Due to Carnarvon's subtropical location and fertile soils, growers can produce a wide range of fresh produce. Vegetables are grown intensively over the winter period from around April to November. At this time few vegetables are produced further south in Western Australia. Kununurra, Broome and to some extent Geraldton growers are Carnarvon's main competitors within this state. Most vegetables are grown in slightly raised beds covered with black polythene mulch for weed control and water conservation.
Nitrogen fertilisers tend to be applied through the irrigation.
Fruit crops range from low-chill stonefruit, table grapes and citrus to bananas, mango and pawpaw. Bananas have been the main fruit crop since horticulture was first established in Carnarvon. Plantings of table grapes, grapefruit and mango have increased dramatically over the past ten years in response to high prices from both domestic and export markets. Value Adding to Produce Dried bananas and mangoes are very popular, especially with tourists visiting Carnarvon. These are produced by individual growers as there are no commercial food drying facilities in Carnarvon at present.