Next time set up a plot till in compost , put down cardboard and wood chips. Go thru winter. Then plant the cuttings. Still take two years but gives soil chance to get healthy. You can set up trellissing while soil is working on getting healthy.
Hey, jds! If you like, go ahead and submit this question to Ask an Agroforester - we'll see if we can get you some answers! www.savannainstitute.org/ask-an-agroforester/
Hi I noticed why your plants were suffering. Look at the clay that is exposed. I know it's rich in clay because of the way it cracked. I get you were using weed barrier. Forego weed barrier in the future put down cardboard and cover thicly , 6 in of wood chips. Also prior to planting enrich the soil with local green and brown compost.