Where NOT to plant Hardy Kiwi!

[@vonries]

Thanks, I don't have time to make every mistake by myself, so it's nice when someone owns up to their own. So many people what to tell you they have the greatest system ever, even if they are just testing it out for the first time for themselves. Another great show thanks.

[@deecooper1567]

I so agree . Refreshing when others share this kind of content 👍🌻👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@peterellis4262]

You're pouring out the videos this week! :) Always welcome.

[@TheEmbrio]

I did dine under a kiwi trellis, the vines wete with a myriad of fruits. The structure was made of steel triangulated trusses. I tip my hat to the now deceased man that anticipated the rampant growth. Not Even 30 years ago it was quite a novel fruit, his 90 year old wife explained proudly.

[@edibleacres]

Wow, what a cool image!

[@krashkidd1162]

"The Kiwi Fruits Will Fall Right Into Our Ice Cream..." LOVE IT!!!!!

[@Faisal_Afr]

That had me cracking up!!!

[@midwestribeye7820]

Yes, so funny!

[@dneyder]

I just yesterday started training my hardy female towards our wooden carport on one side and a plum on the other. Very timely post ❤

[@edibleacres]

Hope you find a good solid solution!

[@SgtScourge]

Whoops. Yep. I definitely planted it to grow up a tree. I made sure it was a relatively grown tree (river birch) but I'm questioning that now after your update 😅

[@awakenacres]

Uh oh, I planted one by our front steps. I’m thinking I should dig it up and relocate it in the fall.

[@edenoftheworld1090]

smart idea definitely. I've had one i've transplanted like 4 times in 3 years that's doing fine so don't worry about hurting it, it can take it!

[@jvp714]

I have a hardy kiwi that dies back to the ground every winter. I'm in zone 6a, and it's on a south facing hill with a wind break forest to the north

[@tylerehrlich1471]

Your perspective always reads as wisdom. You state what is obvious to those with eyes to see it, yet say so gently enough to educate the not-yet-informed.

[@JumpingSpider37]

I think this a really important ethos to the management of plants and animals in general. Plants are going to do what they are going to do. It’s up to us to be wise and thoughtful about management. Thanks for the words of wisdom!

[@edibleacres]

Of course!

[@ecologicaldesignurbanmanitoba]

We have an 12 year old arctic kiwi adjacent to our home providing shade. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Only very very very minor issue with it creeping between the soffit and fascia (3 times in 12 years). Love the beautiful foliage and flowers. It is interesting how it will even girdle / strangle itself though. Ours is away from any trees, but would likely have that same issue as the hardy in that regard.

[@humantiger72]

Wow! Thank you! I was considering planting one...glad i saw your vid

[@pandahead9274]

these types of videos are great to figure out how a plant responds to the environment

[@edibleacres]

Happy to share them

[@truthbetold2611]

Since a wisteria choked up a neighbor's tree I've been cautious about designating a structure for vining plants. Still patiently waiting for a kiwi Magic to grow up.

[@gardeninggal249]

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO! Very helpful!

[@kimm1318]

Good to know. I have mine growing on a cattle panel for the second year. Hoping pruning will keep it under control.

[@CAngel-x9u]

I hate to tell you, but your cattle panel would be no match to the kiwi. Even when pruned, they deserve some respect and proper structure

[@SiCaRiI_DaGgEr]

I used a piece of Cattle Panel fencing arched it and anchored it down using metal fence spikes hammered into the ground to about 3-4ft right next to my 6ft privacy fence that I can use as a grow buffer so to speak. Male on one end of the 8foot panel and Anna on the other end. I have a young Pluerry tree 7feet from the female "Anna" and she attached a tendril to it almost choking out one branch of the tree before I caught it. Seeing how much the female has grown just this season is amazing and you're right, Hardy Kiwi can be invasive if left unchecked 👍

[@RayMirshahi]

I have been growing Actinidia kolomikta (arctic kiwi) in the past 4 years. They are more cold hardy, but I don't find them to be too aggressive yet. I guess we will see.

[@mazieways]

I have the Issai variety (self fertile) and I will keep it in a pot and tie up on a trellis where I can keep on top of it. I can see in year two after winter pruning it already on the go in every direction and attaching to all the plants nearby!

[@flatsville9343]

So, we need to take a welding class? Or re-purpose old kids' playground sets? Stack & join old trampoline frames?

[@midwestribeye7820]

Great ideas! I love the old swing set idea. Like the ones schools used to have with the heavy metal pipes.

