Topic: Hops?

[grannyjanny]

I've just seen an advert on facebook for spent hops from a local brewery. What can i use them for please?

[manicscousers]

hop pillows to help you sleep and mulching up, I think, Janet..can't find what nutrients are in it ???

[caroline7758]

I use them a lot, mainly for mulching, then they gradually get incorporated into the soil. Apparently they are a good soil conditioner although they don't have much in the way of nutrients. If you search this site, you'll find quite a few threads, especially from our sadly missed Supersprout, who swore by them and even planted toms on top of bags of hops. One warning- I discovered recently that they can be toxic to dogs if eaten, especially greyhounds.

[grannyjanny]

Thanks Caroline. I'll do a search. Sounds as they would be good fr daughters & our allotments.

[Melbourne12]

They are an excellent conditioner for heavy soil.  Two words of warning:

• They really need to be dug in, or at least raked in.  When we first tried them we left them on top as a mulch. As they dried out, the wind carried them all over the place.
• Don't leave them too long in their bags.  The smell, which is quite appealing at first, turns to something that I can only describe as dog mess if they're left sealed up.