If you're new to Ohio, you might think that our somewhat cold winters can inhibit your gardening and landscaping efforts. Not so! The fact is, Ohio, with its temperate fall and spring, warm summer, and usually abundant rainfall, provides verdant conditions for growing things, from grass and ground covers to trees and shrubs to flowers and vegetables. However, just like anywhere, it's easy to make some landscaping blunders that can spoil your best efforts to beautify that home you chose from Beavercreek homes for sale.

Our REALTORS® have compiled a list of common mistakes homeowners make with their landscaping. It's not too late in the growing season to correct your mistakes and get your Beavercreek property looking its best.

1. You're mowing the grass too short. 
   It's easy to mistreat your grass. Many of us tend to mow too low, with the plan that it'll take longer to grow back and we'll save effort and perhaps even financial outgo to the landscaper. But the grass blades need to grow in order to conduct photosynthesis. Mowing the grass short can prevent it from absorbing the nutrients it needs to produce healthy roots. What's more, the weakened grass will be subject to diseases and insects.
   
   
2. You're watering grass improperly.
   Watering grass with a hose for short bursts may be relaxing to you, but you're not helping your grass. Watering in short, shallow bursts keeps the grass from producing deep, healthy roots, and the grass will suffer. Water less often, but when you do water, water deeply, so the roots will reach deeply in the earth to absorb the water.
   
   
3. You're watering all plants at the same levels. 
   Plants have different watering needs. It's easier to just turn the sprinkler or irrigation so that everything gets watered in equal measure, but that means you may be under-watering or over-watering some plants. Signs of under-watering will be obvious in that plants will droop, wilt, and turn brown, but over-watering may turn leaves yellow and also cause leaf drop.
   
   
4. You're fertilizing all plants at the same levels.
   Just like with watering, you can fertilize some plants too much and others too little. For instance, certain vegetables will need extra fertilizer, such as corn or tomatoes, while leaf vegetables generally can get what they need from the soil — if you've treated your soil with compost and other healthful amendments. It's always a good idea when you're starting to develop your landscape to test your soil — to see what minerals it already has and what you might need to add.
   
   
5. You're failing to use mulch.
   Mulch is generally chipped wood from ground-up trees. It can also be made of leaves or bark. Mulch helps hold in moisture and adds nutrients, and can help plants make it through stressful times, such as high heat and drought or cold temperatures that might otherwise damage the roots of the plants. Whenever you plant a tree, shrub, or flowers, use mulch around the plant to keep it healthy. Do not stack mulch up against the plant. Use only 2-4 inches in layers.
   
   
6. You're planting plants in the wrong places.
   Plants have different requirements for the sun. Always check how much sunlight an area receives during the growing season before you plant. Some plants are shade loving, such as hostas, while others, like sunflowers, thrive in full sun. Think about the shade a tall plant — such as a tree — may cast on other plants before you plant it.

These basic tips will get you started, but your local garden center can also help. Got real estate questions? Contact Wright-Patt Realty.