[@edibleacres]

Do it all!!!

[@yellowbirdie2703]

I just started a month ago of using my kids old swingset hahahaha. I didn’t even see this video yet . The swingset was built by the previous owner and it is huge ! It’s probably 13 or 14 feet tall. I’ve been wondering what to do with the swingset because the previous owner had said all of the ends go about 6 feet into the ground hahahaha. I started thinking about getting a hardy kiwi and wasn’t sure where to put it and a light bulb moment of the swingset and both my daughters being adults. Just watched this video after planting both a month ago and so relieved I planted where I did

[@samboandthemasonator]

We made a wood shed out of a trampoline frame. Put it together but split in half then bolted them together at the areas that would normally sit on the ground. Then we put those metal sheet panels on it for the covering. Its lasted 5 yrs now sturdy as can be. We may have to get another frame and use it for the hardy kiwi I planted last yr that currently just have steaks but are now growing fast. We were planning to build a heavy duty trellis but the trampoline idea may be better!!! Thanks 😅

[@yellowbirdie2703]

@@midwestribeye7820 our swing set frame is exactly like the old school ones except the previous owner painted the pipes green. there is no way this frame will ever come down on its own hahahahaha. the previous owner did quite a few things that kept earning my respect of what he built besides the swing set. I occasionally have people pull into my driveway and ask if they could look closer or measure so that they could copy a few things he did and I'm like " of course ! " . this kid was a genius, I always thought of him as a kid because at the time he was probably in his mid 20's. the only reason him and his wife were selling the house was only because he inherited land and decided to build a house closer to family members.I can just imagine what he would have done if he owned my house longer .

[@KeithMacKayHome]

Interesting...thanks as always for sharing what you've learned -- my little local ecosystem is all the better for it. I have kolomikta versions (1 male Arctic Beauty, 1 female Sept Sun) that I planted against my chx run, thinking they would grow and drop some fruit right into the run for the chooks (not quite into ice cream, but added feed and shade for the birds ;) ). First 3-4 years, it barely grew. Then this year...crazy growth (guess it finally established), so good shade...but no fruit yet. Chx run is metal pipes and 400-lb deer fence mesh, but I'm thinking perhaps I should move the kiwi so it doesn't rip the mesh apart. My first thought was "move it to climb the crown of thorns or black locust in the upcoming food forest area", but then you showed your male bush damaging its host tree... Hmmm. Maybe I need to set up some bean poles for them...

[@PlantRelated]

Thank you I’m gonna move my kiwi to an island trellis. Thank you sooooooo much

[@Ok-vj3dw]

my local arboretum grows them on chain link fences. at home mine isnt super mature yet but i think i might try doing a low cordon espalier and tie back the annual fruiting shoots to the railing behind it.

[@barbarasimoes9463]

I've seen other permaculture videos where people have planted kiwi next to their house, and I've thought that it was a really bad idea. I have mine out back on a stand-alone pergola. I used to have one on a chain link fence surrounding a pool, but after about ten years and no fruiting and lots of pruning, I got rid of those. My new plants have blossoms and berries, so I'm excited to finally taste the fruit this fall. Another plant to be wary of is mulberry because of its root system. I had some dwarf and Girardi ones planted out front, but the driveway, sidewalk and septic are all out there, too. While they were still very small, I decided to move all four of them out back where they won't interfere with anything below ground.

[@edibleacres]

Good notes thank you

[@turtle2212]

😂 too late, I have done this mistake on a huge cherry tree 3 years ago. You are absolutely right: this is a no go.

[@edibleacres]

We're all learning as we go

[@sashak-r6621]

You gave me a good laugh, this vid had a great tone

[@ironcloudz52]

I planted mine on a trellis far from house, it now owns the trellis.Excellent location, two females and a male However for the second year it go hit by frost after leaf-out and no flowers/fruit even though it is now (re)-leafed abundantly. My understanding is that they flower in May in which case I might never get fruit(?).

[@jdvanallen2907]

It is a very impressive vine. It will reach more than ten feet through the air to reach another structure. I very much enjoy having it yet recognize that it is the only part of my design that I couldn’t walk away from for a decade. The rest of my design would be better when I get back but the kiwi would take over the whole food forest. Also… don’t grow them near a clothes line… I’m debating between the hundreds of fruits and the ability to move my clothes line 😆

[@edibleacres]

Challenging and wonderfully abundant plant!

