HOPS! This year I am trying some hops, of the "Cascade" variety. The information on this species mentions that they are easy to grow, and also that they are susceptible to aphids. So far, they are right on both counts. On April 3rd, Nathan and I excavated some of the crappy dirt at the base of one of the deck footings and replaced it with good dirt and some Luna manure. In this we planted two Cascade rhizomes. Around May 4th I noticed a couple of sprouts poking out from that vicinity. A week later, I am proud to confirm that we have three hop vines popping up. I buried two stakes and ran some jute twine up the deck post to the railing. These two photos were taken on May 11th, 2005: