What looked like it was going to be a really crap year for hops it seems yet again they have surprised us and only gone and grown when we weren't looking!
Eased into it gently on the first day, where I go picking year in year out, which means only an afternoons pick, just to make sure the picking machine doesn't have a coronary after not being used in anger for a year. Half an acre of Bramling X and some Phoenix (which are really sticky, its a bugger to roll a fag when your fingers stick together from all the lupulin) all ready to get cooking overnight. Finish off the Phoenix tomorrow then onto the Early Choice before getting stuck right into the Bramling's again, only 6 acres worth so should be out of them next Wednesday.
It's wonderful to see the old faces again after a year and the humour is still the same as always. Talking Bollocks I believe is the correct term.
First comment from Malky when we got to the garden was; "Well I don't think there is any point this year, I can't see any hops" as he stood there with his eyes closed.
Made a school boy error myself and didn't have my long sleeve shirt on for the first 3 loads, my forearms look like someone has been playing noughts and crosses on them and are the colour of a baboons arse. Bugger me that stung when I got in the bath.
So from a really shit start to the year for growing, it doesn't look that bad.
Right to bed, back at it at 7am.
Photo's to follow for the next couple of weeks.