[@claraisely9397]

I planted the arctic kiwi. In 2003. 3 plants now survive and thrive in NH (northwestern). I allowed it to trellis on nearby trees. It's now 40 up into the canopy and its weight brings down all weak branches. It also roots from trailing vines that touch the ground. Very impressive. No fruit some years like last when hit with late frost. This year loaded! Shizandra I planted same year is a little less aggressive, but. It self sows. Watch out! I eat the sprouts, but it's intimidating for sure.

[@edibleacres]

Intimidating wonderful fruit and medicine!

[@claraisely9397]

@@edibleacres Yes, I love them both. Variegated foliage on male Arctc Beauty is gorgeous. Interested in recipes for kiwi. I have frozen them, but still best eaten fresh I think. Shizandra I tincture in vodka or eat fresh. The sprouts are fantastic and I think if you saved seeds and sprouted like alfalfa seeds they would be lovely and So nutritious. Thank you for your videos. Very helpful and inspiring. Blessings

[@Lydia-wu1zg]

Great video! I was planning on getting one. Not now! I have a regular kiwi 🥝 I hope it’s not quite as hardy

[@claytonleal7947]

I grow my Kiwi on my firewood stores. its issai so not nearly as aggressive but it grows up the side and along the top. basically works as a raincoat for my cheap structure.

[@edibleacres]

Sounds like you got a good solution there

[@Elle.Smith.]

Very Helpful! Thanks

[@edenoftheworld1090]

Appreciate the mistake videos--it was earlier videos of yours describing the potential challenges of hardy kiwi that inspired me to come up with this idea: We have a section of lawn to the north of our driveway and to the south of a line of pine trees that I use as a firewood chopping/wood chip drop off site. It can look a little messy and untidy even relative to the rest of the fun permaculture chaos. I bought two cattle panels and put them on their side for two 4 foot-ish by 16 foot ish wall which I hope will fill in with kiwi and provide a little visual barrier to the rest of the yard space. The cattle panel wall is surrounded on all sides by grass that can be mown down, hopefully providing a nice easy way to sequester the kiwi on the panels and away from the nearby garage and pine trees.

[@edibleacres]

That seems like a reasonable solution, I hope it works for you!

[@ferniek5000]

Ours grew steady for the first 5 years and colonized our 15' square trellis. Now in year 6 we are adding another double trellis on one side as it is overtaking our black berries on the other side...if it passes the double panel in the time to come I assume it will stretch into the road and make nitrogen out of speeders...Compost your enemies!

[@leoziebol]

Such a helpful video. I’ve been growing these on a pergola next to my house for about a decade now. At first I thought they would never provide any shade. Now they provide SO MUCH SHADE that the dang ol fruit doesn’t ripen well. Do you find this to be a deep rooted vine? Is this a concerning one to plant around home foundation drain tiles in Midwest climates?

[@dapperlink]

Falling right into your ice cream 😂😂 I appreciate this info you’re sharing. I’ve attempted Hardy Kiwi twice now and I’d almost invite the problem of overgrowth 😊. In central Texas. South facing. Soil moist but never soaked. In both cases the plants have started well, got up to about 6ft. When the temp gets in the high 90s, I make sure I’m keeping the soil damp, but I notice leaves start to gray and die off. Then the vine begins to shrivel. It doesn’t stop even if the temp drops into lower 90s. Are they humidity sensitive? Everything I read says they love sun and they’re certainly getting that. If you’ve done a video on this subject please point the way. Thank you!

[@edibleacres]

I'm sorry but I don't have good notes to share with you on that. I suspect they aren't into the heat as much. You could do well to explore other kiwis that are from much warmer places, perhaps you can grow the regular kiwi where you are?

[@christopherd.winnan8701]

Geoff Lawton recently talked about using climbers and creepers to actively slow down the rapid growth of nitrogen fixers and therefore extend their life cycle usefulness in the overall succession plan. Is that something that hardy kiwi could be repurposed for? I am always looking for ways to turn problems into features.

[@edibleacres]

Could trellis them on black Locust or the like if you don't need straight growing trees!

[@julie-annepineau4022]

I planted a self fertile variety this year. It will have a metal arch to grow on and I will be mowing around it. Hopefully the grape that I planted on the opposite side of the arch will be able to co-exist.

[@juliaseim3013]

If you have the male variety on one side and the female on the other, I recommend to monitor the male plant: they tend to create very strong vines and „kill“ the female plant. Not very wise, but I had it happen twice

[@edibleacres]

Sounds like it will be a lot of interaction between the two over the years!

