Home gardening information is available on the state Extension Home and Garden Information Center, where you can ask Maryland Certified Horticulturists your gardening questions.  The HGIC has everything you want to know (well, almost) about maintaining the plants in and around your yard, identifying and controlling the pests inside and outside of your home…and much, much more!

 

Home and Garden Information Center

  • Learn the difference between an annual and a perennial
  • Visit Grow It Eat It for food gardening information
  • Learn how to prepare your soil for planting
  • Find the latest in lawn care and how to reduce hours maintaining your lawn
  • Soil testing information – including a How-to video
  • Right plant – right place. How to select, purchase, plant, and maintain trees and shrubs for your landscape
  • Subscribe to HGIC eNewsletter
  • Visit the Resource Library for: Archived eNewsletters, Featured Plants, FAQ’s, Gardening Glossary, Publications, Tips, How-to Videos, and more!
  • Stay tuned in to the latest happenings via Social Media on Facebook and Twitter!

 

Learn More About Our Master Gardener Program

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How Do I Become a Master Gardener?

You become a Master Gardener by successfully completing the Master Gardener 40-hour training program and then volunteering your time.

What Does a Master Gardener Do?

Master Gardeners help the University of Maryland  Extension solve gardening problems and teach environmentally sound practices by

  • working in information booths at community events and fairs,
  • maintaining demonstration gardens,
  • answering garden questions at plant clinics,
  • teaching horticulture to beginning gardeners and youth, and
  • using special talents, such as writing and photography, to benefit the program.

How Are Master Gardeners Trained?

Master Gardener training classes are conducted annually by University of Maryland Extension.  Through the training program. Participants are taught many different horticultural subjects by specialists, educators, and other horticulture professionals.

 

What Are The Master Gardener Training Topics?

Master Gardeners are trained in the following topics:

  • Botany
  • Composting
  • Diagnosing plant problems
  • Ecology
  • Entomology
  • Flower gardening
  • Lawn care
  • Organic gardening
  • Pesticide use and safety
  • Soils and fertilizers
  • Tree and shrub care
  • Vegetable gardening

What Does Master Gardener Training Cost?

Training costs are $200 for the basic training courses, and includes the Master Gardener Handbook.  The volunteer application and check should be sent to the University of Maryland Extension - Queen Anne's County, 505 Railroad Avenue, Suite 4, Centreville, MD 21617.  All checks should be made payable to the Queen Anne's County Extension Advisory Committee (QAC EAC).

Who do I contact?

Contact Rachel Rhodes rjrhodes@umd.edu if you are interested in taking the Master Gardener Basic Training course. Check out the Master Gardener Program page for more information.

For more information on the Master Gardener Program, please click here.