Plastic sheets are a total waste of money when it comes to plants, but the strongest negative is that plastic sheets or fabrics hurt the most important part of the soil — the surface.

How it works: This audacious plan would cover the world's great deserts with white plastic sheeting, like a tarp but thicker, in an attempt to reflect more of the sun's rays back into space.

"In a few years time you'll be cursing yourself." Gardener met with warnings after considering common landscaping materials: 'They are both horrible' first appeared on The Cool Down.

At first, the plastic sheeting being sold as mulch appears to be a cure-all for weed problems. Lay it on the ground, cut holes only where you will set plants, and weeds will die from lack of light ...