Gardening do's and don'ts for homeowners

One of the biggest changes for former renters or first-time buyers when they become homeowners is the need to take responsibility for exterior maintenance. No matter how well you care for the interior of your home, if it's surrounded by overgrown grass and weed-ridden gardens, your house will look unkempt.

With a little research, proper care and the right tools, your lawn and garden can be a source of pride, not a headache. Here are some do's and don'ts of gardening to help ensure that your outdoor space looks as good as your indoor space.

Gardening Do's:

Get to know the lay of the land: Understanding the type of soil you have will go a long way in making the right choices for your garden, particularly when it's time to plant in the spring. You should also note the hours of sunlight that different areas of your garden receive during the day.

Have a plan: Much like any home improvement project, establishing a well-thought out plan before beginning any work is a good idea. For example, don't plant a red maple in your small backyard just because you love them. It will eventually take up a lot of room, space that may be better utilized for swings or a sand box when children come along. The same applies to creating gardens. Think long-term to avoid re-doing things later.

Fertilize your lawn and plant in the fall. Your lawn will need the nutrients to get through the long winter months.  Fall is also the best time to plant trees, shrubs, mums and cool season grasses.

Gardening Don'ts:

Don't fertilize your trees or shrubs in late summer or early fall. You don't want to promote soft growth right before the winter months.

If planting a tree, don't create a "volcano" of mulch around the base. It will create excess moisture, invite rodents to build nests and block off oxygen.

As much as you want to, don't rake up clippings after mowing your lawn. Left on the surface, they return much-needed nutrients to the soil.