Cornell Cooperative Extension

Being somewhat of a novice gardener, I'm always on the lookout for helpful information. One site that has been invaluable to me is the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Part of me can't stand the thought of using anything from Cornell given the hockey rivalry with my alma mater, but sometimes you have to overlook such things.

Although the CCE is providing information for upstate NY, I am considering it close enough for southern New England. If anything I think I should have a couple weeks longer growing season in CT. That includes a week or two earlier planting time and maybe a couple weeks longer into the fall.

Within the CCE site I have found the Vegetable Growing Guide to be invaluable. It contains a fairly detailed overview of what is required to grow all the major vegetable types. From germination & planting times to diseases and pests, this is the best overview I have found. The only thing lacking are good pictures of diseased plants and bug infestations to help in identifying which problem you are having.

Many cooperative extensions will have similar information. Those folks located south and/or west should look for a site located closer to them to ensure applicability. In the end though, a bean is a bean and will sprout in the same amount of time regardless of where it is located.