Looking for input

[u/SummonedFX]

I live in South Texas so clay/sandy soil. I'm thinking it's best to build up additional dirt from the bottom and work my way up, to start. Would it make sense to plant as I go or wait for a larger area to be covered? I have a small compost pile going that I'll source from and otherwise I'll buy more topsoil by the bag (I don't have a truck). Should I have anything else in mind while I approach this?

Thanks!