When to manure? (Too early?)

I covered the empty part of my plot back in August with a thick (6-8inch) layer of manure. The worms will do their stuff and come spud planting time I shouldn't have to do more than just fork the remaining manure in.

As far as I'm concerned its never too early to manure. I have very sandy soil so it needs all the help it can get. The downside to early manuring is that some of the nutrients can wash away in the winter rains, but it will still be better than nothing.

I agree with Nikkithefoot's point about leaching of sandy soil due to winter rain but I found that not just the nutrients but much of the compost itself washes away, so I've come to a different conclusion; best to leave it until early spring - dig it in as soon as the soil is workable, which of course happens earlier than with heavy soils (one of its few advantages!)

I think too that I want to add structure more than anything. The soil's not sandy, it just sooo fine/light.When you're digging you don't need to press down on the spade/fork etc, just lean on the handle and it disappears into the ground!  :blink:   

I'm with radiohead on this one  (unless you are about to sow root veg of course  )

And if you are going to grow root veg next spring, best to add manure asap this year tbh 

I have already covered two beds with weighted black plastic as they were nice and damp and now full of compost too

How about overwintering with a bulky green manure, to dig in next spring for bulk. 
There should just be time to get mustard sown.

I dont seem to get on with tares or winter peas though, and having spent ages digging out grass from the plot I cant bear to sow winter rye back in !

But you can never have too much manure

Great replies/advice!! Cheers all   

Anyway, have I got time, or should I weedkill the weeds that are showing at the moment, or should I dig them out before 'mucking'??
Then cover with the heavy black plastic I've just aquired from work today? (Perks of the job    )