Try not to soak the vine during watering, as that will sometimes encourage diseases. Each Spring apply a hearty dose of manure as a top dressing or fertilize with a balanced chemical fertilizer that is recommended for garden vegetables. Don't expect very much in growth or flowers the first year because the hop is basically establishing it's root system. Full growth and maximum crops of flowers will be achieved during the second year. 1 to 3 vines are trained clockwise on a string which has been staked to the hill.
Hops mainly grow vertically, but lateral sidearms extend from the main vine and produce flowers.
The main concern is to support the vines and prevent sidearms from tangling. Most cones are produced on the upper part of the plant. In July, the lowest 4 feet of foliage and lateral branches can be removed to aid in air circulation and reduce disease development. In August allow additional bottom growth to remain to promote hardiness of the crown and the plant vigor for next year. At the end of the season you can bury healthy bottom vines for propagating new plants the next spring.