The Merits of Kiwi Companion Plants
The Kiwi plant is a nutritious and refreshing fruit in which its nutritious value is known to many people and in the process, more and more people are drawn towards eating it. On the other hand, ensuring the kiwi fruit production is successful is commonly done alongside the company plants.
The fact of kiwi companion plants and their importance
Nitrogen fixation
Kiwi plants are real nitrogen hogs and need a lot of nitrogen to keep up with their vigorous growth and to make fruits complete. Accompanied planting with the nitrogen-fixing plant’s capability, for instance, the family of legumes, like peas, beans, or clover, can provide the soil with a natural source of nitrogen. The bacteria convert the atmospheric nitrogen to a form that can be absorbed directly by the kiwi vines.
Pest and disease management
A certain number of kiwi companion plants are able to hinder pest control and diseases that can be a menace to kiwi vine health. Not peradventure, planting strongly fragrant herbs could be an effective means of limiting various insect pests and nematodes. They have a peculiar smell that is confusing and, at the same time, deterring.
Soil improvement
The kiwi vines are suitable for culture in loamy, fertile soil, which is well-demonstrated and has organic matter. You can also try to mix planting with plants that have really long roots deep into the ground, such as comfrey or different kinds of grasses, as a way to improve the soil structure and aeration. Such plants are capable of breaking up soil from its compaction and building channels for both the transmission of water and the establishment of roots.
Pollination support
Flowers of the kiwi vines produce fruit only if they receive pollination from another plant. Hence, two different vines of the same distinct species are required. Though kiwi flowers could hardly be without bee pollination, it is also essential to nurture other pollinators by planting companion plants. The presence of a broad spectrum of pollinators would, consequently, raise the success rate of pollination.
Weed suppression
The vine and the kiwifruit are competing for the same resources from weeds that can potentially withdraw nutrients and water from the plants. Partnering with other fast-growth plants, guilds of like-clover and vetch vegetables can be used to restrain weed growth by their heavy foliage and extensive root networks. It’s a fact that this natural weed control method can lessen the need for herbicides and, as a result, promote the kiwi vines to live in a healthier environmental setting.
Closing
Companion planting helps in kiwifruit farming. Through the purposeful choice and cultivation of sustainable plants that can improve soil fertility, investigate and address pests and diseases, support pollination, change microclimates, and smother and steal ground from the weeds, gardeners help participate to a biodiversity level in the garden and encourage sustainable gardening practices.