Master Gardener

Welcome to Charles County Master Gardeners

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who are passionate about the environment and community engagement. Our mission is to support the University of Maryland Extension service by educating residents about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities. We use a variety of activities to provide horticulture information such as:

  • Plant clinics to diagnose disease and/or pest problems

  • Exhibits at local events

  • Youth programs

  • Maintaining demonstration gardens

Actions you can take to garden more sustainably include:

  • Composting

  • Growing more native plants

  • Implementing Bay-Wise landscaping practices  

  • Growing food organically

To see what we are currently working on, please visit our Resource Page to get The Compost, for the latest information on new and ongoing projects.

If you or your organization in Charles County would like assistance with planting techniques, or design, or would like to request a gardening presentation, please complete this form.

Outreach Events

  • Flyer for the April 1, 2023, Vegetable Garden Planning Class

    Vegetable Garden Planning

    April 1, 10:00 am

    Waldorf West Library

    10405 O'Donnell Place, Waldorf, MD 20603

    This presentation will cover topics such as preparing your soil, selecting crops to grow, watering considerations, and more.

    Registration is not required.

    Charles County Public Library events are accessible for all. If you have an accessibility request, please contact programs@ccplonline.org, three business days prior to the event.

  • Image of the backyard buffers logo

    Backyard Buffers

    April 15, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

    UME Charles Office

    9501 Crain Highway, Bel Alton, MD 20611

    The Charles County Master Gardener Bay-Wise program has teamed up with our county forester to provide residents with free buffers in a bag. Each bag will include 12 bare-root seedlings, approximately 1-2 feet in height, which will be a mixture of American sycamore, swamp white oak, persimmon, and buttonbush. More information on these species can be found here.

    Register here for a free bundle

     

  • Photo of the NatureFest Event

    NatureFest

    April 22, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

    Tilghman Lake Park

    10598 Box Elder Rd, La Plata, MD 20646

    Prepare to be amazed, get your hands dirty, and have loads of fun as we learn about the beauties of nature together!

    Sign-ups will begin April 1, 2023. 

     

  • Photo of Master Gardeners at the Tree Giveaway 2022

    Nurture Natives Tree Giveaway

    April  29, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

    University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742

    Charles County Master Gardeners will once again partner with our local 2022 4-H Agri-Science "Lead to Change" project winners (Esther Bonney, Samantha Rutherford, and Abigail Bonney) at Maryland Day 2023.  Hundreds of free native shrubs and trees will be distributed to Maryland residents.

    Join us to celebrate 25 years of Maryland Day! Bring family and friends to UMD’s signature campus event dedicated to learning, discovery and new ideas. Free admission and parking plus native trees and shrubs!

Contact the Master Gardener Coordinator

Position Vacant
301-934-5403, Ext. 200

To learn about becoming a Master Gardener or about our programs, click on the side menu or on the images below.

  • Master Garden Yard Sign

    About the Program

  • Photo of the Master Gardener Plant Clinic tent and volunteers

    Ask A Master Gardener Plant Clinic

  • Bay-Wise Volunteers and Tent

    Bay-Wise

  • Compost materials and leaves

    Composting

  • Photo of eggplants, mixed vegetables

    Grow It Eat It

  • Fence painted with flowers

    Native Plants

  • Photo of a bee

    Pollinators

  • Library books on gardening

    Resources

  • Facebook logo

    Follow us on Facebook

    Charles County Master Gardeners, University of Maryland Extension.

  • HGIC logo

    Home and Garden Information Center

    Home and Garden Information Center
    Get science-based, sustainable gardening and integrated pest management education for better human and environmental health.

  • Ask button for cards

    Have a Gardening Question

    Have a Gardening Question?
    Get answers from our team of Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists, Extension Faculty, and Master Gardeners.