Gabrielle, better late than never!
Yes cardboard on top is an option for 1, wighted with stones of wooden posts, whatever you find that is weighty.
If spreading compost in spring, you can sow and plant on the day of making beds, no need to wait!
Be sure to tread the compost firm before planting, you can’t ‘compact’ it.
For potatoes, spread compost around plants as they are growing, even drop a shovelful over the stems of each. Then harvest as you normally do.
SO you have harvest and the ground is going no dig. Think of soil organisms as always happy to accept food.
