several factors, but mostly it will be decided on the easiest method. Adding a structure to the top of the shed will need to be done so that it doesn’t ruin the shed.  I am not sure how to do that at this point.

The free standing pole is probably easier to do but will need more planning.  It could sit next to the plot and go straight up.  The other way would be to have them hang over some of the yard at a 45 degree angle.  If I did it that way, I would not need to build a pole as tall.

The other factor is what my wife will allow me to do.  She may not like seeing a leaning trellis or may think it’s ugly or what have you.

I am starting to look at some different trellis plans online now and trying to figure out what would be best for me.

If you have experience putting on up for your own homegrown hops, let me know.

Take a look at my temporary solution here.

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2 Comments

  1. What is your experience with not-so-vertical growing, or even horizontal growing? My house (Dallas, TX) has a super low-slung roof and I’m too chicken to install a tall pole to tie up on to. For now, I have a couple of different bine runs from my raised box up to the roof. (see http://bensmithson.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/hops_apr20.jpg )
    Good luck with your hops!

  2. “The other factor is what my wife will allow me to do. She may not like seeing a leaning trellis or may think it’s ugly or what have you”…

    Wh-chhh! Wh-chhh! (sound of whip cracking). Just kidding, Señora Brew is regularly “consulted” on what is and is not allowed at Noble Square Brewing. Sometimes it helps to build/do/brew first, and ask for forgiveness later.

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