Preparing new ground

This regularly happens to me. What I do (not recommended by any one that I have ever seen) is to turn it over one spit deep with a fork if possible, otherwise a spade and roughly rake. If possible just before planting out what i want to grow there so it gets a head start. I've done this mainly before planting things like potatoes, squash, courgette, Could work with brassicas as well. But be prepared to weed round some plants and use a hoe. I think I've even planted out peas and beans started in trays.