[@midwestribeye7820]

I appreciate you speaking about things that go wrong in the garden as well as going right. I had been considering getting kiwi, but now realize my small yard isn't suitable. Thanks for saving me some headache!

[@edibleacres]

Hoping you find a good fit for your space

[@roverinosnarkman7240]

Thanks for the warning. I inter planted hardy kiwi among a row of Seabuckthorn in 2021. This year the kiwi have exploded in growth while the Seabuckthorn has sprouted hundreds of suckers sometimes 10 feet or more away from the mother (on the other side of a wide wood chip laneway). I dug up the largest of these and replanted them in a row along a fence line so that in time they will discourage the deer jumping over into my orchard. In my context having a solid mesh of kiwi and Seabuckthorn might be a good thing if they don’t kill the Seabuckthorn. I’ve. Had major issues with deer browsing in the orchard and gardens, and everything natural i do (living walls/debris walls like you show) to block deer only encourages more habitat for rabbits groundhogs, possums, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, etc (a population explosion for sure). I seriously overplant everything (a fair share for the mammals), and grow lots of cayenne peppers, hundreds of garlic, onions, currants, odiferous herbs that I interplant everywhere to discourage some of these critters, but it’s a losing battle. I even have to sprinkle hot peppers on top of wherever I seed anything because the chipmunks and squirrels will dig up the seeds and eat them otherwise. I have only so much chicken wire I can lay down. They want it all, with none left for us. Between the birds eating all of my grapes and cherries, the raccoons and squirrels and chipmunks eating all of my strawberries, tree fruits, veggies etc, , in combination with a now geriatric “guard” dog who is mainly deaf and blind and never late for dinner, I’m starting to get a bit discouraged. I haven’t seen any foxes for a few years, so i think we have a lack of predator habitat. All that’s left is a few coyotes (which stay outside my fence line), and urban sprawl has reached us and there aren’t many natural areas left for natural predators. I’ve spotted a few bald eagles this year, but there are way too many prey animals for them to make any significant impact. How can responsible citizens get more predators into our areas of concern (without neighbors complaining of dangers to their pets etc)? Build it and they will come. Lots of birds and vermin that will eat everything in sight. Frustrating for sure. I just received my order for kaolin clay. Let’s hope coating everything in unappetizing clay will discourage some of these critters from eating absolutely everything.

[@JoyoftheGardenandHome]

I'd be interested to know if the clay will work on the stinkin critters. I have a similar situation on a smaller scale, so the losses are harder to stomach.

[@krismatthieu8767]

Try bone sauce ! You can make it yourself or buy it online. That’s what I use.

[@claraisely9397]

I feel your pain. I live in a rural area of NH and our chipmunk and rodent problems never end. Foxes and bobcat can't keep up and the ticks carried by rodents infect and kill them. I keep a bowl of cornmeal and baking soda in an old chicken coop. Rodents eat and die. This is my only way to control pine voles particularly. Also put out basin with diatomaceous earth hoping predators can dust bath for some relief. Blessings

[@claraisely9397]

@@krismatthieu8767 what is bone sauce?

[@krismatthieu8767]

@@roverinosnarkman7240 I use a combination of Bone Sauce on my trees to keep deer away as well as the clay mixed with a few drops of pure garlic oil and peppermint oil on the leaves. As a backup I also use a device that emits I highly recommend pitched noise they don’t like and it works on solar. So far it’s working. I make my own bone sauce but you can also buy it. We use to have a beautiful fox family but my neighbors killed them 😔.

[@humantiger72]

I wish that old abandoned shack wasnt over there

[@tiarianamanna973]

Good advice, thank you so much 😊 i already planted a hardy kiwi a year ago.... Hmmmm.. well, lets see how it goes 😛

[@-fazik-3713]

100%. I learnt this the hard way ...

[@FolkRockFarm]

I haven't planted ARCTIC Kiwi but I have heard the same thing from Lee Reich's book about how they are less vigorous. Just planted some Hardy Kiwi on some Cattle panels lining our chicken yeard so that should be a nice spot. Check back in a few years!!

[@butterflyj685]

Sorry other gardeners with experience have said cattle panels aren't strong enough to support hardy kiwi.

