April is Native Plant Month! | |
More and more people are including native plants in their gardens to support biodiversity and wildlife - and beauty! Native plants are adapted to the physical conditions of a local region and co-evolved with other species. They are essential as the base for a variety of food webs.
If you need help choosing native plants for your space, view the lists and resources on our website to get started!
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What's happening to my inkberry holly? | |
Q: I am having issues with two of my inkberry plants (Ilex glabra). They are about 4 years old now. The leaves seem to be turning black and dying off. I am sort of doubtful it is root rot because I have about 8 of these in a row and only two of them are affected.
A: It is certainly possible that root rot is occurring and not (yet) affecting the others...
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Do you have a question about a plant or insect in your yard, home, or community? Our Certified Professional Horticulturists, faculty, and Master Gardener Volunteers are ready to answer! | |
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Managing City and Suburban Yards and Gardens to Sustain Insect Communities
Simple changes to yards and urban greenspaces can support healthy insect communities and ecosystem services.
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Be Wise. Don't Overfertilize!
Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law helps residents maintain a healthy lawn without using unnecessary amounts of nutrients that will eventually wash into the Chesapeake Bay.
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2023 is the Year of Sweet Potato!
Sweet potato is a terrific climate-resilient crop that can take hot, dry weather and produce lots of edible greens and delicious roots that will keep through the winter. Plants can also be grown in containers or on a trellis to save space. 2023 is the Year of Sweet Potatoes for the Master Gardener Grow It Eat It Program.
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New Video: Learn about Allium Leafminer
Allium leafminer was first observed in Maryland in 2017 and it is now widespread throughout Central and Northern Maryland. This insect can damage all plants in the Allium family - garlic, onions, leeks, and chives, as well as ornamental onions.
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Our blog addresses topics such as pollinator conservation, growing native plants or food, and how to solve plant pest and disease problems. | | |
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Timely Topics on the Blog
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Tackling the Roots of an Urban Equity Issue... Leaves and Insects Too
PhD student Sarah Rothman is researching how native and non-native plant species might influence mosquito populations in lower-income vs. wealthier neighborhoods. She won a UMD Three Minute Thesis Award for her video presentation.
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The Potential of Biochar
Excess phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers can run off into local waters and cause algal blooms and other problematic issues in the environment. Biochar may offer a safer, more sustainable alternative and provide additional benefits like carbon sequestration.
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University of Maryland Arboretum | |
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Enjoy the flowering cherry trees at the University of Maryland Arboretum & Botanical Garden!
This story map shows the different varieties of cherry trees that are planted on campus in College Park and where you can find them.
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The following classes are open to the general public!
Introduction to Permaculture and Site Design
Friday, April 21, 2023 | 10 am - 2 pm| $50 | Pearlstone Center, Reisterstown, MD
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This hands-on session will introduce permaculture site design as a useful framework for making observations and plans. We'll share helpful tools, examples, and stories in an inclusive and uplifting session of peer-to-peer learning. The program includes lunch with fresh local food, some even grown on-site! Come learn with Master Gardeners at the beautiful Pearlstone Retreat Center in Baltimore County! If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Stephanie Pully at pully@umd.edu or (410) 531-1754 before April 7, 2023. | |
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Irrigation Workshop
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 | 10 am - 12 pm| $5 | MD State Fairgrounds
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Learn hands-on how to install drip irrigation in your vegetable garden! Master Gardener and leader of the UME Learning Garden at the Maryland State Fairgrounds Robert Cook will show the ins and outs of installing and maintaining a drip irrigation system in raised beds and in-ground gardens. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Stephanie Pully at pully@umd.edu or (410) 531-1754 before May 3, 2023. | |
A Boost of "Stubborn Optimism"
When it comes to climate change, there is some good news. "We know what to do, and we have the solutions we need to do it," says Dr. Sara Via.
Change can begin in our gardens and greenspaces. Our practices can catch on with friends and neighbors and add up to make a difference. In her latest climate newsletter, Dr. Via shares resources to boost one's "stubborn optimism."
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Business Services Specialist
We have a position open for a Business Services Specialist to support the operational and administrative functions of the University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center and the state Master Gardener Program. Apply by 4/12/23 using ejobs.umd.edu.
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The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.
©2023 University of Maryland College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
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