what to do

hello me and my wife have just got an allotment and just trying to find out what the best thing to do over the winter with it ?
it is over grown slightly and i have put some covers on so is there anything else that can be done so looking for advice from yourselves on here as we have never done anything like this before 

Hi and welcome

spend time planning crop rotation for next year.  Read the seed catalogues (or look on here for recommendations) and plan what you will grow.  Make some compost bins and read up how to compost.  Lay paths or make raised beds (if you like the idea).  Build a shed.............

you could keep going all winter really
Enjoy!

I would start winter digging.
It is so important and will repay you when the season starts next year.

To me winter digging is like the foundations of a house.

Welcome!
If part of your plot is workable there are even a few things you can plant now....garlic, over-wintering onions, broad beans and peas. They won't be ready until June/July so when you do your planting plan allow for that and remember crop rotaion is a good idea.
You can find everything on the site or just ask and someone will point you in the right direction.
Good luck and lucky you getting a plot! I'm was desperately wanting one but my garden now looks like an allotment with raised beds, chickens and fruit trees/bushes.......

1) clear any weeds
2) Dig it over

the good advice in previous posts should be be taken on board....

above all dont overdo it and just enjoy yourself.....  take time to do want you want

Good advice from cooperman IMHO.

• dig a bit
• start a compost heap
• plan a bit.... but don't go wild
• dig a bit more and keep at it bit by bit marking out an area of a few square metres each time

• get a good flask and a seat (or two) especially if you have a shed already
• consider buying a single burner stove for brewing tea - nothing nicer on a cold day
• buy a few packets of seeds and start your "when to sow" list

Finally check out the link: Month by Month on The Plot for tips on what you might try growing.... and keep the weeds at bay on the bits you've already dug.

Here's wishing you both loads of success ....... but remember to take it easy - it's meant to be fun!! 

Don't forget to take piccies - vital to look back on your progress 

This is a good idea.

I'd also think about soil testing - then you'll see if or where to adjust the soil..this will help or hinder your crop rotating plans.

You can load up the patch where your' spuds'll go with manure & leave it to the worms- no digging required 'til spring then.

If you need any non-earth work doing (shed/bench building,water storage/rain collecting, greenhouse aquiring /erecting) then look on Preloved, freecycle type sites..(even our local recycling centre was due to open up to the public to offer it's better contents for such things too)..and get this work done inbetween days of digging.

Have fun.

DON'T  go at the digging like a bull at a gate and get dispondent. 

Dig over a small section by small section carefully removing weed roots, luckily the nasty ones have roots that show up white - couch/twitch grass and bindweed.

Pack up when you want to, don't feel you have to get a certain amount done.

Relax after your toil, sit back with a cup of tea / G&T , read a good book on allotment gardening, decide what you want to grow, set out a plan (but be ready to change it) plan and dream of fresh veggies to come.   

Become a scrounger,  old pallets & doors make a good compost heap.  and with a thought of a shed...... Coffee cups from the machines with a hole cut in the bottom, are great for starting off seeds.

At this time of year see the council and ask for a load of leaves, I believe they have to pay to dump them in land fill! ! !   My very best wishes and Cheers,   Tony.