[@thatguychris5654]

Hilarious! But if a kiwi fell off the vine into my ice-cream, I would be angry about all that fuzz 😂

[@edibleacres]

These are fuzzless:)

[@CanadianPermacultureLegacy]

"The kiwi fruits will fall right into our ice cream!" LOL DYING!!!

[@jeffh4522]

I've not grown hardy kiwi, but your story sounds similar to mine when I had wisteria and grape vines growing. They would take over everything if you didn't keep them in check.

[@edibleacres]

Pretty similar plants it seems

[@doinacampean9132]

4:28 - why not hard prune the vine and train the new growth in a new direction?

[@douglasnclayton]

Yup, I made the same mistakes with argutas almost 40 years ago. Several of them. Arbor just failed a couple of winters ago in heavy snow. Climbing in big oak trees too. Regarding the kolomiktas. ---- also too vigorous and destructive. But I have a great crop this year! Kiwis also fruit much better when in the sun. Forget about them as an understory!

[@edibleacres]

Thanks for your noteshere!

[@robertkraemer571]

They do great trellised up Sumac. And then you can make sumac lemonade too.

[@edibleacres]

That could be a fit

[@Glickc1]

My research and application for hardy kiwi is annual pruning 95%. I also have a label stamped into metal because one article I read called them "lifetime kiwi". If you don't vigorously and aggressively prune every year...well... your parents house. I hope you get it under control soon! Btw, mine are planted near my chicken coop. I find the hot, unaged poo combined with scratching and general dinosaur-ness keeps it in check. Coop is 25' from the garage and 75' from the house, for context.

[@edibleacres]

Thanks for these awesome and specific notes. I bet the chickens love the abundance.

[@Iris_van_Vulpen]

Here in the Netherlands most of my kiwi berries aren't that hardy. 😢 The majority died last winter. So I think I need them to find a warmer spot. And was thinking about a place near the house. Am thinking about it for a little longer.

[@edibleacres]

Good luck!

[@pawel19677]

Thanks, I am right now searching a place where I can plant my new male kiwi in garden :)

[@edibleacres]

Good luck and I hope it works out great!

[@Crystal-il3jl]

Thank you!!!

[@edibleacres]

You're welcome!

[@zionjudah]

Can you cut them back hard and use that time while small to build a new stronger trellis

[@edibleacres]

For sure

[@patriotoftruth-v1w]

Do you believe a cattle panel arched into a trellis would be strong enough for the hardy kiwi? I have my 2 plants in 27 gallon containers (They're teeny tiny and I fear 1 may have died from transplant shock😕 but hoping it pulls thru🤞🏻)

[@lindawisner3525]

I have had no luck with kiwis. We have heavy clay soil tho.

[@TaxEvasion777]

Same so far

[@SeekingBeautifulDesign]

I have heavy clay soil and looked to commercial practices...no luck really. So I built a raised hugel type system with additional wood chips drainage system to keep their roots dry. I didn't want to basically make a clay bowl encasing kiwi roots that keeps water for days, so there are wood chip trenches which drain into a pond. So far ok, except kiwi is deer candy.

[@trumpetingangel]

I want hardy kiwi but I have no idea how to support it! I was thinking of between my shed and my garden fence, but I don't know how strong the fence really is. I bought them at the farmer's market, and they are beyond delicious!

[@edibleacres]

They are a phenomenal crop and incredibly productive. Maybe you hire someone to build something or explore some other options? Use what you've got if needed but be prepared to do a ton of hard cutting!

[@tracy419]

Yikes. We planted a couple a few years ago at one corner of our home for shade, not sure which variety anymore, and had to severely cut them back several months ago. They are already taking over again and now I'm wondering if I should actually take them out. Or if it's even possible at this point. We live in a mobile home and now this has me more concerned than I was before.

[@simplyjamy1892]

@@edibleacres What needs to be done with these cuttings? Are they going to try to root if they have contact with soil or put in a cold compost pile?

[@iamtmckendry]

What about along the front/side of a cattle panel greenhouse? Was thinking of using something to shade the pond. Wondering if it would cause damage? I noticed I have to watch squash as they will often get themselves stuck behind the panels and push out the plastic.

[@edibleacres]

I don't think inside a covered space would work for that plant or for our management... Too complex!

[@smueller12244]

I put some grapes to grow up a dying crabapple I have to assist in its death. I have hardy kiwi in zone 1 under 3 hazelnuts and one under an apricot....seems I will need to keep a watchful eye on them.

[@edibleacres]

Certainly not saying don't plant but yeah gotta watch close!

