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Home and Garden Information Center

The Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) develops and delivers science-based, sustainable gardening and integrated pest management education for better human and environmental health. All residents of Maryland are welcome to send questions to Ask Extension, view our online resources here and on our Maryland Grows blog, or visit a local Master Gardener Program for answers to residential gardening questions.

Find information on

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    Food Gardening

    How to grow your own fruits, herbs, and vegetables in Maryland! Learn all about raised beds, container gardens, and recommended varieties.

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    Insects

    Learn about beneficial insects, insect friendly gardens and how to identify and manage insects indoors and outdoors.

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    Yard & Landscape

    How to grow healthy plants indoors and outdoors in Maryland, how to identify and manage problems while respecting the environment.

Hot topics

  • job openings

    Join Our Team!

    The University of Maryland Extension is hiring for several positions including Faculty Specialist (Entomology & IPM) in Ellicott City and Agent Associate/Master Gardener Coordinator in Baltimore City and Charles County.

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    Growing Figs

    What are the best varieties of figs to grow in Maryland? How can you propagate the plants easily? Grow them in containers? When do you harvest the fruit? HGIC Director Jon Traunfeld answers these questions on the GardenDC Podcast.

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    October Tips & Tasks

    It's time to plant trees and spring-flowering bulbs; turfgrass seed should be planted by the middle of the month; lettuce, spinach, and kale can be planted through the middle of October. Cover these late vegetable plantings with a row cover.

Connect with us

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    Ask Extension

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

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    Maryland Grows Blog

    Get timely tips about food gardening, soil improvement, trouble-shooting plant problems, and supporting pollinators in your landscape.

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    HGIC Newsletter

    Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter for helpful and timely gardening tips.

Featured Videos

Saving Seeds - Part 1 (Introduction)

Saving Seeds - Part 2 (Collecting)

Saving Seeds - Part 3 (Stratification)

Watch More Videos

PDF 2022 Ask Extension Survey Report
PDF 2022 Home & Garden | Master Gardener Annual Report

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Thank you for the support of USDA-NIFA through Northeast Region EIPM Grants

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Contact Us

Have a Home Gardening Question? Click the DIRECTIONS link below!

Directions

Hours: Gardening questions and photos can be sent anytime, HGIC's Certified Professional Horticulturists will respond to your questions typically within 48 hours.