Replacing flower beds with grass - how?!

iwannanicerlife

I have today taken the plunge and started digging my overgrown flower beds - they were full of weeds and grass and we've never been gardeners so they looked pretty grim.

I have started to dig out the side and bottom beds (leaving the one between the patio and the rest of the garden). I have dug the majority of the visible stuff out and need to go over it again tomorrow to make sure all roots are removed. I thought I'd go down about one spade deep is that correct?

Can I just then lay grass seed on top or is more preparation needed?
The soil has some quite large lumps in it, will I need to break these up or will it not matter?

Any advice gratefully received

amcluesent

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/lawns_sowlawn1.shtml