Companion planting for kiwi is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of kiwi below.
| Companion plants for kiwi | Enemy plants of kiwi |
|---|---|
| Blueberry | Eggplant |
| Grape | Pepper |
| Raspberry | Potato |
| Lemon balm | Sweet Potato |
| Lavender | Tomato |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of kiwi?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your kiwi. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your kiwi.
Blueberry
Blueberries, renowned for their exquisite taste and nutrient-packed profile, thrive amidst lush foliage. They flourish in acidic soil with good drainage, ideally maintaining a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5. Abundant sunlight and consistent moisture levels foster optimal growth and fruit development. Belonging to the Ericaceae family, alongside esteemed counterparts such as cranberries and rhododendrons, blueberries epitomize the harmonious fusion of flavor and nourishment within the natural world's abundance.
Blueberries are great companions for kiwi plants because they both love the same kind of acidic soil. This makes it easy to grow them together without having to worry about constantly adjusting the soil. Blueberries also help protect kiwi vines from pests by acting as a natural barrier. Plus, they attract bees, which help pollinate the kiwi plants and can boost the harvest. Since blueberries are smaller, they won’t take up too much space, allowing the kiwi vines to grow freely. All in all, blueberries and kiwis work well together, helping each other thrive in the garden.
Grape
Grapes thrive in a range of soil compositions, favoring well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. They flourish in full sunlight, producing vibrant green foliage and clusters of juicy grapes. Beyond their sweet bounty, grapes contribute to soil health, attract beneficial insects, and offer versatile culinary possibilities, from fresh snacks to fine wines.
Grapes are great companions for kiwi plants because they enjoy similar growing conditions. Both thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil, making them easy to grow together. Grapevines can also support kiwi plants as they climb, saving space and allowing the vines to grow upward.
Grapes provide shade for the kiwi plant’s roots, helping keep them cooler in hot weather. This is especially helpful in warmer climates. Additionally, grapes attract pollinators like bees, which also help pollinate kiwi flowers. Together, grapes and kiwis create a productive garden where both plants benefit from each other’s growth.
Raspberry
Raspberries like various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their vigorous canes and abundant fruiting. Raspberries provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, enhancing garden aesthetics, and contributing to overall biodiversity.
Raspberries are great companions for kiwi plants because they share similar growing needs. Both thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and enjoy full sun, making them a perfect match. Raspberries also act as a natural barrier, protecting the kiwi from wind and helping keep pests away.
Since raspberries grow on shorter bushes, they don’t crowd the kiwi vines. In fact, they provide some shade to the kiwi’s roots, keeping them cool during hot weather. Raspberries also attract pollinators like bees, which can help with kiwi pollination, leading to a better harvest. With their shared needs and helpful features, raspberries and kiwis make a great team in the garden!
Lemon balm
Lemon Balm thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its lush foliage and delicate blooms. Lemon Balm offers invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, and promoting a sense of calm in the garden.
Lemon balm is a great companion for kiwi plants because it helps protect them from pests. Its strong scent repels insects like mosquitoes and flies, keeping kiwi plants safe. Lemon balm also attracts pollinators like bees, which can boost kiwi pollination and lead to a better harvest.
Additionally, lemon balm grows quickly and covers the ground around kiwi plants, helping keep the soil cool and moist during hot weather.
Lavender
Lavender thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, alkaline soil with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. Full sunlight and good air circulation nurture its delicate flowers and aromatic foliage. Lavender provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and promoting relaxation and tranquility in the garden environment. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like rosemary and mint, lavender symbolizes the natural elegance and serene beauty found within the garden's sanctuary.
Lavender is a great companion for kiwi plants because it helps keep pests away. The strong scent of lavender repels insects like mosquitoes and aphids, which can damage kiwi plants.
Lavender also attracts pollinators like bees, which can help pollinate the kiwi flowers, leading to a better harvest. Its compact size means it won’t crowd the kiwi vines, and it grows well in the same sunny, well-drained soil that kiwis love.
What are the enemy plants of kiwi?
Planting these plants next to kiwi has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your kiwi. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your kiwi.
Eggplant
Eggplant thrives in well-drained, loamy soil under the nurturing warmth of sunlight. Flourishing in fertile earth enriched with organic matter, it embodies resilience and grandeur. Consistent moisture and adequate spacing support robust growth and prolific fruiting. Eggplant provides general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, reducing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Eggplants are not great companions for kiwi plants because they can compete for the same nutrients in the soil. Both plants need plenty of nutrients to grow, and when planted together, they might not get enough of what they need to thrive.
Eggplants also need a lot of sunlight and space, which can shade out the kiwi vines and limit their growth. Additionally, eggplants can attract pests like aphids and beetles, which could spread to the kiwi plants, causing damage.
Pepper
Peppers expand in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their vibrant foliage and prolific fruiting. Peppers provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with their pungent compounds, attracting pollinators, and adding diversity to the garden landscape.
Peppers are not the best companions for kiwi plants because they can compete for water and nutrients. Both plants need plenty of these to grow well, and when planted together, they might not get enough to thrive.
Peppers also prefer warmer, drier conditions, while kiwi plants like more moisture and cooler roots. This difference in needs can make it harder for both plants to grow successfully side by side.
Additionally, peppers can attract pests like aphids, which may spread to the kiwi plants and cause damage.
Potato
Potatoes grows in loose soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and tuber development. Potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.
Potatoes are not great companions for kiwi plants because they compete for water and nutrients. Kiwi plants need plenty of both to grow strong, and sharing with potatoes can limit what each plant gets.
Potatoes also grow close to the ground and can block sunlight from reaching the kiwi vines, which need lots of sunlight to thrive. Additionally, potatoes can attract pests like aphids and beetles, which might spread to the kiwi plants and cause damage.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes grow in sandy or loamy soil with a pH range between 5.8 and 6.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their sprawling vines and prolific root development. Sweet potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.
Sweet potatoes and Kiwis compete for space, water, and nutrients. Both plants need plenty to grow well, and sharing can limit what each one gets.
Sweet potatoes also spread across the ground, which can block sunlight from reaching the kiwi vines. Kiwi plants need lots of sunlight to thrive, so this can slow their growth.
Additionally, sweet potatoes can attract pests like aphids, which may spread to the kiwi plants, causing damage.
Tomato
Tomatoes thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their sprawling vines and abundant fruiting. Tomatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage, and adding richness to culinary dishes.
Both plants need a lot of water and nutrients to grow strong, and sharing can limit what each plant gets.
Tomatoes also prefer warmer, drier conditions, while kiwi plants like cooler roots and more moisture. This difference in needs can make it harder for both plants to thrive together.
Additionally, tomatoes can attract pests like aphids and hornworms, which might also damage the kiwi plants.
