STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Oh, my gourd! The borough’s garden gladiators step back into the ring. The Richmond County Fair’s gardening showdown sprouts new life this year, giving local growers even more chances to flex their green thumbs across 19 juicy categories .

Take a cue from Isabelle DiFiore, who wowed judges with her football-sized eggplant at the Richmond County Fair. Not only did it snag first prize in its category—it took Best in Show, beating out a bounty of homegrown produce from across Staten Island.

Prizes are provided by community supporters such as the Glam Gardener, Clark’s House of Flowers, Bravery Farm & Garden and Trader Joe’s.

Here are the rules

New this year in the patch is an expanded contest lineup from cabbage to cucuzza. Sweet or spicy, your peppers now have the

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