Converting Flower Bed to Lawn: Remove Mulch, Amend Clay, Sod or Seed

North Texas. New home, landscaper made big flower bed. Want 3/4 grass, 1/4 bed. Mulch on clay. Remove mulch? Fertilize before or after sod? Sugar on grass?

Steps

1. Remove all mulch.
2. Spread compost/Black Kow on clay, till in.
3. Fertilize before or after sod—both work.
4. Sod = instant, sure. Seed = cheaper, slower, more work.

Seed Timing Warning

Neighbor: "1 week." Reality: ryegrass 1 week, KBG 2–3 weeks to show, months to establish. Fast seed = weak grass.

Sugar = Waste

No harm, no benefit.

Small area (65 pieces = $65): sod wins.