Welcome to the new gardening season!
This month, we bring you dates for spring plant sales, the new, updated Maryland Master Gardener Handbook, Maryland's Best Native Plant program, and more!
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It's plant sale season! Here is a list of plant sales and swaps coming up around the state:
| | New Maryland Master Gardener Handbook | | |
Whether you’re a novice or an expert gardener, The Maryland Master
Gardener Handbook is the resource you need to grow a thriving garden in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region. This reference details plant terminology, gardening instructions, growing schedules, and species charts featuring color photographs for gardeners in Maryland.
Chapters cover essential horticultural topics such as ecology, botany, soils, entomology, and plant diseases. In addition to educating gardeners about the basics, the handbook highlights sustainable gardening content such as the use and care of native plants, integrated pest management, water conservation, and best management practices for gardening in a changing climate.
Finally, the guide includes diagnostic keys for all major plant groups and special keys for cultural and environmental problems, as well as information on structural and nuisance pests. Created as part of the curriculum of the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Program, The Maryland Master Gardener Handbook is the definitive resource for anyone looking to develop a green thumb.
Available in hardcopy AND Ebook formats!
| | Vegetable Planting Calendar | | Find out when to plant vegetables. We've got a calendar, last frost dates, and a soil temperature map! | | |
Maryland's Best
Native Plants Program
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The Maryland’s Best Native Plants program aims to bring education, awareness, and recognition to consumers and producers about the importance of native plants. The Maryland Department of Agriculture is launching a new program that will help identify retail locations that are dedicated to offering Maryland native plants!
Why native plants? Native plants are critical to the health of our environment. Plus, they can be easier to grow and require less maintenance. They are crucial for the survival of many of our
native pollinators and other beneficial insects, birds, mammals, and reptiles, and can be more resilient than non-native plants in the face of changing weather and climate patterns.
There are three tiers of certification: bronze, silver, and gold which identifies the percentage of native plants compared to their whole inventory - the higher the medal, the higher the percentage of native plants they are carrying. To find a retailer near you, check out the certified nurseries list and interactive Google map.
If you have any questions or concerns about the program, please contact Kristin Hanna at kristin.hanna@maryland.gov.
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Mites in the Home Garden
Check out our consolidated page on mites.
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Maryland Native Plants Program
The University MNPP Extension program supports the nursery industry and end-users by providing unbiased and research-based information about how to select, propagate, and use native plants in developed and natural landscapes. This site is still under construction
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Soil Test Results
Q: Are there any none-tilling options for lowering pH?
A: The quickest way to improve the soil is by spreading an 8-in. layer of compost or 50:50 topsoil/compost mix. This will also help drop the soil pH. Although the soil pH may not drop much this growing season...
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Do you have a gardening question? Our Certified Professional Horticulturists, faculty, and Master Gardener Volunteers answer questions - year-round!
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Soil Amendment & Fertilizer
In this month's episode, we are joined by Extension Specialist in Commercial Horticulture, Dr. Andrew Ristvey, to discuss the in and out of soil amendment & fertilizers. We cover the benefits of amending your soil, the difference between an amendment & fertilizer, what are the different types of Nitrogen fertilizers, how to adjust soil pH.
| | | Follow our blog to learn about pollinator conservation, growing native plants and food, and how to solve plant pest and disease problems. | |
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Featured Article
How to Save Money in the Garden
Annette Cormany, Principal Agent Associate and Master Gardener Coordinator, Washington County, shares some tips for reducing gardening expenses.
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Earth Day Event
Saturday, April 24 | 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Baltimore, MD
Registration deadline: Friday, April 18, 2025
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Maryland Day
Saturday, April 26 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | College Park, MD
| | The Home and Garden Information Center and the Master Gardener Program will be on Ag Avenue. Celebrate 100 years of Ag (Maryland) Day with us! Stop by with your plant questions, learn about tree care, beneficial insects, native plants, and low cost gardening techniques! | |
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Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea, and the Arts
Saturday, April 26 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Laurel, MD
| | This is Grow It Eat It's Year of Herbs! Come visit Prince George's County Master Gardeners at the Annual Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea, and the Arts. | |
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International Master Gardener Conference
August 25-28, 2025 | Virtual
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Discover innovative practices, learn from experts, and connect with fellow gardeners dedicated to making a positive impact on our planet. Let's grow a greener future together!
Our keynote speakers bring powerful insights, innovative ideas, and expert knowledge to ignite your passion for gardening and beyond. Don’t miss these thought-provoking presentations that will leave you informed and motivated. Get ready to be inspired!
This event is open to the public.
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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.
©2025 University of Maryland College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
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