Are there really that many people in Juneau who are growing kiwi?
You might be surprised.
Master Gardener Ed Buyarski said he sold hundreds of plants over the last decade, and he can’t imagine how many plants are bearing fruit this summer.
“They are a good plant, great on trellises and fences,” Buyarski said. “They usually have a fairly nice fall color. The males, by themselves, are often sold as an ornamental because they’ve got a variegated pink and white and green leaf.”
During this week’s edition of Gardentalk that aired on KTOO’s Morning Edition, Buyarski recommended harvesting kiwi now before they go bad. They should turn from hard green to soft green when they’re ripe, and they may easily fall off the vine when bumped.
Pointy end up
Buyarski also gave his annual primer on bulb planting, and reminded listeners of the fast and easy way of digging a trench instead of making dozens of holes for individual bulbs.
Check the bulb packaging for sunlight requirements, appropriate spacing and proper planting depth. Big bulbs should be planted deepest while small bulbs are usually planted closer to the surface.
Add sand or pea gravel to the bottom of the trench if you have drainage problems, and don’t forget to fertilize with bulb food or bone meal. Plant the bulbs with the pointy ends up, and cover with soil and mulch.
