"be sure to wet it so that it conforms to the ground and to get the first layer of compost down before it is allowed to dry... No mess..."

Thanks for the top tip Bobert! I will do as you suggest.

I saw another good tip, which I'm going to do while the cardboard is wet, and that's to use a bulb planter to carve out little holes into which I can plant my seedlings (a variety of Autumn veggies sown in modules a number of weeks ago)

I'm enjoying pottering and growing things, first year I've made any proper effort to do so.

I'm even looking into Biodynamics, a traditional system of growing 'with the Moon' still quite common in continental Europe, particularly with wine growers so I've read.