Don't sterilize, don't spray $$$.

1 - use all those pulled weeds to start a compost bin, and add raked leaves, kitchen scraps etc. (see the compost forum)

2 - spread several layers of newspaper over the beds, and put a thin layer of dirt over the newspapers. this smothers the weed seeds.

3 - Get some Jiffy pots (about $5 for the refill trays of 72, or even cheaper if they are just the pots in a bag) and plant the seeds in them. When you plant them, slice though the newspaper.

The newspaper is a good idea and will take care of the weeds but it won't allow any perennials that are in there to grow either. It will however keep the weeds from sprouting at least those that are under it. I use this for mulching my beds but I wet the paper first and then add mulch on top.

I don't like jiffy pots they are compressed peat and hard to rewet when they are dry. If you use then slice off the net layer before you plant them or the roots will stay in those little pots.

Jiffy mix is realitively cheap. It is mostly peat too but it has peralite to keep it loose. You can use paper or styrofoam cups for pots. You can also use things found around the house like toilet paper and paper towel rolls(that can be cut in 3) milk cartons and I'm sure you can find other things around the house. The only requirement is that you have to put drainage holes in the bottom of them. If I knew what seeds you have I'm sure some of them could be sown outside.

As for the beds. If the soil is loose and free draining you only need something to add nutrients to them. Check with your city. Most cities who pick up leaves and vegetable scraps offer cheap compost to the residents. You only have to bring your own pails or pickup truck to haul it away or use some bagged manure or just start making compost yourself and add it during the summer as you get it made--Do as lazygardens suggests--check out the compost forum.

Personally, the best thing I've ever found for LONG TERM weed control is 6 mil, heavy duty black plastic sheeting with 4" grid pattern holes (use a drill with a 1/4 bit to drill through the entire roll while still rolled up, it will be fairly easy), covered with an organic mulch for appearance. Cut out planting holes just for the plants you want.

Preen works ok for SOME weeds, but won't touch perennials that spread by roots/runners. ORGANIC formula Preen, which is just corn gluten, doesn't do diddly-squat, IMO.

For no-budget conditions, I suggest you get or borrow a hoe to kill weeds. It's old-fashioned but works and it's free. Plant your seeds in straight rows so you know which are crop and which are weed seedlings. Scrape the weeds off when they are small, maybe 1/2 inch high or less. You don't have to chop deep into the soil to do this, just scrape them off at ground level. Without roots, some will die and the others set back for a while. You'll have to watch and repeat, but it's cheap.

Will Preen kill those darn thistle weeds? I bet I could go out every single day and dig or pull up those thorny suckers!