Use a mulch to protect the blueberry's fine shallow root system. Sawdust, pinebark, old manure and black polythene plastic are all suitable mulches. Mulch is also used to control weeds. Areas between the planting rows can be sown to annual pasture plants and mown, or clean cultivated. Herbicides can be used to control weeds.
Fertilisers Distribute the fertiliser around the base of the plant and water it in.
Take care that the fertiliser does not burn the plant. Fertiliser can also be applied through the irrigation system. Use ammonium sulphate instead of ammonium nitrate as the source of nitrogen. Avoid applying excessive nitrogenous fertiliser as this can reduce berry production. Leaf analysis can be used to diagnose specific nutrient deficiencies.