To ask my neighbour to teach me gardening?

[Smellyoldowls22]

Since ex p left, I've had the garden to look after by myself.
I've managed to work out the lawnmower and scalp the lawn (a small triumph, I have to say), but there's a bunch of weeds poking through cracks and a hedge to do.
Wibu to ask my neighbour, who seems really great with gardening, to teach me how to take care of my garden? Just the basics. I am literally clueless.
I've never spoken to him but I see his garden from my window and it's really nice.

I think it’s almost more awkward to ask someone who lives next door to you. Personally I’d rather advertise on a local fb group and offer something in exchange. There may be someone who’s a better fit than your neighbour (or maybe he will answer, who knows).

He's next door but one, so we don't bump into each other.

If you were my neighbour would happily show you. Lots of gardeners love to share their knowledge.

Knock and ask, worst they can do is say No (or F off, but unlikely)

All the gardeners I know love giving advice, especially when unsought. 🙄

Yes, if you were my neighbour I'd be happy help if you were showing an interest! And especially if you complimented mine. ;)

I was thinking this in the summer.

I would love someone to teach me gardening - I even had dreams of paying them to sort out a veg patch for me!

I should think if they’re a keen gardener they’d be flattered to be asked. And might even be willing to put in a little work as a favour to you.

However. You should have regard to your safety if they’re a stranger.

Is there an entrance to your garden that doesn’t involve going through your house?

Are you visible to other neighbours when you’re in the garden?

Is their a friend / sibling who could be around for the first few gardening tutorials - just until you feel sure they’re a safe and non-stalker-y person to have around?

Why not chat to him one time when he’s working in his front garden, admire his garden then ask for advice about a specific thing ie the weeds or pruning a bush. It would be a good way to judge how friendly he is.

I was wondering if you lived next door to my dm (but obvs not) she’s desperate to instruct her neighbours about gardening. She know they need weeded and had watched some labour intensive attempts but seems to have forgotten what it’s like when working full time with a family.

its worth asking, it’s always easier to learn from someone that knows what they are doing. Potentially avoid investing in the wrong plants and tools too.

Most of my gardening and garden maintenance knowledge came from books and magazines, to begin with and, latterly from YouTube.
There are tutorials on there for anything you can think of.

But a gardening neighbour would be lovely to have.