Spring is on its way! As the weather warms, plants exit their dormant season and start showing signs of life through new leaf buds, blossoms and growth spurts. If you’re a first-time homeowner, maintaining your suddenly blooming yard may look like a daunting task. The tips below should help you both tackle the jungle and inspire you to get creative in your green space.

When mowing your lawn, it may be tempting to cut the grass as short as possible to extend the time to your next mow, but cutting your grass too short can stress it out and make it more susceptible to diseases. Aim for a grass height of 3 to 4 inches to keep your sod happy and healthy.

While watering needs can vary depending on the type of grass you have, there are a few simple rules to getting it right:

1. Limit watering to about ¾-inch of water per session. You can measure this by getting a simple rain gauge or putting out an empty can when you water and then measuring how full it is at the end.

2. Water during the early morning hours to prevent the water from evaporating too quickly in the heat of the day.

3. Aim for 2 waterings per week in the summer and one during winter, when the grass goes dormant. And pay attention to the weather! Summer storms may water for you if it rains frequently enough. Empty your rain gauge at the beginning of each week and check at the end to see if your lawn is getting enough hydration.

Finally, look for inspiration! Now is a great time to get to the garden to plant spring veggie crops or colorful flowers. Check out this seasonal planting guide from the UF Extension Service for ideas.

If you’re looking for more home maintenance tips, check out out Habitat U class calendar for upcoming events.