With the ushering in of the beautiful weather, we set our sights on spring gardening. But even this relaxing hobby has its dangers.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers offers the following tips to keep gardeners out in the yard rather than in the emergency room during spring planting season:

• Be cautious when spraying pesticides and other chemicals. Many are toxic if ingested, and even prolonged skin contact or inhalation during use of product can cause toxic symptoms. Symptoms of pesticide poisoning include irritation of the skin, eyes and lungs, as well as muscle cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and sweating. If you experience these symptoms, call your Poison Center at 800-222-1222 for assistance.

• Pay attention to what you're putting in your garden. Weeds such as nightshade and nettles often coexist with planted flowers and shrubs and can be harmful. Signs of plant poisoning include symptoms ranging from skin irritation to nausea to hallucinations. Some plants when ingested can be toxic to the heart, liver, kidney, stomach and can cause seizures.

• While products might note they are "green," "natural" or "organic," these are terms that are used interchangeably and don't necessarily mean the products are harmless. Regardless of the product, make sure you carefully read the label information before using it.

• Keep pesticides, fertilizers and other gardening chemicals in their original containers and out of the sight and reach of children.

• Do not apply pesticides on a windy day or in children's sand boxes.

• Wash hands after contact with any chemical.

• Store seeds, bulbs and plant food out of the reach of children; some seeds and bulbs can be coated with insecticides.

• Consider all mushrooms found outside as unsafe.

• Call your local Poison Center immediately if you suspect a child has touched, breathed or swallowed pesticide, fertilizer or parts of a plant. Calls to 800-222-1222 are automatically connected to a specialist in poison information who is a nurse, pharmacist or doctor offering free, expert, confidential advice. The specialist in poison information will tell you exactly what to do and will follow up with you by phone, if necessary, to provide further assurance.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers supports the nation's 60 poison control centers in their efforts to prevent poisoning. Poison centers offer free and confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you believe you've been exposed to a poison or have questions about whether a substance is poisonous, call your local poison control center at 800-222-1222.