[Fairy Plotmother]

Plotfather and I have finished digging the onion bed for next season. My question is should we
 A) spread manure and cover with plastic sheeting
 B) cover without manuring
 C) spread manure and leave uncovered
 D) just leave it till spring

[Goosegirl]

I'd do option C because the winter frosts will break up the soil and the manure will be incorporated to a degree, plus the air can get to it.

[Fairy Plotmother]

I'd do option C because the winter frosts will break up the soil and the manure will be incorporated to a degree, plus the air can get to it.

Thanks GG. That is what I think, but there are so many suggestions out there you begin to wonder what will be best.

[mumofstig]

I do A, when I can get manure, and B when I can't 
Here on a very cold open site, the soil seems to stay a bit warmer undercover - and covered early, avoids much of the weed seeds being spread on autumn winds 

[yorky]

It would be C for me every time. My least favourite option is to cover with anything that prevents the winter rain and frost from penetrating the ground.

[snowdrops]

C for me too

[MustbeMad]

I'm glad option C seems popular as that is what I had planned