Talk to your lotty neighbours, ask for, and take their advice. They obviously know the soil conditions etc, and are your best point of reference, and they love to be asked.
My daughter and I took our allotment last October and it was a mess. Our lotty neighbours are always very willing to come up with suggestions when asked, (especially when we use the helpless female approach), and have been so encouraging that we now have a plot we are proud of, although we still have about a quarter undug but it is tidy. Keep at it and don't lose heart.