Yeah as Flanjamin just said, weed can sometimes get through the fabric or can sit on top. I rake regularly and that means that i see no weeds. Worth doing every now and again.

Wow great, thanks.

Hi Mike, Johnboy is correct Glysophate weedkiller is a great solution for clearing the area. I had a load myself and after seeing this post I used it. I left it 2 weeks and I saw the bindweed breaking down. I did, however, not put down polythene. It is too rainy here and there isn't sufficient drain...

Sounds lovely. I bought myself an asparagus steamer last week, haven't used it yet. Currently wondering what my first recipe should be. Any ideas?