[Judithm]

Hi I have been to the allotment today and have started to dig in the manure that has been sitting on top of the beds all winter. I have read that I now leave the soil to allow the surface to dry out and then I need to step all over it to remove any air pockets before raking to a fine tilth. Is this correct? I ask as I thought that once you had dug over the soil to airate it you should avoid stepping on it. Confused.

[mumofstig]

No, don't tread on it, just rake it level and off you go.

Only tread where you are going to plant your cabbage family, as they like very firm soil.

[Welsh Merf]

Judith - thanks for asking the question on my behalf, because I'm at that stage myself now!

Mummy - thanks for answering! 

[mumofstig]

Mummy

Haven't been called that for years   

Nowadays it's Muuuuum ............when they're after something   

[gremlin]

I have read that I now leave the soil to allow the surface to dry out and then I need to step all over it to remove any air pockets before raking to a fine tilth. 

Sounds a bit like the instructions for preparing the soil before sowing a lawn.