[rainie]

I think I may be getting a bit too keen here. Is it worth me laying black stuff with holes in over my raised beds to help them along a bit? It is woven stuff so air can get out and rain can get through. (designed for over stone and under gravel.)   Or polythene? Or nothing yet?

I would like to think the birds are scratching them at the moment for eating nasty bugs.

[Yorkie]

I wouldn't do it for some time yet - perhaps a couple of weeks before planting out / sowing.

[Kristen]

Cloches are the other tool for raising soil temperature before planting (and providing some protection after planting too)

[solway cropper]

I use both cloches and black plastic to warm the soil but I agree with Yorkie it's too early yet. I know how you feel about wanting to get on with things. We had a gorgeous day here today but still sharp frosts at night and plenty of time for some bad weather yet.