Gardening Tips for First-Time Homeowners
June 16, 2025
Getting into gardening doesn’t have to be intimidating. The right plants can add beauty to your lawn, boost curb appeal, and even put fresh food on your table.
Getting into gardening doesn’t have to be intimidating. The right plants can add beauty to your lawn, boost curb appeal, and even put fresh food on your table.
The classic American home is most often imagined as a nice colonial or Cape Cod house with a white picket fence and a pristine, freshly-cut lawn, all lined up in a cul-de-sac filled with homes taken care of with the exact same attention to detail. There are many aspects of the modern home that are tough to divorce from that classic picture, but despite this fact, one modern movement is attempting to hit the reset button on what a lawn should be. The so-called, “Anti-Lawn Movement” advocates for the removal of a traditional all-grass, low diversity lawn in favor of a more natural option instead. Rather than the uniform, finely-trimmed grass and hedgerow, this means wildflowers, clovers, and a landscape that matches the local region. For many, the results of the Anti-Lawn Movement may feel like an untidy excuse to cut down on regular maintenance, but there may be plenty of other benefits that come with this type of seismic change! To get a better idea of why someone would want to move away from their grass lawns, let’s discuss where today’s lawn came from in the first place and why a change may be in store. Where Did the
By Kym Preslar, Content Manager of SodLawn Weeds are probably the most common problem that homeowners face when it comes to lawns. Weeds not only make your lawn look unsightly, but they also compete with your grass for nutrients and water, eventually leading to weak and sparse growth. The good news is that there are several ways to control them. You can manually pull them out by hand or use mechanical tools like a weed puller or hoe. Another effective method is using herbicides, but make sure to choose a product that is labeled for your specific weed problem and follow the instructions carefully to prevent damage to your lawn. Pests like ants, grubs, and moles can wreak havoc on your lawn and cause extensive damage if left untreated. You can identify the presence of pests by noticing disturbed soil, tunnels, or patches of yellow or brown grass. To control pests, a multi-pronged approach is recommended. You can use natural repellents like garlic or pepper spray, set traps or baits, or apply insecticides. However, it’s important to note that some insecticides can harm beneficial insects, like bees, so use them sparingly and with caution. Lawn diseases can be caused by
By Kym Preslar, Content Manager of SodLawn There’s just something about a well-manicured lawn that gives a property that special touch. A beautiful lawn not only adds curb appeal, but it can also increase the value of your property. Achieving a healthy and beautiful lawn, however, is not as simple as mowing the grass every other week. It takes effort and the right know-how to get that perfectly lush and green yard you’ve always wanted. In this ultimate guide to lawn care, we’ll give you tips and tricks that will help you achieve a lawn that will make your neighbors green with envy! Whether you’re a new or seasoned homeowner, this guide covers everything you need to know to achieve a healthy and beautiful lawn. Understanding Your LawnYour lawn is the centerpiece of your home’s outdoor space, and it deserves the utmost attention and care to look its best. Understanding your lawn is the first step to achieving a lush, green oasis right in your backyard. Different Types of GrassesDid you know that there are more than 10,000 varieties of grasses? Choosing the right grass for your lawn is an essential step in maintaining a healthy lawn. The most common
As people progress in their lives, chances are that they will experience a desire for increased ownership and investment in their living space. For many, this might mean a transition from an apartment to a traditional single-family home. Certainly, a traditional home has many potential draws for a first-time homeowner, but depending on priorities and interests, it would be a mistake not to consider a condominium. Condos are often regarded as a less expensive, more obtainable first home for young people. If you are in the market for home ownership, it would be valuable to review the pros and cons of buying a condo. But first, it’s important to develop a general understanding of how a condominium differs from an apartment or a traditional home. What Is A Condominium? A condominium is a residential complex consisting of separate units, each owned by their respective resident. Often abbreviated as simply “condos,” these units resemble apartments in some ways, often sharing walls with other units. Sometimes they are even located in highrise buildings, with units above or below one another. Condo owners are responsible for the upkeep of their units’ interiors, while they must join their condo’s association to collectively care for
