The best practice is to apply a preemergence herbicide in the middles between the rows prior to weed emergence. Another option is to apply a postemergence herbicide to young actively growing weeds. At this stage of weed growth, postemergence herbicide application is safest and most effective. All herbicide applications between rows should be banded and not applied over the plastic. Herbicides can remain active on the plastic and injury can occur if herbicides are applied over the plastic.
Weeds can emerge from the hole around the strawberry plant.
Weeds growing in this area compete with strawberries, often reducing growth, yield, and quality. Additional stress can result in plant death. Thus, frequent scouting and hand removal are necessary to prevent this from happening. Weeds such as horseweed, sow thistle, and prickly lettuce often establish at the ends of fields. If these weeds are not controlled, they will produce seeds that are capable of blowing into the production field.