I normally manage to keep the weeds to a minimum when I can get out there and do a little chopping. But here lately it's been hot and I've got a case of the "lazys"(Dr's. Orders)Hopefully next season will turn out better Louis. That weed barrier is the cats behind. Not sure how big of a patch you grow, but i hardly have to weed at all. Just a few here and there where I burned the holes in to put the plants. And they pluck out pretty easy.