Best temporary covering/solution for future patio area

[drew17]

I have a large area in my backyard (20 x 8 feet) that was in bad shape and overgrown. We tilled this area. In the future (approx 1 year) we want to have a cement patio pored and a eventuly build a cabana on part of the slab. Currently it is a mixiture of soil and stone, I am looking for some cheap ideas to do with this area before we can have a cement patio poured.

Thanks!

Drew

[Marlingardener]

I don't know much about cement, but isn't there an underlayment of gravel or sand before it's poured? Perhaps you could use gravel for your temporary covering, and then it would be in place when you get the patio cement work done.
It might not be as cheap as something else right now, but it would save you money and work with removing the other temporary surface and then getting the underlayment down.