Danielleclarke, you can cover freshly-turned sod with cardboard, multiple layers of newspaper, or any other good mulching materials -- then plant the same day. There's no need to wait. Though I'd suggest watering the sod and soil well before laying down the covering -- helps stuff to break down. :)

The only caution I'd advise is to try not to put the bedding plant roots in direct contact with any high-carbon materials. Seems to slow the plants down, in my experience. Usually I make a small hole through the cardboard/mulch, drop in a handful or two of compost/soil, then plant.

Squirrels are supposed to be deterred by blood meal, which needs to be lightly (think of a big saltshaker or old spice jar) dusted on soil around plants after each rain. It's high nitrogen, so try not to get it directly on the plants; too much will burn them.

Hanging used CDs from threads and long strips of foil (cut from potato chip bags, for example) to wave in the breeze is also supposed to scare them off.

Internal application of ethanol is strongly advised for those post-gardening muscle aches and blisters. And the byproducts can be safely applied to the garden. :)

All the best,
-Patrick

Wow thanks Patrick. I guess i will just add some compost to the sod pile and then add the cardboard and then add more compost over that to make it smooth like and as you say plant my strawberries right into the hill.

I gave up the ethanol due to the high cost :)

I do have a bunch of old aluminum pie tins i can hang up to scare the squirrels away

Wow i can just cover the remaining un turned sod with compost and cardboard and more compost over the cardboard then cut out holes and plant more tomato's etc etc ..

This surely makes my life so much easier thanks :)