As a rule don't use plastic, plastic remains plastic forever. Sheet plastic breaks apart as it ages and you get plastic, sheet pieces everywhere. Plastic breakdown only into microscopic pieces, it is STILL plastic. So if it is in your garden and you eat from your garden you are eating plastic ( chemicals ) pieces. Weed cloth does the same thing and does not really stop weed growth, in my experience, and is a real pain to remove. For the same reason don't use don't use color dyed wood chips, the dye will also dye your walkways and sidewalks.
You can get, usually free, chipped tree material from your local tree trimmer, just make sure it is not Eucalyptus, Camphor or Oleander. Shredded Cedar will deter pests but is expensive, we use it small areas near where we sit.
As a rule don't use plastic, plastic remains plastic forever. Sheet plastic breaks apart as it ages and you get plastic, sheet pieces everywhere. Plastic breakdown only into microscopic pieces, it is STILL plastic. So if it is in your garden and you eat from your garden you are eating plastic ( chemicals ) pieces. Weed cloth does the same thing and does not really stop weed growth, in my experience, and is a real pain to remove. For the same reason don't use don't use color dyed wood chips, the dye will also dye your walkways and sidewalks.
You can get, usually free, chipped tree material from your local tree trimmer, just make sure it is not Eucalyptus, Camphor or Oleander. Shredded Cedar will deter pests but is expensive, we use it small areas near where we sit.