Home and Garden Information Center

Explore Our Program

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

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.
Events and Classes
Events and Classes
Browse upcoming webinars, workshops, and other meetings about Yard & Garden topics.
HGIC Newsletter
HGIC Newsletter
Our quarterly email newsletter brings timely news, tips, events, and Q&A to your inbox.

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Resources

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

August Gardening Tips
August Gardening Tips
Continue to monitor plants for watering needs, especially those installed in the past two years. Fescue lawns afflicted with Brown Patch or other fungal outbreaks should recover in autumn. Remove any fallen fruits or leaves from fruit trees so they don't harbor pests and diseases. There's still time to plant cool-season veggies for fall gardening.
Watering Trees and Shrubs
Watering Trees and Shrubs
Monitor plants for watering needs: learn how to judge when the root zone is dry enough to benefit from being irrigated, and how to apply water so there is minimal waste but enough to rehydrate the soil.
Key to Common Problems of Cucumbers
Key to Common Problems of Cucumbers
Cucumbers are popular in vegetable gardens, but they can be damaged by several pests and diseases. Learn what ailments and stressors commonly affect cucumbers and how to manage them effectively and sustainably.