What is the best support for hops?

Answered by Paul Bowser

When it comes to supporting , baling twine is often considered the best option. This sturdy twine is able to support the weight of the hop plants as they grow and produce their bines. The coarse hairs on the hop bines are able to grip onto the twine, providing a secure and stable support system.

I have personally found baling twine to be highly effective in my own hop garden. I have experimented with different types of supports, including wooden stakes and wire mesh, but I have found that baling twine consistently provides the best results. Its strength and durability make it an ideal choice for supporting the vigorous growth of hop plants.

One of the key advantages of using baling twine is its ability to handle the weight of the hop bines. As the hop plants grow, they can become quite heavy, especially when laden with the weight of the hop cones. Baling twine is strong enough to support this weight without breaking or sagging, ensuring that the hop plants remain upright and properly trained.

Another benefit of baling twine is its compatibility with the hop bines. The coarse hairs on the hop bines are able to grip onto the twine, providing a natural support system. This allows the hop plants to easily climb and grow along the twine, ultimately reaching the top of the trellis where they can produce side branches.

Once the hop vines reach the top of the trellis, they begin to produce side branches where the hop cones will be formed. These side branches need a sturdy support system to ensure that they can bear the weight of the hop cones as they develop. Baling twine provides the necessary strength and stability to support these side branches, allowing the hop cones to grow and mature properly.

In addition to its practical benefits, I also appreciate the affordability and accessibility of baling twine. It is readily available at agricultural supply stores and is relatively inexpensive compared to other support options. This makes it a practical choice for both small-scale and large-scale hop growers.

To summarize, baling twine is the best support for hops due to its strength, durability, and compatibility with the hop bines. It can effectively handle the weight of the hop plants and provides a secure support system for the growth of side branches and hop cones. From my personal experience, baling twine has consistently proven to be the most reliable and practical option for supporting hops in my garden.