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!

 

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    Master Gardener Program

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

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    Gardening Resources

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

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    Ask Extension

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

Hot Topics

  • pink moth orchid flower

    January Gardening Tips

    Try winter sowing: the last Saturday in January is National Seed Swap Day. Evergreen invasive plants are easier to target for removal in winter. Bare-root fruit plants can be ordered online for early spring planting. Be careful not to overwater houseplants.

  • a variety pf low-growing plant species are used to make a groundcover

    Landscape Designs with Native Plants

    Winter is a time to dream and plan for next year's garden. Take inspiration from a sampler of landscape design ideas in this guide to developing a simple garden layout in limited space with a native plant focus.

  • Maryland native seeds germinating in a pot

    Collecting & Sowing Native Plant Seed

    Now is an ideal time to save seeds! Collecting seeds from native plants helps preserve local genetics and provides access to hard-to-find species. Successful seed germination relies on factors like seed ripening, storage conditions, and each plant's specific adaptations. 

Videos & Webinars

Cleaning Collected Seed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Holes on Tree Trunks

Soil Testing

Blog Highlights

  • Photo of a live Christmas tree in a natural setting, adorned with beads and ornaments.

    10 Ways to Repurpose Your Christmas Tree

  • Photo of several plants in a terrarium. The focus of the photo is a plant with oval leaves that are red with white veins. This plant is Dischidia ovata, commonly called watermelon dischidia or hoya.

    Q&A: Are These Red Leaves Too Stressed?

  • Logo of the Chesapeake Bay Trust organization.

    How to Pay for a Pollinator or Native Plant Garden?

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(PDF) 2023 Home & Garden | Master Gardener Annual Report 
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