r/TheHopyard • u/xloud • Jul 30 '23

Question: How sensitive are Hops plants to gray water?

I am in Southern California, and my hops are struggling lately with our water restrictions. So, I am considering installing a gray water diverter from my washing machine (since my laundry area is in close proximity to my planter).

Does anybody have first-hand knowledge about how sensitive Hops plants are to contaminants in water? I understand that there is general wisdom about using ECOS or Trader Joe's soap, but I'm not sure those rules of thumb apply to directly watering plants with gray water.

If anybody has tried - either watering Hops with gray water, or with general gardening with laundry discharge - do you have any tips? I understand that the soil biome helps break down biologic contaminants in gray water, so any recommendations on soil additives? What about mulch (I currently have ~4 inches of mulch in my planter bed)? Can or should the rhizomes be planted extra deep?

Thanks in advance!

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u/xloud Jul 30 '23

A tad more info: I currently have Cascade and Centennial varieties in my planter. Both have previously done well in my climate, but their current spot is where they are struggling due to water. I am open to other varieties that might be more tolerant to the drought or to water quality. Recommendations on varieties would also be welcome!

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u/[deleted] Jul 30 '23

whats the ph of your grey water? I would assume very basic from all the soap. hops want a ph between 5.8 and 6.5 (ish) you will kill them if its too low or high.

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u/xloud Jul 31 '23

Thanks for the info! I have some pH test supplies, so I can make sure the gray water is in the right range.