How do I remove home folder from the desktop?

Solution 1:

This has changed under Ubuntu 19.04 "Disco Dingo":

gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.desktop-icons show-home false

Similarly for the Trash icon:

gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.desktop-icons show-trash false

Should you wish the icons back again, repeat the command with false changed to true.

Solution 2:

For Ubuntu versions prior to 19.04:

gsettings set org.gnome.nautilus.desktop home-icon-visible false

For Ubuntu 19.04 or later, see this answer.