I have been using this in my garden for years, no weeds when you over lap the sides. Water goes through the plastic barrier, but weeds do not penetrate the plastic. Once the garden vegetables are grown, then we have never had a problem with wind getting under neith and raising or blowing away the fabric. In the beginning, weigh down or stake the outer edges of this fabric until the plants hold down on their own. Use small blow torch on the ends to keep the fabric from fraying. MY garden is 175 foot by 70 foot. Three different areas, so yes, i use alot of plastic. The plastic barrier is good for at least 3 years. At least for me that is our success.