Garrett County Master Gardener Program 

The Master Gardener Program is offered through the University of Maryland Extension's Environment and Natural Resources (ENR), delivering research-based education and technical assistance to help individuals, communities, and organizations conserve and responsibly manage Maryland's natural resources. 

Garrett County Extension Master Gardeners is a volunteer program that supports the UME mission by educating residents about safe, effective, and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities. UME Garrett County also offers a range of other ENR programming in home gardening, sustainable landscaping, and environmental conservation. To learn more about these and other local county Extension programs, please contact our office.

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Environment & Natural Resource Programs in Garrett County

Master Gardener Program

The Maryland Master Gardener vision is a healthier world through environmental stewardship.

Our mission is to support the University of Maryland Extension mission by educating residents about safe, effective, and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities.

The Maryland Master Gardener Program was started in 1978 as a means of extending the horticultural and pest management expertise of the University of Maryland Extension to the general public.

The program is designed to train volunteer horticultural educators for the University of Maryland Extension- the principal outreach education unit of the UMD. Participants receive 40-50 hours of basic training from UMD professionals and then agree to work in their communities to teach Marylanders how to cultivate garden spaces and manage landscapes sustainably using research-based information. This environmental horticulture approach reduces fertilizer and pesticide use, resulting in improved soil and water quality.

Master Gardeners typically work in group-directed teams and committees with trainees matched to senior Master Gardeners. Typical activities include

  • Environmental gardening demonstrations and classes
  • Plant clinics where plant and pest problems are diagnosed, and residents learn least-toxic solutions
  • Individual phone consultations
  • Composting classes and demonstration sites
  • Youth gardening
  • Community gardening and greening
  • Information booths at fairs and festivals
  • Advanced training/continuing education

Become a Master Gardener

Master Gardener Volunteer Resources

Water-Wise Program

Water-Wise is a voluntary conservation landscape certification program that recognizes property owners for implementing best management practices in their lawns and gardens.  Landowners can help reduce pesticide use,  increase water quality,  provide wildlife habitat, and much more!  Check out the yardstick and see if your property measures up.  You just need 36 inches to become certified.  Once certified,  you will receive a small aluminum sign to display.  

The first step is to fill out the application. Garrett County Master Gardeners will be visiting your site to complete the certification process.  This program mimics the popular and successful BayWise Program. 

Application    Water-Wise Sign Yardstick

Resources

Why Soil Temperature Matters

Master Gardener Coordinator Ashley Bodkins shares ideas on the best time to start seedlings in the right soil temperature. Click on the article above to read all the details. 

Read the Blog Post

Other Extension ENR Programs

Aquaculture and Seafood Technology

UME educational programs that support sustainable aquaculture, seafood safety, ecosystem restoration, and Maryland's seafood industry. 

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Forestry and Natural Resources

The University of Maryland Extension ENR program offers resources on forest stewardship, wildlife habitat, conservation practices, renewable energy, and natural resource management. 

Learn More

Home Horticulture & Gardening Programs

UMD Extension agents provide the community with science-based information on gardening, landscaping, integrated pest management, and sustainable landscape practices. 

Water and Climate

UME agents offer education on water quality, watershed protection, climate resilience, stormwater management, and the proper care of private wells and septic systems. 

Learn More

View All ENR Programs

Extension ENR Resources

From flooding and forestry to watershed restoration and wildlife, UME has hundreds of ENR resources to discover. Find expert-curated tips to manage your lawn, plants, and food gardens, or get answers from our team of Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists, Extension Faculty, and Master Gardeners. Explore all ENR resources.

More Garrett County Extension Programs