Removing weeds on footpaths or beween rows is hard work . If you use a hoe, the weeds are often cut into pieces and any pieces that are not picked up can live to sprout and grow again.

Footpaths are often compacted to rock hard which makes it difficult to pull weeds. What to do? How to get rid of weeds once and for all along foorpaths and rows?

Use fabric. Not any fabric but a very special type that cuts off light to any plant it covers. It's known as landscape fabric. It's black and the thickness of thin canvas. It's flexible and fits contours well. It's tough enough to walk on if you cover it with sand or fine gravel.

In fact, you have to cover it because sunlight will make it weak and brittle if it's left exposed to light. Covered it will last from 10 to 20 years if you can believe the label. Uncovered, the sun will destroy it after a couple of seasons.

There are various grades of landscape fabric - avoid the cheapest grades and go for the professional grade. It is heavier and will last longer You should not be able to see light through the fabric. Landscape fabric is tough but easy to cut with common scissors. Here's how to use it to control weeds in footpaths or along rows.: