Kiwi is an amazing and exotic fruit that is easy to grow in an urban garden. With the right amount of light, warmth, and fertilizer, you can have a thriving kiwi plant with delicious fruits in no time. In this article, we’ll take you through the basics of growing kiwi in your urban garden, from preparing the soil to harvesting the fruit. With a few simple tips and tricks, you’ll soon be enjoying luscious kiwis grown in your own garden.
Selecting a Varietal of Kiwi
If you are considering growing kiwi in your urban garden, the first step is to determine the ideal growing conditions for the kiwi variety of your choice. Depending on the variety, different kiwi types require different amounts of light, water, and fertilizer. The soil should also be well-draining and nutrient-rich. Additionally, many kiwi plants require a trellis or other support structure, as they are vining plants.
Types of Kiwi Varieties Available for Urban Growing
There are several varieties of kiwi that thrive in urban gardens: the hardy kiwi or Actinidia Arguta, the Yang Tao kiwi, the Arctic Beauty kiwi, and the Meiwa kiwi. Each of these varieties requires different care and grows differently, so it is important to research which variety is best for your urban garden.
Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia Arguta)
The hardy kiwi is a vigorous, vigorous-growing deciduous vine with large, heart-shaped leaves. They require full sun or part shade and should be planted in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. They need plenty of water and should be fertilized three times a year. Hardy kiwi fruits are smaller than other kiwi varieties and have a sweeter flavor.
Yang Tao Kiwi
The Yang Tao kiwi is a small, round kiwi with a sweet flavor. It is an evergreen vine that requires full sun, adequate water, and well-draining soil. Yang Tao kiwi vines need a trellis or other support structure as they can grow up to 25 feet tall.
Arctic Beauty Kiwi
The Arctic Beauty kiwi is a hardy, vigorous-growing vine with dark green leaves and small, round, purple-black fruits. This variety is cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -15 F. The Arctic Beauty kiwi requires full sun, well-draining soil, and plenty of water.
Meiwa Kiwi
The Meiwa kiwi is a sweet, juicy fruit with a yellowish-green skin and small, edible seeds. This variety is a large, vigorous vine and needs a support structure as it can grow up to 25 feet tall. Meiwa kiwi requires full sun or partial shade, well-draining soil, and plenty of water.
Choosing the Right Kiwi Variety for Your Urban Garden
Choosing the right kiwi variety for your urban garden can be a daunting task, but with a little research and preparation, you can easily select the perfect variety for your garden. Before selecting a kiwi variety, consider the ideal growing conditions, such as light, water, fertilizer, and soil requirements. Additionally, be sure to consider the size and flavor of the fruit and the vigor of the vine. With the right variety, you can easily grow delicious, healthy kiwi right in your own urban garden.
Soil Requirements
Kiwi plants need well-drained, fertile soil to grow, so preparing the soil before planting is essential for successful kiwi cultivation. For optimal results, the soil should be neutral to slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. The soil should be slightly sandy and have good humus content.
Soil Amendments and Fertilizer
To prepare the soil for kiwi cultivation, it is important to add soil amendments, such as compost, to increase the soil’s fertility and improve drainage. Organic matter, such as rotted leaves, grass clippings, and manure, should also be added to the soil. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, should be applied in accordance with the directions on the package.
Caring for the Soil
Once the kiwi plant is established, proper soil care is essential for it to thrive. The soil should be kept evenly moist throughout the growing season but never soggy. Mulch should be applied over the soil surface to conserve soil moisture and to prevent weeds from taking over. The soil should be tested for nutrient levels throughout the year and, if necessary, balanced with additional fertilizer.
Planting Instructions
Preparing the soil is a key factor in growing kiwi at home. The soil should be adequately drained, with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. Adding organic matter to the soil can help raise the pH to the ideal range. To improve drainage, dig deep and add compost, perlite or sand to the soil. This will allow for better absorption of water and improve air circulation.
