November is cold

In anticipation of planned field expansion this spring, we began installing the trellis in the large field last fall/winter. We had some help with the hole drilling and pole setting, but by the time we got out to begin wiring, it was November 14th. We got what we needed to get done, but it was as cold a Western New York November as you’d expect, especially so close to Lake Erie.

Large field installation, November 2015

As soon as the ground thawed in the spring, we finished wiring the trellis, in anticipation of planting. We took what we learned in the small field and made some adjustments in the large field. This has definitely been the learning experience I expected, and the hard work makes it fun.

The plants are in!

Although we picked up disease-free plants in early June, another rainy spring prevented us from planting until late July. We planted about this late last year, and the hop plant demonstrated it’s heartiness but sustaining the deepest freeze and coldest winter in a long time — so while it’s disappointing we had to wait so long, we’re confident our work isn’t for naught.

Here’s a few shots of the new plants, as well as last year’s small field…

One week old baby Chinook in new large field

New large field – July 2015

Small Field – July 2015

Majestic, second-year Cascade

Check back again in a few months to see how harvest went!

Cheers,

V