I just realized I don’t know what the new leaves look like for hops plants…but there appears to be a vine-ish plant poking out around where I planted the Cascade hops rhizome (in case you aren’t familiar with the current technologies, the white stick in the picture is my GPS locator). After perusing some Google images of hops leaves, I am current assuming that, yes, this plant is, indeed, hops. So I am feeling cautiously celebratory.
Archive for the ‘Vines’ Category
1 Jun
Uhhh…I *Think* My Hops are Coming Up
19 May
Spinach that Climbs
Malabar Spinach
I came across malabar spinach at the Friend’s School Plant Sale, and couldn’t resist a salad green that is vining. Until this point I didn’t realize that malabar spinach is not related to spinach, but it tastes like it. I also didn’t realize that malabar spinach is a warm season crop.
Oops.
I was wondering why it hasn’t been showing signs of growth in the last couple weeks since I transplanted it. It made it through a few really cold days, so that’s a good reflection of it’s hardiness, I guess.
World Crops says that it’s a good thickener for soups and stews because of its mucilaginous texture. I had no idea what that meant, but the dictionary tells me that “mucilaginous” means that the plant secretes a gelatinous substance. That kinda makes me think of okra.
In any case, malabar spinach will be an adventure. I’ll keep you posted.
22 Apr
Picking up my Hops Rhizomes tonight!
I’ve been dabbling a bit with home brewing and am slightly obsessed, so I pre-ordered the rhizome for Cascade Hops from Northern Brewer this winter and I cannot WAIT to pick it up tonight! They have this Hops Rhizomes Fact Sheet that is pretty helpful getting started.
Hops add much of the aroma, flavor, and bitterness to the beer. They also happen to grow on beautiful vines, so are a good choice for a space-deprived urban garden. Cascade hops in particular are used in a lot of American beers, and are in my absolute favorite brew (for the time being – a’hem - let’s not dig ourselves in a hole, here) Ranger IPA from New Belgium Brewing.