Fertilization
Kiwi plants need regular fertilization throughout their growing season. In the early spring, fertilize the soil with top-dressing of 10-10-10 formula. Once the plant is established and the fruits appear, add a fertilizer with a higher potassium content, such as 20-10-20 formula. Make sure to follow the instructions of the fertilizer label.
Planting Instructions
Before planting the kiwi, choose a sunny spot in the garden for best results. Dig a hole about twice the size of the root system, and add the organic material to the soil. Place the plant in the hole and fill the area with soil, making sure to cover the root ball. Once planted, water the kiwi plant twice a week, making sure to soak the entire root system.
Pruning
Kiwi plants need to be pruned regularly to help promote growth and encourage fruiting. During the first two years of growth, prune back all shoots to a height of 8 inches or less. This will help the plant to develop strong and sturdy branches. After the third year, prune the vines back to 30 inches, and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Supports
Kiwi plants need support in order to grow and produce fruit. Plant the kiwi near a fence or trellis to provide support and training. In addition, use twine or garden wire to help keep the vines in place. This will ensure that the plants have room to grow and bear fruit.
Harvesting
Kiwi fruits are ready to be harvested when they become soft and slightly wrinkled. Carefully remove the kiwis from the vine, taking care not to damage the plant. To store for an extended period, keep the kiwis in the refrigerator and use them within a few days of picking.
Support Structures
Growing kiwi in an urban garden requires more than just planting a few vines. To ensure successful yields and happy plants, urban gardeners must provide adequate support structures. Here are some tips for supporting kiwi growth in an urban environment.
Building a Support Structure
Any type of vertical support structure will work for providing the necessary support for kiwi vines. This can include trellis, arbor, pergola, or fences. If using a fence, it should have vertical beams that are far apart to allow the vines to grow through and have large gaps on the top to allow the sun to reach the fruit. When selecting a support structure, consider the size and weight of the mature kiwi vines to ensure the structure will hold them.
Providing Adequate Cable Support
Kiwi vines can grow heavy and must be cabled to the support structure to keep the plants from falling over. For the cabling, use a flexible material like nylon rope. The cables should be spaced eight to 10 inches apart, with two-thirds of the rope below the vine and one-third above. Make sure the cables are securely and tightly fastened to the support structure.
Train the Vines
Kiwi vines should be trained along the support structure to maximize the harvest. Training the vines requires pinching off any shoots that appear below the cables. This allows the energy to be directed to the upper shoots and the subsequent fruit. Also, any shoots that come up above the cables should be directed down the cables to the desired area.
Maintenance and Monitoring
Urban gardeners must pay special attention to the kiwi vines to ensure they are properly supported. Check the vines regularly to make sure they are securely attached to the support structure and that the cables are taut. Monitor the plant’s health, too, and replace any cables as needed. With adequate support, gardeners will have an abundant harvest of juicy kiwi fruit.
Pruning & Training
When selecting a kiwi plant, there are several factors to consider. Look for a variety that is hardy and disease-resistant. Choose a plant that is suited to your climate, as some varieties require more heat or cold to produce fruit. Consider the size and shape of your urban garden, as some varieties of kiwi need a trellis or other support structure to stay upright.
Cultivating Healthy Soil
Once you’ve selected a hardy kiwi plant, you’ll need to prepare the soil for it. The goal is to create a fertile and well-draining environment. Regularly add organic matter such as compost or manure to maintain soil fertility and moisture. Regularly test the pH of the soil to ensure it’s within the ideal range of 5.5 to 7.0.
Watering and Fertilizing
Once you’ve planted a kiwi in your urban garden, it’s important to give it the right amount of water and fertilizer. Kiwi plants need consistent moisture in the soil during the growing season. Water them deeply every week or two throughout the summer months. Additionally, fertilize the plants every month or two using an organic fertilizer specifically made for fruit trees.