Every new year, people rack their brains about what their New Year’s Resolution should be. Should I make it a goal to lose weight this year? Should I spend more time with my family? Maybe read more? Get more organized? Personal resolutions are great, and this time period is a great opportunity to make moves toward self improvement. However, it seems that too many people are missing an opportunity to make a resolution related to almost definitely their most valuable fiscal investment: their home. This year, resolve to take better care of your home by practicing good home maintenance! Your home works hard to take good care of you, return the favor by starting with these simple steps. Know Your Home An easy way to start off with home maintenance is to make sure you set aside between 1% and 4% of your home’s value for home maintenance. Some call this the “Home Maintenance Rule of Thumb,” this is meant to be an easy-to-follow budgeting strategy to make sure home maintenance tasks aren’t neglected. These smaller maintenance tasks will save you money in the long run, as you avoid the more costly breakdowns that can occur without regular maintenance. With
Trees are a great addition to any yard. They provide shade, a home for local wildlife, and even delicious fruits. But you do need to give your trees the right care to avoid them becoming a giant pain. Here’s what you can do to keep those saplings strong and healthy. Know your tree species better. There are close to 1,000 species of trees throughout North America, each one requiring different care instructions. If you haven’t had to care for trees before, it may seem a bit overwhelming. The good news is that a little bit of research can give you a better idea of how to care for the ones at your home. The internet, books, and even local lawn care professionals are great resources to reach out to. You’ll be able to find the best information on what to do and what not to do to keep your trees growing strong. Care for the ground around. Poor soil conditions can impact a tree’s root system and its ability to get the nutrients it needs. Avoid compacting the dirt at the base of the tree too much. This is common when people frequently park their cars underneath. Move your car
A man-made pond can transform your yard into your own personal oasis. They offer a place for you to relax after a long day and make the perfect spot to entertain guests. As the temperature starts to drop, you might not use your pond as often. To ensure it’s ready come springtime, here’s what you should do. Should You Turn Your Pond Off? A frozen pond can look just as beautiful as one in full effect. Especially if you have a large waterfall feature, icicles and snow make the perfect wintery backdrop. However, they can also take a toll on your pond. Ice build-ups make it harder for water to flow through the system and can crack the piping. A pond de-icer or pond heater can help break up these ice dams, but generally it’s better for your pond overall to shut it off for the season if you live where the temperature can hit zero. If you experience more mild winters (50 degrees or above), you’ll likely be fine leaving your pond running. Clean and Keep Leaves Out Leaves can turn your beautiful pond into a puddle of muck. In addition, they can also ruin your pond’s pump system
A sprinkler system is a great and easy way to keep your lawn looking fresh through the hot summer months. They also require continual maintenance to ensure you don’t turn your beautiful lawn into a pond. Here are some common issues that can come with a sprinkler system and how to fix them. Sunken Heads Over time, the composition of your lawn’s soil can change and shift around. This causes your irrigation system to sink and settle deeper into the ground, shortening the sprinkler heads. Sunken heads don’t have as much clearance above surrounding plants, and therefore don’t cover their intended area. If you notice lots of brown spots or pooled water, the culprit might be a sunken head. Simply digging around the head and adjusting the pipe and filling the space back in will straighten it out. Be careful as you dig to not hit and break the water pipe. Low Water Pressure Inefficient water pressure going through your system is another reason that the heads aren’t popping up all the way. It can also be the sign of a larger issue with your system. Low pressure could mean that there is a break or a leak somewhere along
In summer, (and especially on summer holidays) burn injuries increase exponentially due to out-of-control flames, unsupervised grills, and other mishaps. If you plan on gathering around a campfire this summer, here’s how you can keep safe. BonfiresBonfires are great for larger groups since they’re generally bigger than a small fire pit. They give off intense heat that’ll definitely keep you warm should the night get chilly, plus a bonfire provides adequate lighting to let the party continue into the night. Yet with all of the benefits, there are some points to consider before you start. First, the larger size of bonfires can make them harder to control if it’s windy out. They also need a fair amount of clear space to burn safely. Lastly, unlike a fire pit, bonfires don’t usually have a protective barrier around the base to keep people from getting too close. Fire Pits Although bonfires are nice if you’re going to have a lot of guests, fire pits include some of the safety measures bonfires might not. Portable or stationary pits tend to be smaller and don’t need as much clear land when they’re burning. Having the fire in a bowl or surrounded by a metal
Getting into gardening doesn’t have to be intimidating. The right plants can add beauty to your lawn, boost curb appeal, and even put fresh food on your table.
