[pepsi100]

Hi,
     I have tilled all the soil in my garden, raked it over till its nearly level (how do I get it perfectly level though ?) and its a bit soft so I'm going to give a chance to settle.

All the large stones and lumps have been removed

Now do I use seed or turf ? :?

I'm going away for 3 weeks, so I dont think turf is going to be a good option if it doesnt rain    

So if I use seed, is there anything I can put in the soil to give the seeds a good start ?

Any help/advice would really be appreciated        

I had to dig and till it over as the builders just wrecked it and this seemed the quicker (if not the easy) option

I dont have any kids, but I do have chickens, that are let out every so often to peck about, but they will be locked away during the growing time

[shaun]

this time of year go for turf and in 3 weeks when you return you might be able to give it a cut

[richyrich7]

Give it a good dressing of super phosphate before sowing/turfing promotes good root growth.

Turfs quicker, but seeds cheaper.

To get it really level rake it thoroughly then drag a ladder tied to a length of rope across it. you need to tie the rope about a foot from each end with enough so you can comfortably pull. if its to light put a sack or two of soil on it to add weight.

Then tread up and down to flatten or lay a plank down and walk up and down on that.

You could just leave it for 3 weeks and lay turf when you are back still plenty of warmth in the soil.

[pepsi100]

thanks, the wife has just come home with 4 boxes of seed    

Far too much, I dont have a football field (and I reckon there would be some left over)about 3 boxes  :shock:

So it looks like its going to be the seed option (I dont think I had a choice, I only did all the digging, tilling, raking, and getting the lumps out, SHE is going to do the seeding

I guess it will be me dragging the plank/ladder around  

AND raking in the phosphate   :o

(do wives make good compost ?)

[WG.]

(do wives make good compost ?)

Don't see why not.  Just tell her to turn the heap regularly.

[pepsi100]

(do wives make good compost ?)

Don't see why not.  Just tell her to turn the heap regularly.

What from the inside  

I suppose the soil will have more 'body' then            

[jack russell]

take the seed back to the shop and get a refund  

wait untill you get back from where ever

then lay turf

i would suggest you get a turf company out to give you a quote for laying it (level)

then price it up from your local supplier

you will be amazed that there wont be a big difference.

remeber to get them to make it flat

cheers

jr