Wintering Hops

[akr71]

Any tips for wintering hops? I have first year plants and was wondering if there is anything I should do to help them through the winter.

I was planning on giving them a dose of compost, but should I also maybe cover them with some burlap or anything.

[ratchet]

I know I just read something about this (I've been doing a lot of reading lately )

Ah yes... here it is:
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f92/chopping-winter-198696/

Summary:
'they'll die back, the leaves will turn brown and blow away but the vines will remain on whatever they were climbing on until you cut them back. i usually let a few inches sticking out of the ground so i know where the center of the crown is located for next year'

'all you have to do is to throw an inch or so of mulch/compost on them if you like, and next year they should jump up in the spring'

[mr x]

I don't even bother covering mine, but it certainly wouldn't hurt.