The classic American home is most often imagined as a nice colonial or Cape Cod house with a white picket fence and a pristine, freshly-cut lawn, all lined up in a cul-de-sac filled with homes taken care of with the exact same attention to detail. There are many aspects of the modern home that are tough to divorce from that classic picture, but despite this fact, one modern movement is attempting to hit the reset button on what a lawn should be. The so-called, “Anti-Lawn Movement” advocates for the removal of a traditional all-grass, low diversity lawn in favor of a more natural option instead. Rather than the uniform, finely-trimmed grass and hedgerow, this means wildflowers, clovers, and a landscape that matches the local region. For many, the results of the Anti-Lawn Movement may feel like an untidy excuse to cut down on regular maintenance, but there may be plenty of other benefits that come with this type of seismic change! To get a better idea of why someone would want to move away from their grass lawns, let’s discuss where today’s lawn came from in the first place and why a change may be in store. Where Did the
By Kym Preslar, Content Manager of SodLawn Weeds are probably the most common problem that homeowners face when it comes to lawns. Weeds not only make your lawn look unsightly, but they also compete with your grass for nutrients and water, eventually leading to weak and sparse growth. The good news is that there are several ways to control them. You can manually pull them out by hand or use mechanical tools like a weed puller or hoe. Another effective method is using herbicides, but make sure to choose a product that is labeled for your specific weed problem and follow the instructions carefully to prevent damage to your lawn. Pests like ants, grubs, and moles can wreak havoc on your lawn and cause extensive damage if left untreated. You can identify the presence of pests by noticing disturbed soil, tunnels, or patches of yellow or brown grass. To control pests, a multi-pronged approach is recommended. You can use natural repellents like garlic or pepper spray, set traps or baits, or apply insecticides. However, it’s important to note that some insecticides can harm beneficial insects, like bees, so use them sparingly and with caution. Lawn diseases can be caused by
By Kym Preslar, Content Manager of SodLawn There’s just something about a well-manicured lawn that gives a property that special touch. A beautiful lawn not only adds curb appeal, but it can also increase the value of your property. Achieving a healthy and beautiful lawn, however, is not as simple as mowing the grass every other week. It takes effort and the right know-how to get that perfectly lush and green yard you’ve always wanted. In this ultimate guide to lawn care, we’ll give you tips and tricks that will help you achieve a lawn that will make your neighbors green with envy! Whether you’re a new or seasoned homeowner, this guide covers everything you need to know to achieve a healthy and beautiful lawn. Understanding Your LawnYour lawn is the centerpiece of your home’s outdoor space, and it deserves the utmost attention and care to look its best. Understanding your lawn is the first step to achieving a lush, green oasis right in your backyard. Different Types of GrassesDid you know that there are more than 10,000 varieties of grasses? Choosing the right grass for your lawn is an essential step in maintaining a healthy lawn. The most common
As people progress in their lives, chances are that they will experience a desire for increased ownership and investment in their living space. For many, this might mean a transition from an apartment to a traditional single-family home. Certainly, a traditional home has many potential draws for a first-time homeowner, but depending on priorities and interests, it would be a mistake not to consider a condominium. Condos are often regarded as a less expensive, more obtainable first home for young people. If you are in the market for home ownership, it would be valuable to review the pros and cons of buying a condo. But first, it’s important to develop a general understanding of how a condominium differs from an apartment or a traditional home. What Is A Condominium? A condominium is a residential complex consisting of separate units, each owned by their respective resident. Often abbreviated as simply “condos,” these units resemble apartments in some ways, often sharing walls with other units. Sometimes they are even located in highrise buildings, with units above or below one another. Condo owners are responsible for the upkeep of their units’ interiors, while they must join their condo’s association to collectively care for
