No hops for you! Unfortunately I didn’t manage to get any cones this year. After talking to a few people in the homebrew club it sounds like I’m having 2 problems.
Problem 1. Lack of nutrients
Apparently the tomato fertilizer I was using just didn’t get the job done.
Solution: With any luck amending the soil with some home-made compost will help and I’ll look around for an alternate fertilizer over the winter.
Problem 2. Lack of sunlight
The area where I planted the rhizomes doesn’t get a whole lot of direct sunlight. I figured it would be ok since most vegetation just gets burned up in the intense summer heat we get here.
Solution: In the spring I’ll trim back more of the surrounding foliage and make sure it stays clear.
In a few weeks – when the temperature starts to drop further – I’ll cut away what’s left of the bines and cover the mounds with a little mulch. With any luck the 2 bines that grew fairly well will be even stronger next season.
I also need to pick out 2 more varieties to replace the duds. Right now I’m leaning towards Amarillo and maybe Summit. If you have a suggestion for a type that handles hot weather I’d like to hear it.
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Hi there! My name is Jimmy VerVaecke and I’m a brewer. I discovered brewing in 2004 and have been hooked ever since.
My beer has won numerous awards, including one at the National level. 
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Amarillo and Summit would be great choices, but unfortunately they are proprietary. I don’t think you’ll be able to get your hands on any rhizomes.
Ah yeah, I think I’ve heard that before. One of the guys in the homebrew club claims to have had Amarillo in his yard. I didn’t think to ask where he got the rhizomes.
We’ll see what’s available in the spring I guess!
Jimmy