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

May Gardening Tips
May Gardening Tips
Protect early-planted vegetables and herbs from chilly nights and pests by using row cover. If you need to prune spring-flowering shrubs like azalea and lilac, trim just after the flowers have faded. The oldest plus any winter-damaged leaves on evergreens may fall off this month as new growth emerges. Houseplants spending the summer outside can be moved out around mid-month once temperatures (especially overnight) moderate and stay mild.
Watering Trees and Shrubs
Watering Trees and Shrubs
Learn how to judge when trees and shrubs (and perennials) need watering to alleviate drought stress, and how much water to apply.
Maryland Native Plant Guide: Piedmont Region (PDF)
Maryland Native Plant Guide: Piedmont Region (PDF)
Explore 180 pages of native plant articles, photos and descriptions, with basic cultivation and plant selection information, plus tips for dealing with deer and other site challenges.