Every new year, people rack their brains about what their New Year’s Resolution should be. Should I make it a goal to lose weight this year? Should I spend more time with my family? Maybe read more? Get more organized? Personal resolutions are great, and this time period is a great opportunity to make moves toward self improvement. However, it seems that too many people are missing an opportunity to make a resolution related to almost definitely their most valuable fiscal investment: their home. This year, resolve to take better care of your home by practicing good home maintenance! Your home works hard to take good care of you, return the favor by starting with these simple steps. Know Your Home An easy way to start off with home maintenance is to make sure you set aside between 1% and 4% of your home’s value for home maintenance. Some call this the “Home Maintenance Rule of Thumb,” this is meant to be an easy-to-follow budgeting strategy to make sure home maintenance tasks aren’t neglected. These smaller maintenance tasks will save you money in the long run, as you avoid the more costly breakdowns that can occur without regular maintenance. With
Trees are a great addition to any yard. They provide shade, a home for local wildlife, and even delicious fruits. But you do need to give your trees the right care to avoid them becoming a giant pain. Here’s what you can do to keep those saplings strong and healthy. Know your tree species better. There are close to 1,000 species of trees throughout North America, each one requiring different care instructions. If you haven’t had to care for trees before, it may seem a bit overwhelming. The good news is that a little bit of research can give you a better idea of how to care for the ones at your home. The internet, books, and even local lawn care professionals are great resources to reach out to. You’ll be able to find the best information on what to do and what not to do to keep your trees growing strong. Care for the ground around. Poor soil conditions can impact a tree’s root system and its ability to get the nutrients it needs. Avoid compacting the dirt at the base of the tree too much. This is common when people frequently park their cars underneath. Move your car
A man-made pond can transform your yard into your own personal oasis. They offer a place for you to relax after a long day and make the perfect spot to entertain guests. As the temperature starts to drop, you might not use your pond as often. To ensure it’s ready come springtime, here’s what you should do. Should You Turn Your Pond Off? A frozen pond can look just as beautiful as one in full effect. Especially if you have a large waterfall feature, icicles and snow make the perfect wintery backdrop. However, they can also take a toll on your pond. Ice build-ups make it harder for water to flow through the system and can crack the piping. A pond de-icer or pond heater can help break up these ice dams, but generally it’s better for your pond overall to shut it off for the season if you live where the temperature can hit zero. If you experience more mild winters (50 degrees or above), you’ll likely be fine leaving your pond running. Clean and Keep Leaves Out Leaves can turn your beautiful pond into a puddle of muck. In addition, they can also ruin your pond’s pump system
A sprinkler system is a great and easy way to keep your lawn looking fresh through the hot summer months. They also require continual maintenance to ensure you don’t turn your beautiful lawn into a pond. Here are some common issues that can come with a sprinkler system and how to fix them. Sunken Heads Over time, the composition of your lawn’s soil can change and shift around. This causes your irrigation system to sink and settle deeper into the ground, shortening the sprinkler heads. Sunken heads don’t have as much clearance above surrounding plants, and therefore don’t cover their intended area. If you notice lots of brown spots or pooled water, the culprit might be a sunken head. Simply digging around the head and adjusting the pipe and filling the space back in will straighten it out. Be careful as you dig to not hit and break the water pipe. Low Water Pressure Inefficient water pressure going through your system is another reason that the heads aren’t popping up all the way. It can also be the sign of a larger issue with your system. Low pressure could mean that there is a break or a leak somewhere along
In summer, (and especially on summer holidays) burn injuries increase exponentially due to out-of-control flames, unsupervised grills, and other mishaps. If you plan on gathering around a campfire this summer, here’s how you can keep safe. BonfiresBonfires are great for larger groups since they’re generally bigger than a small fire pit. They give off intense heat that’ll definitely keep you warm should the night get chilly, plus a bonfire provides adequate lighting to let the party continue into the night. Yet with all of the benefits, there are some points to consider before you start. First, the larger size of bonfires can make them harder to control if it’s windy out. They also need a fair amount of clear space to burn safely. Lastly, unlike a fire pit, bonfires don’t usually have a protective barrier around the base to keep people from getting too close. Fire Pits Although bonfires are nice if you’re going to have a lot of guests, fire pits include some of the safety measures bonfires might not. Portable or stationary pits tend to be smaller and don’t need as much clear land when they’re burning. Having the fire in a bowl or surrounded by a metal