Plant two rhizomes per hill with the buds pointed up and cover with 1 inch of loose soil. Hills should be spaced at least 3 feet apart if the hills are of the same variety and 5 feet apart if they are different. The hop plant requires frequent light waterings during the first year. Pruning When the young vines are about 1 foot long, two to six vigorous vines are selected for each hill and the rest are removed. One to three 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 the sidearms from tangling. Most cones are produced on the upper part of the plant. In July, the lowest four 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 plant vigor for next year. At the end of the season you can bury healthy bottom vines for propagating new plants the next spring.