Because of the short season, yield and quality hinge on the timely management of all cultural practices. Production planning should be based on achieving target production by the fifth year. Newly established operations will require two years of field preparation. Fields must be clean and weed free prior to planting in the second year. Failure to have weeds under control will impact yields and labour requirements during production.
Irrigation is essential for high yields, good quality and frost control.
Access to a reliable source of water of adequate quantity and quality is needed. It is not a startup enterprise. This enterprise direct markets to its customers through U-pick and farmers' markets. The planting of day neutral varieties provides some cash flow for the first year of planting. Location is critical for a U-pick operation.