ABC's of Strawberry Production

Eric Bish - NC State
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Advertise your farm operation every chance you get.
Beds - proper bed formation (firm, high, proper orientation, fumigation).
Carry Over - Not generally recommended for Anthracnose sensitive varieties.
Drip irrigation - one of the most important components of the production system.
Economics - Before you do anything work out costs and returns (your time is not free).
Frost/Freeze Protection - Prior planning prevents poor performance.
Grower experience - Talk with other growers to learn from their experience.
Hail - Consider crop insurance if available in your area.
IPM - Integrated Pest Management - Everything from Anthracnose to Deer.
Join the North Carolina Strawberry Association.
Keep good records - Planting dates, fertilization, harvest, labor, pest control.
Labor - Make sure you have a dependable labor source.
Marketing - What should be the first step in strawberry production, is often the last.
Nutrition - Follow NCSU recommendations, use leaf/petiole testing and soil tests.
Over-production wastes time and money.
Plants - Purchase certified disease free plants from a reputable source.
Quality from start to finish, this is your selling point.
Rotations -Utilize planting beds for additional crops and rotate fields as often as possible.
Site selection -well drained soil, good location(u-pick), water source, avoid frost pockets.
Two-spotted Spider Mite - learn how to identify and manage.
U-pick or Pre-Pick - know what your customers want, charge accordingly.
Varieties - test new varieties to see how they work in your climate.
Water management - it is critical to have proper drainage from your field.
X-pect the unXpected - do not assume you will not have a deer, mite or other problem.
Your time - manage it effectively, make sure you figure it into your budget.
Zebras - find something unique and interesting to attract customers to your farm.

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