A mulch kit control lever includes a handle pivotably mounted to a support plate with a tension spring connecting the handle to the support plate and urging the handle to pivot to either a mulching position or a side discharge position relative to the support plate. The tension spring is connected before the mulch kit control lever is installed on the mower deck. A retainer slides in a slot in one of the support plate and the handle preventing over-travel of the handle past the mulching position and the side discharge position.