[@barrypetejr5655]

Swell I have one exploding next to the corner of my greenhouse........

[@zianitori]

i'd be curious what a system that's designed to let the kiwi kill some trees every so often would look like

[@ayzie804]

Thanks for the warning, Sean! 😊 Do you happen to know if hardy and arctic kiwi pollinate each other?

[@edibleacres]

I don't believe they do...

[@shanemillard608]

Do you have a book or resource you recommend for managing woods? I'm in Kentucky with about 5.5 acres.

[@edibleacres]

I'm not sure I do, but good luck

[@shanemillard608]

@@edibleacres Okay. Quick question, there are paw paws wild in the woods here. The ones i've found at too small for fruit and in the shade. Any recommendations on what I should do with those?

[@beskamir5977]

Thankfully I live in a climate that's far too cold for hardy kiwi so I'll never have any of these issues 😭 I'm still insane enough to try to grow them here anyway. Just underneath a large metal trellis I can cover in the winter so they can stay a few degrees warmer during the week or two of -30c temps. I imagine fast growing tress like figs might be okay with hardy kiwi too, but those also aren't meant for my climate and would be killed to the ground every year even with my best attempts at protecting them. I don't actually have a proper greenhouse. At least the arctic kiwi seems to be thriving in my climate without additional effort on my part. I'm sending them to climb on sour cherries and I think that's been okay so far. Sour cherries tend replace themselves with root suckers anyway so it's probably fine if the kiwi shorten their lifespans by a bit but so far after a couple years, the arctic kiwi has barely even started climbing the sour cherries. It's actually a bit underwhelming how slow growing it is.

[@that44rdv4rk]

so, a good candidate for a big arbor in the middle of a field?

[@edibleacres]

Yep!

[@mikecf1]

Hmmm...so I SHOULDN'T have bought eight of these??

[@sangha1486]

It sounds like it could be a useful and passive way to take down a stand of unwanted trees. You just have to have the foresight to plant the vine 10+ years before you want the trees to come down Or maybe guerilla planting them next to an abandoned building

[@christopherd.winnan8701]

Sounds like an interesting strategy. Can you get collect the seed from kiwis bought at the supermarket?

[@justinskeans3342]

Now he tells me 😔 lol. Collapsing star of kiwi hell 😂. Thank you big time for showing us your mistakes man. I gotta find a new place for my kiwi but thanks non the less 😅

[@edibleacres]

We're all learning as we go

[@zmblion]

Trumpet vine or butterfly vine. If you know you know does the exact same thing. And in my area they are wild and just show up. If you don't get rid of it right away. It does the exact same thing. I messed up and it's been a battle. And it will run underground it's miserable

[@cackleberry6317]

Or wisteria. Wisteria needs to be its own island too. Even then, you have to watch out for the invisible runners that go from the base of the plant out in any direction up to 20-25 feet. Better yet, maybe just enjoy other people’s wisteria. 😏

[@edibleacres]

Exactly! Trumpet vine too probably. Grapes to some extent...

[@kcmgfarm2389]

Agreed enjoy someone else's. I put one in at my old house and after 2 years removed it, or I thought I did. Found it growing everywhere the next spring. Only had 1/3 of an acre so definitely the wrong move. Confederate jasmine although stunning, fast growing, and wonderfully fragrant. 4 years later had to prune it heavy every other month to keep it from going into my gutters, roof, and soffit. Plant that gorgeous plant away from the house as well!

[@therealmaximus]

I thought I was smart planting a hardy kiwi next to our deck... it tore our deck apart in one summer

[@edibleacres]

Yikes

[@butterflyj685]

I wouldn't dare plant anything trellising near my house as the late Bill Mollison once said, you'll have rats or mice climbing up it and getting into your attic.

[@joanneoverstreet72]

😊🌱💚🌻🐝

[@SeekingBeautifulDesign]

I am purposefully doing exactly what you are recommending against. Building a food forest in a forest means there are trees that you would prefer shifted by 20 feet. Until the Ents come, I'm training a male kiwi up a maple. I'm happy if the kiwi kills the maple. Maple will safely fall in a pond if it dies in 50 years. Having the male rain down pollen on nearby females is the goal (which I'm sure you thought of with kiwi-chestnut). The difference is that I'm using a tree just for scaffolding and not hoping for a yield from that tree.

[@abzafox7777]

This is also very climate specific. Hardy Kiwis don’t grow near as well in dryer climates.

[@edibleacres]

Interesting to know