If you choose to cut the sod, you can rent a sod cutter or buy a manual sod cutter that you lay on the ground and kick under the sod to cut it in strips.

How big of a garden are you planning?

EDIT: WOW! I just tried to look up a kick-type sod cutter to show a pic and they are selling for about $250 now. I'm sure you could rent one for $20 or $30 a day, but the power cutter wouldn't be much more to rent.

__________________
Chad
2013 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL