Similar studies have not been conducted in blueberries. Companion grass, a blend of dwarf perennial ryegrass and creeping red fescue, is typically planted as a cover crop between blueberry rows. Organic Mulch A mulch can be used in blueberry plantings to reduce weed growth. A pre-emergence herbicide can be applied 18 inches to each side of the mulch strip. Cultivation Mechanical tillage is one method by which weeds can be controlled in fields with no living mulch between rows.
Shallow cultivation has the advantage of weed control with little or no use of herbicides.
Removal of weeds with a hand hoe is effective but expensive. The feasibility of using this method will depend not only on economics, but also on the availability of labor crews. It is necessary to use care when hoeing within the plant row because the shallow, fragile roots of the blueberry plant can be easily damaged. Herbicides Herbicides can provide good weed control in established plantings. It is unwise to use herbicides until blueberry plants have become established in the field for 6 months to 1 year.