Clearing the site

• Clear the ground of weeds in advance.
• Fork over the soil two or three weeks before sowing to encourage the weed seeds in the soil to germinate. They can then be hoed off before sowing crops.
• Remove the first flush of weeds. This will mean seedlings won't be competing with weeds for light, water and space.

Preparing the seedbed

• Choose a day when the soil is dry enough not to stick to your boots. If it has not been settled by rain, tread over the area to firm it down.
• Scatter a general-purpose fertiliser over the soil and rake until the ground is level, removing any large stones or debris. This produces the ideal surface for sowing.
• Add plenty of organic matter such as compost.