from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Livingston County

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would rather have talked.” -- Mark Twain