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Seedbed preparation

When weather and soil conditions all, prepare a seedbed for early outdoor sowings in a favourable part of the garden. Choose a position that gets plenty of sun and does not suffer from poor drainage or late frosts – check on a marginally frosty morning if you are unsure. Ideally, the area should have been dug the previous autumn so that the cold winter weather will have had time to break down the large clods and produce a fine breadcrumb-like soil structure. It is now time to rake the soil level and remove any stones or other debris that have come to the surface as well as any weeds seedlings that have germinated over the winter months. Work off boards at all times to spread your weight and prevent damaging the soil structure. Cover the soil with a sheet of clear polythene taking care to weigh down the edges or bury in a shallow trench on all sides. The polythene will help warm the soil, keep off excessive wet and encourage weed seeds to germinate. Just before you want to sow, take off the polythene and remove any weeds taking care to disturb the soil as little as possible. You are then ready to sow.

Tools required

soil rake, clear polythene

Skill rating

easy

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