[MickyB]

I have just been given the OK to have the plot next to mine. 

The plot itself does not need a lot of work, it was put to use until late summer last year and maintained to a reasonable standard.

The previous plot holder used a rotavator last year turning whatever weeds where present back into the soil rather than removing them first so I think the soil does contain a lot of seeds, I have started clearing the larger weeds, pulling them up from the roots by hand and once I have completed this I was thinking of hiring a rotavator to turn the soil over with the hope that the winter frosts will kill off some of the weeds/seeds that remain in the soil.

Once I have cleared everything I want to maintain the plot in a manageable 'ready to use' condition until I decide what to do with the new space and was thinking of covering whatever ground I don't use with a membrane to prevent the weeds from taking over.

Does this sound like a good plan? Any tips?

[mumofstig]

covering beds for winter is being discussed here 
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=111032.msg1255828#msg1255828

[MickyB]

covering beds for winter is being discussed here 
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=111032.msg1255828#msg1255828

Yes that's my question also 

I know that one of the questions overlap that thread but because this one is relating to a new plot and I am seeking general advise on how to maintain it in a ready to use state and if it is worth rotavating I thought it was worthy of it's own thread. 

[mumofstig]

Indeed! you have other questions to be answered
 I just didn't know if you'd seen the other thread, which could help   

[J_B]

ur relly lucky....i woudl turn it over and let the winter break it down and then in spring cover it with black plastic to prevent stuff coming in spring

[Yorkie]

I wouldn't rotavate unless the ground was really quite dry - you don't want to make it sticky or clog the rotavator.

[Madame Cholet]

yes and there is a school of thought that bringing seeds to the surface actually makes them germinate.