So, you just got your first house with a yard, congrats! Now comes the fun part — Spring is here in Northeast Ohio, and it’s time to start taking care of your front and back lawn or garden. Maybe you grew up mowing the grass or helped a parent with weeding, but there’s a lot more to think about when it comes to landscaping as an adult than just doing your chores.

If you’re new to planning your own landscaping, we’ve answered a few common questions for first time homeowners.

When’s the Right Time to Mulch?

It’s quite simple — May is for Mulching. The weather in the greater Cleveland area can be a bit finicky, so it’s important to wait until after there’s no more snow but well before Summertime. May is usually when we start seeing temperatures consistently above 60 degrees.

What’s the Best Kind of Fertilizer?

From weed killers to Miracle Grow, there are many types of fertilizer to consider as you walk through your garden center. But, for early spring, you should apply two kinds of fertilizer.

First, put down a pre-emergent weed killer. This will keep out dandelions and crabgrass from sprouting in the summer. Then, consider laying a slow-release fertilizer. This will ensure your grass is well-nourished for summer treatments.

Do I Need Special Soil for Gardening?

Usually, yes. The type of soil that you use depends on the type of plants you’re trying to grow.

For example, if you’re trying to grow a lush floral garden up front, the local soil in Northeast Ohio is full of sand and clay, so you may need to purchase a bag of potting soil to lay on top of dirt that’s already there.

How Often Should I Mow My Lawn?

There’s no rule for this one — just mow whenever you think it looks messy. One practical note — longer grass needs less water since long blades of grass protect themselves with shade from the sun. Summers in the Cleveland area are pretty mild, so shorter lawns can survive longer here.

These four tips should help you keep a healthy-looking landscape outside, so you can take pride in your new home’s curb appeal or simply enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while you do some yard work.