I have 2 female kiwi vines in need of pruning. How close to the ground would it be safe to cut them? I plan on transplanting them later on.
I wouldn't do that, I'd cut back to spurs off of main stems and move them with some support if I had to. Maybe hold the upper part with one hand and the bottom with another. Or get someone to help you. If you whack them down to near the ground they won't die, of course, but you will lose nearly all of the mature, fruiting wood that has been built up prior to this point.
Originally I had a male to go with my females, but he died. Since then I have neglected them & they have gone wild. I plan on ordering another male after I transplant my females. That way they can have a fresh start. Also I intend on using the cuttings to create new vines.