New lotty and a load of manure

[socky]

hello all,

We took on our first allotment earlier this month, it's not in too bad condition,  it's bare and has been rotovated a couple times over the last year. The weeds aren't bad, a quick  ;) dig over will soon sort it out. 

Since we took on the allotment the ground has been frozen solid so we haven't had a chance to start the digging process.  We also plan putting in raised beds.

We've just learned that a local stables are delivering a large load of manure early in January (for a small donation to charity - seems fair!!)

I doubt we'll get much digging done by then and I'm a little wary of digging in mid winter anyway.  With all this in mind, my questions are :

1) Should I now leave my digging until late winter / early spring to protect the soil ?

2) Should I put my raised beds in now and spread the manure over them, leaving the underlying soil undug and unweeded?

3) or should I put the manure to one side and leave until my beds are made, dug and weeded.

4) Either way should I cover my manure  to save the goodness seeping away ?

Cheers
Socky

[socky]

[Derekthefox]

Congratulations on getting your allotment socky.

I would dig and weed your beds when you can. The manure should be covered until needed, and not put on until the beginning of the season, eg February, giving the soil enough time to settle. This is the way I would do it, I am sure that you may be told a better one. If so then I will benefit too.

Good luck!

Derekthefox :D

[chriszog]

I differ with Derek and try and get all my digging done before christmas. I then cover the soil with manure and cover that with fabric where i will be growing spuds and legumes next spring. The worms will then work in the manure and a light dig when trenching for the spuds is all that is needed in the spring.
I dont think there is any real hard and fast rules just dont grow root crops or brassicas in freshly manured ground.
Regards
Chris