Home and Garden Information Center

We connect Maryland residents to trusted, science-based resources to grow healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities. Send us your questions, view gardening resources, and connect with the Master Gardener Program for local classes and other learning opportunities in person. All are welcome!

 

Education and Outreach

  • a group of Master Gardeners at the Maryland State Fair

    Master Gardener Program

    Master Gardener Program

    Master Gardeners are volunteers who combine their love of plants, people, and the environment to help Maryland residents grow healthy gardens.

  • A Master Gardener volunteer teaches visitors to a demonstration garden.

    Events and Classes

    Events and Classes

    Browse upcoming webinars, workshops, and other meetings about Yard & Garden topics.

  • A portion of the HGIC fall 2025 newsletter.

    HGIC Newsletter

    HGIC Newsletter

    Our quarterly email newsletter brings timely news, tips, events, and Q&A to your inbox.

Resources

  • a person holding a handful of vegetables from the garden

    Gardening Resources

    Gardening Resources

    Explore all gardening topics: native and invasive plants, soil testing, food gardening, tree and shrub care, indoor plants, diagnosing problems, and more.

  • Ask Extension - Send your Gardening Questions Graphic

    Ask Extension

    Ask Extension

    Get answers from our team of Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists, Extension Faculty, and Master Gardeners.

  • groceries

    Food Access Resources

    Food Access Resources

    Make the most of your food resources and find tips on county-level help for households, pantries, and markets. Statewide food assistance resources include school meals, food donation guidance, and understanding date labeling.

Hot Topics

  • American holly branch with berries

    December Gardening Tips

    December Gardening Tips

    Keep fallen leaves for wildlife and as a natural source of mulch and nutrients. Continue to check evergreens and plants that are still establishing (in the ground less than a couple of years) for watering needs. Prune off apple or pear branches damaged by fire blight, and protect overwintering strawberries with row cover.

  • purple African violet flowers

    Growing and Caring for Indoor Plants

    Growing and Caring for Indoor Plants

    Learn how to prepare trees and shrubs for planting, and how to dig the planting hole. Loosen or trim tangled roots, and locate the root flare so the plant is placed at the proper depth. Protect plants from deer damage, both browsing and buck antler rubbing that can cause serious trunk injuries.

  • Illustration of trees, hills, wildflowers, and a stream.

    Maryland Native Plant Guide: Piedmont Region (PDF)

    Maryland Native Plant Guide: Piedmont Region (PDF)

    Explore 180 pages of native plant articles, photos and descriptions, with basic cultivation and selection information, plus tips for dealing with deer and other site challenges.

Videos & Webinars

Why You Should Not Use Sealants on Tree Wounds

Keeping Stink Bugs Out of Your House

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Holes on Tree Trunks

Blog Highlights

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(PDF) 2024 Home & Garden | Master Gardener Annual Report 
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