I started some hardy and fuzzy kiwi a couple summers ago and was struggling until recently. I have some A.chinensis that I bought from Auburn University (AU) and they recently added some additional advice to growing kiwi. Their (AU) soil is sandy loam and mine is clay loam. They mentioned that planting mounds need to be made where water drains off and regular watering is important. Keep it moist but not too moist. I used "growing root cuttings" guidance from Dr. Redhawk in mixing vermiculite, sand along with compost and put this as a top layer but above a lower layer of compost and original soil mix. I then put wood chips on top of this. I am getting a truck load of horse manure soon and will put a shovel full on each.
They (AU) have a drip irrigation system that is 4 foot off the ground and they bring down lines to water near the base and say to add another line as the vine gets bigger. I used rain bird drip 1/4 inch hoses with spray nozzle upside down. These enable me to adjust the flow rate for the size of the vine and if they get clogged I can pop off the top and clean it out. My A. Chinensis and Hardy are loving this and I am seeing a lot of fresh growth.
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I already heard from the publisher. I hope to make good use of Crystal's book! 