The Key to Successful Cranberry Production by Dennis Robinson, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Eric Hanson, Horticulture Department, Michigan State University Cranberry production requires lots of water.
Water is needed to protect plants against frost damage in the spring and fall.
Traditionally, plantings were flooded before predicted frosts. Most growers now frost protect by sprinkling water on plants, since this requires much less water than flooding. Irrigation is also needed throughout the growing season to meet the water demands of the plants. Cranberry plants are shallow rooted and desiccate easily. Sprinklers systems may also be used to cool the plants during hot summer weather.