spent hops on my allotment

[chuffa]

Hi all i am new to this site.  I can get spent hops most of the time and i am saving them for my allotment  I should be getting my allotment from the council shortly.  I find it hard to get info on using spent hops.  What is the best way to use them, should they be dug in straight away or composted first,  can they be put in for any crops.  Any info would be of great help.  Chuffa.

[chuffa]

[Trevor_D]

How many have you got? In my home-brewing days, I just tipped them on the compost heap with everything else. But I'm sure I've read somewhere in one of my older gardening books that they can be dug in as you autumn dig.

Anyone else?

[Tee Gee]

They have very little food value, but are useful as a soil conditioner,and can be used at any time.

They are high in nitrogen and make a good activator in compost heaps when mixed with other composting material

[Jitterbug]

I'm sure I have also read somewhere that you can use them as a mulch?  I tried out local brewery but someone else has already got an agreement with them.

Jitterbug

[cambourne7]

I dug 2 bags into one of my raised beds before planting potatoes and they have come up really well.

I do want to get more and save it as a winter dressing but can only fit 4-6 bags in my car at a time and its about 20 min away. I am going to contact another brewer whos nearer and see if i can get him to deliver :-)

Be aware it stinks!!

[Jitterbug]

Lucky devils :'( :'( :'(

[cambourne7]

i have noticed less slugs on this bed!!

[chuffa]

How many have you got? In my home-brewing days, I just tipped them on the compost heap with everything else. But I'm sure I've read somewhere in one of my older gardening books that they can be dug in as you autumn dig.

Anyone else?

i have an endless supply at the moment.  Thanks for the info Trevor.  Chuffa.

[chuffa]

They have very little food value, but are useful as a soil conditioner,and can be used at any time.

They are high in nitrogen and make a good activator in compost heaps when mixed with other composting material

many thanks for the info Tee Gee.  Chuffa

[chuffa]

I dug 2 bags into one of my raised beds before planting potatoes and they have come up really well.

I do want to get more and save it as a winter dressing but can only fit 4-6 bags in my car at a time and its about 20 min away. I am going to contact another brewer whos nearer and see if i can get him to deliver :-)

Be aware it stinks!!

thanks for the info cambourne7

[cornykev]

Hi Chuffa all good advise, so welcome to the site, good luck and happy digging.   ;D ;D ;D

[chuffa]

Many thanks for the welcome cornykev.  Chuffa

[manicscousers]

hiya, chuffa, welcome to the site, love dennis the menace, takes me back..also, the hops can be used to mulch around stuff like currant bushes and fruit trees , bet they make lovely soil if they're dug in  :)

[chuffa]

Hi there Manicscouses, many thanks for the info.  I will be getting two types of gooseberry bushes for my allotment so i will mulch around them.  Many thanks.  CHUFFA