Blog

When to Plant Kiwi in Covington County, AL

Kiwi vines produce fuzzy, tangy-sweet fruits and need both male and female plants for pollination. Hardy kiwi varieties (A. arguta) are suited to colder climates.

Covington County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 392 feet, Covington County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95Β°F, so Kiwi may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kiwi, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kiwi root diseases.

Covington County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Covington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Kiwi

Kiwi needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Kiwi Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Covington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Kiwi Planting Timeline β€” Covington County, AL

Kiwi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24

Β· 72" apart Β· Rows 96" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March β€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May β€”
June β€”
July β€”
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

236 days in Covington County

Growing Tips for Covington County

Plant one male vine for every 6-8 female vines. Provide a very sturdy arbor or T-bar trellis. Prune heavily in winter. Protect young plants from frost in cold zones.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kiwi in Covington County, AL?

Covington County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Kiwi planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Covington County, AL?

Covington County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 11.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Covington County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Covington County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.