Pruning and Training
Kiwi plants benefit from regular pruning and training in order to promote healthy growth. Start training your kiwi plant when it’s still young by trimming the branches and removing any unneeded growth. Prune the plant regularly— approximately once a year—to keep it from becoming overgrown and overly dense. Additionally, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches to keep the plant healthy.
Fertilizer & Watering
In order to ensure that your kiwi plant thrives in your urban garden, consider providing adequate nutrition and hydration. Kiwi plants need specific amounts of fertilizer and regular watering to remain healthy and produce plenty of delicious fruit.
Ideal Fertilizer for Growing Kiwis
Kiwi plants require a specialized form of fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus. This nutrient is essential for flowering and fruiting, so it is important to use a fertilizer specifically designed for kiwi plants. Depending on the variety, this can be applied usually once a week or a month when the plant is actively growing.
Watering Requirements
Kiwi plants need ample moisture to stay healthy and produce quality fruit. To best ensure that your kiwi plants are receiving adequate water, it is recommended to set up an irrigation system with a timer. The amount of water the plants need will depend on the climate and the stage of growth. In general, kiwi plants should receive about an inch of water per week.
Additional Tips for Growing Kiwis
Your kiwi plants will benefit from occasional pruning to improve air circulation and promote healthy growth. Make sure to wear protective gloves and clothing when pruning and inspect for any pests or fungus. Additionally, it is important to monitor the soil’s pH levels and adjust them as necessary to keep it between 5.5 and 7.0. Lastly, provide your kiwi plants with a trellis to support the vining branches and provide additional structural support.
Pest & Disease Management
Keeping Kiwi Plants Healthy
Growing kiwi in your urban garden can be a rewarding experience. As with many fruit plants, kiwi is vulnerable to a number of pests and diseases which can affect the growth and quality of your crop. Knowing how to manage pests and diseases is crucial to successful kiwi cultivation.
Identifying Common Pests
Common kiwi pests include mites, aphids, thrips, and root-knot nematodes. Mites are tiny arachnids that can cause stunted growth and discoloration in your kiwi plants. Aphids are small, pear-shaped, sap-sucking insects which can cause distorted leaves and a sticky honeydew on your plants. Thrips are small, slender insects which can cause tan, silvery or black spots on kiwi fruit, while root-knot nematodes feed on plant roots and can cause stunted growth and yellowed leaves.
Combating Pests and Disease
The best way to combat pests and disease is prevention. Start by buying disease-resistant kiwi plants, and avoid overcrowding plants in your urban garden. Regularly check to monitor for signs of pests or diseases and prune your plants to allow good air circulation. If pest infestations occur, there are a variety of biological and chemical pesticides available to control them.
Managing Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and kiwifruit canker can cause serious damage to your kiwi plants. It is important to take measures to prevent the spread of such diseases. Pruning any infected parts of the plant, avoiding overhead watering and controlling air circulation can help. You can also use fungicides to help control the spread of fungal diseases.
Fertilizing with Care
Kiwi plants need plenty of nutrients to remain healthy and produce good crops. But overt fertilizing can actually lead to nutrient imbalances and attract pests. Use a fertilizer that is specific to kiwi plants, and avoid over-fertilizing. Monitor your plants carefully and adjust fertilizer use accordingly.
By following these pest and disease management tips, you can ensure a healthy crop of kiwi for your urban garden. With proper care, you can enjoy kiwi fruits for years to come.
Achieve Success With Your Urban Garden Kiwi Plant
By following the steps outlined in the article, urban gardeners have the opportunity to experience the joy that comes from cultivating and harvesting kiwi. The key is to choose a sunny and sheltered spot with well-drained soil, provide a sturdy trellis, and give the kiwi plant the proper amount of water and fertilizer. It is essential to be patient with your kiwi plant as it takes 3-5 years for the mature plant to produce fruit. Over time, with proper care and attention to detail, gardeners will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor by harvesting delicious home-grown kiwi.