Weed management in blueberries is primarily focused on 2-3 feet on either side of the row. Between these rows, mowed vegetation is maintained as a groundcover. Table 36 focuses on chemical weed management. Non-chemical weed management relies on mulching, soil pH management, hand weeding, and mowing row middles. Before planting, put the field into fallow, repeatedly cultivating to make sure that perennial weeds are eradicated.
Mulching is a major weed management tool in blueberry production and can be very effective at reducing or eliminating most annual weeds from the crop row. Maintaining a low pH soil is an effective cultural weed control tool. Blueberry plantings thrive in a soil pH range from 4.5-5.5, which is too low for most weed species. Keeping the soil pH at the right level will help to reduce weed pressure. One notable exception is red sorrel (Rumex acetosella), which is also a creeping perennial. Be sure to control any red sorrel as soon as you spot it, otherwise it may become a difficult problem. Use of cultivation is difficult and often is counterproductive in blueberry plantings. It destroys surface feeding roots and does not work well where mulches are used.