MULCHING WITH HOPS

Spent hops can sometimes be bought from a brewery or taken away for free to use as a mulch. At first, they may have quite a strong smell, but this will dispel after a little time outside as they bed down and dry out. With no composting necessary, they can simply be spread as a soil improver or gently forked in to prevent blowing about in the wind. During decomposition they can scorch young leaves, so are best kept away from seedlings. If a ready supply is available, hops will make good, easy to use fodder for an allotment.