A mixture of sawdust and wood chips is preferable. Irrigation is a must for plant survival and productivity. Blueberries usually fruit the third season after planting. Flower buds will develop on second-year plants, but it is best to remove these to encourage plant growth in the second season. Pest control on blueberries is minimal, and routine fungicide and insecticide applications are not commonly needed.
Bird control is the major issue, particularly on small plantings.
Netting or scaring devices are two options to consider. Which blueberry type or variety to plant is a fundamental issue. This is largely dictated by location, with northern highbush adapted to the upper South and northward, rabbiteyes from the mid-South and southward and southern highbush from the upper South and southward. A description of Arkansas varieties and their characteristics follows. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.