Q&A Master Gardeners with

Why would my garden always look so far behind my neighbors’ gardens? What might I be doing differently/ wrong?

It is always encouraged for questions like this for you to consider reaching out to your local County’s Cornell Cooperative Extension as most have agents or Master Gardeners that would be happy to do site visits to help you assess your garden and further your gardening knowledge. Itpotentiallycouldbethesoilandhow yourneighborisamendingit.Itcould be potentially plant selection. Or it could be planting timing or planting skills. There are so many variables that could affect your garden versus your neighbors.’ One thing that is pretty universal is that gardeners on average are pretty open to talking about gardening, especially their successes. There are vast amounts of research and studies regarding how gardening particularly community gardens build social communities. So, take a deep breath and ask your neighbor their thoughts. I’m sure they would be happy to share. Also, if you are looking for educational opportunities to broaden your knowledge, reach out to your local CCE; they may have a program like Seed to Supper that might give you the tools and knowledge to be the best gardener you can be. CCEs are great resources for all kinds of information, so take advantage of them as each county has one.

PS. While gardening on many levels is experiential learning, “Learning by Doing,” you rarely are doing somethingwrong…it’sjustaprocess of learning what may work better for you and your specific garden!

- Ken Estes, Jr, Cornell Cooperative Extension,Livingston County

Mobile Pet Full Grooming Service

One-on-one personal attention.

Accepting New Clients!

Penny Saver

Let us pamper your pet in our mobile unit!

PUPPY PALACE

Servicing the City of Batavia 585-682-3219 anitaspuppypalace.com

Extreme heat can be dangerous to pets, who often suffer in silence when dealing with the consequences of extreme heat. Pet owners who take certain precautions and learn to recognizesignsofapetstruggling withheatcanbetterprotecttheir animals from succumbing to risingtemperatures.