Establishing a kiwi fruit farm requires pruning the vines.
Kiwi plants are similar to grapes as that both are grown on vines that are pruned back every year. To give the plants their best chance of survival, they must be kept in 5-gallon buckets during the first growing season and then planted outdoors when all chance of a frost has past. If properly maintained, a kiwi plant can last for more than 70 years.
Instructions
1. Arrange to have a space large enough to accommodate 5-gallon buckets of all the kiwi plants. Spending their first season in the buckets provide the plants with a better chance of survival by not developing root rot or being planted in poorly drained soil.
2. Plant kiwi plants in well drained and slightly acidic soil (pH 5 to 6.5) . The holes should be 4-5 feet apart and can have a shovel full of organic matter like nitrogen-rich fertilizer also thrown into the hole. Plant the kiwi plants in the sun, although they can tolerate some shade. Stake the kiwi plants so the vines can trellis
3. Water kiwi fruit plants thoroughly and often during their long growing season need large volumes of water. Mulching the plant will keep it moist.
4. Prune the plant stem back to two buds. In a few weeks, one of the buds will develop shoots. Choose the larger shoot to become the main trunk. Tie to the stake and prune back the rest. When the main trunk grows significantly, kiwis can grow to 10 feet high, prune off the end of the trunk that was growing. As the end develops more branches, choose two to four and prune away all the others.
