STEP BY STEP

How to get soil ready for veg

1 Add a 5cm layer of well-rotted homemade compost, or bagged soil improver on top of the soil.

2 Use a fork to mix the new material into the existing soil. Push the fork into the soil and turn it over to mix the two.

3 Rake the soil, moving the rake backwards and forwards to create a level surface for sowing. Remove any stones.

4 Touch the soil to test its temperature. When it feels warm it’s time to sow beans and peas direct into the soil.

Dos and don’ts

✔DO make sure that the soil level in raised beds is at least 10cm above ground level.

✔DO leave a gap at the top of the raised bed so there is room to cover seeds after sowing, without soil spilling over the top.

✔DO remove all weeds and roots from the growing area first. Dig out the weeds by the root.

Key points

Fork in an alkaline material such as garden lime or mushroom compost if you are growing brassicas (caulis, cabbages or broccoli) in the soil.

Cover any areas that are not yet ready for sowing or planting. Lay sheets of cardboard after you have improved the soil, to suppress weeds. Remove it when you are ready to start your crops.