I've been using black vinyl sheeting for a long time. It comes on 4 foot wide rolls and is used to wrap wire splices like the phone company does. It lasts many seasons. I only cut small holes and slits for rows. I pull it up in the fall and till in a bunch of compost mulch and clover. In the spring I till it up a bit, level it and put the vinyl back down. Never had a problem with plants drying up. Most get water in the early morn and late afternoon. I use the same method in the flower bed except it stays down for years and I put bark mulch on top of it. It's rare I need to pull weeds anywhere.(posted 8563 days ago)