[Ellendra]

The sun will super heat the soil and sterilize it of weed seeds down to about 6-8 inches.

The sun will superheat the soil, but only if it can get to the soil. Clear plastic wouldn't do much to deal with the 1-2 foot layer of weeds and dead stalks. Some of those weeds would even enjoy it, they're thick enough to push the plastic off the ground enough to get airflow underneath, and the result would be like a cold frame.

There was an area where I tried using black plastic, thinking it would sterilize the soil like that. The weeds laughed at it. The landscaping fabric I have now has some weight to it, and is tough enough the sharper weeds can't just poke right through like they did with the plastic. I do appreciate the suggestion, though!

[TASMANIANRED]

you do have to Mow it or crush it first.

[TASMANIANRED]

I’m in sympathy with you.

My garden was in last year’s hay field.