How to Keep Your Hardy Kiwi Plants Alive Over Winter

Growing hardy kiwi plants can be a rewarding endeavor, but as the temperatures drop in winter, it's important to take proper care of them to ensure their survival. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to keep your hardy kiwi plants alive over winter.

Understanding Hardy Kiwi Plants

Before we dive into winter care tips, let's take a closer look at hardy kiwi plants. These plants are native to China and are known for their sweet and tangy fruit. Unlike their cousin, the fuzzy kiwi, hardy kiwis have smooth skin and are smaller in size. They're also hardier and more resistant to pests and diseases.

Hardy kiwi plants are deciduous, which means they shed their leaves in the fall and go dormant during the winter months. During this time, they require less water and nutrients, but still need some attention to ensure their survival.

Preparing Your Hardy Kiwi Plants for Winter

The first step in keeping your hardy kiwi plants alive over winter is to prepare them for the colder months ahead. Here are a few things you can do:

• Clean up debris: Remove any fallen leaves or other debris around your plants. This will help prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria that can harm your plants.
• Prune: Trim back any dead or damaged branches from your plants. This will promote healthy growth when spring arrives.
• Mulch: Add a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to help insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures.

Providing Proper Water and Nutrients

During the winter months, your hardy kiwi plants will require less water and nutrients than they do during the growing season. However, it's still important to provide them with enough to survive. Here are some tips:

• Water: Water your plants deeply once every two weeks, or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
• Fertilizer: Hold off on fertilizing your plants until spring. Too much fertilizer during the winter can cause new growth, which is susceptible to damage from frost.

Protecting Your Plants From Frost

Frost can be one of the biggest threats to your hardy kiwi plants during the winter months. Here are some ways to protect them:

• Cover: Cover your plants with blankets or burlap sacks on nights when frost is expected. Make sure the cover reaches all the way to the ground to trap in heat.
• Heat source: Place a space heater near your plants, but be careful not to let it come into direct contact with them. This can cause damage or even a fire.
• Grow in containers: If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider growing your hardy kiwi plants in containers. This will allow you to move them indoors during extreme cold spells.

Checking on Your Plants Throughout Winter

Even with proper preparation and care, it's important to check on your hardy kiwi plants regularly throughout the winter months. Here are some things to look for:

• Dryness: Check the soil around your plants to make sure it's not too dry. If it is, water your plants deeply.
• Pests: Look for signs of pests that may be feeding on your plants. If you see any, take action immediately to prevent further damage.
• Frost damage: Check your plants for any signs of frost damage, such as blackened leaves or stems. If you see any, prune them off immediately to prevent further damage.

A healthy hardy kiwi plant

By following these tips, you can help ensure the survival of your hardy kiwi plants over winter. Remember to check on them regularly and provide them with the care they need to thrive. Happy gardening!

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