Unless rain is likely, water the newly set plants. Kiwifruit may be permanently mulched with about 4 inches of organic material such as pine bark or sawdust. Replenish this each fall after the first killing frost. If voles or mice are a problem, it may be necessary to remove mulch around the plant stems. Because no cultivation is needed, mulch helps control weeds, conserves soil and moisture, shades the soil to keep it cooler during the summer, helps prevent winter injury to crowns, promotes growth of the extensive fibrous kiwifruit root system, and helps control unwanted suckers.
Irrigation is necessary to provide for good plant establishment and production.
Mature kiwifruit vines may use 25 gallons of water per vine per day in summer. Water the kiwifruit whenever the soil under the mulch feels dry, or if plants appear to be wilting. Wet the soil to a depth of about six to ten inches without soaking the ground. Excess watering can cause the roots of the kiwifruit to die. Winter Protection Choose species that are winter hardy in your area.