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Contrary to popular belief, pets and gardens are compatible. All you need is some creativity to accommodate both of them. However, because the animal is part of your life, you have to consider meeting her needs a given when setting out to lay out your yard and garden.

Your biggest concern may be where your pets do their business. Dog and cat urine can create brown spots in lawns (mostly due to ammonia and uric acid in the urine), especially when the pet is a creature of habit and returns to the same spot over and over again. Just water the area to dilute, and the problem should go away. Dusting the area with gypsum can also help to neutralize the urine.

Either bury or scoop pet poop — your decision. Just never add this waste to a compost pile or spot where edible plants are growing, because cats and dogs aren’t vegetarians, and meat waste products don’t belong there. Pet feces can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, or other disease-causing organisms.

If you have pets, be careful about the gardening products you use and where you store them. Plan to keep the critters indoors after fertilizing or spraying until the packaging says it’s safe. You may also want to consider what you choose to grow and where you plant it: If animals eat a plant that doesn’t agree with them, up it comes — on your living room floor! In some cases, a trip to the vet may be in order. Visit the Animal Poison Control Center website at www.aspca.org/ for more information.