January 2021 UME Master Gardener Program Announcements

January 2021 UME Master Gardener

State Office Announcements

Happy New Year everyone! This month's newsletter includes an opportunity to share your gardening highlights of 2020, resources for the new background check policy, and a host of Continuing Education opportunities!

Photo from Maryland Grows Blog

Send in your gardening highlights

from 2020!

As we weather the winter months and dream about goals for our 2021 growing seasons, we thought it would be fun, interesting, and informative to share some highlights from your 2020 season. We are on the lookout for interesting stories to share on the Maryland Grows blog and HGIC Facebook page.

Do you have anything notable to share? Such as:

Big vegetable hauls
New garden construction or turf removing projects
Unusual crops for our area that were successful
Great container gardens
Spectacular failures or big problems
Gardening projects or activities with kids

If so, send in:

Subject line: Gardening 2020 Highlight Submission
Your name (if you are comfortable having it published)
What county or city you are in
Are you a Master Gardener? Yes/no
One paragraph to describe your challenge or project
Up to 3 images as email attachments.

Email Your Story

Maryland Grows Blog

Volunteer Policy- Background Checks

In case you missed our most recent email, University of Maryland Extension has released a letter in regards to a change in UME Volunteer policy regarding background checks. UME administration has determined that a more comprehensive background check policy is needed in order to protect the youth and stakeholder base, UME volunteers, UME programs, and the organization. Most UME volunteers will be required to have a commercial criminal background check to continue in their volunteer role in 2021. Please review the resources below to learn more about the policy.

FAQ Document

Volunteer Letter

Background Check Implementation Video

Continuing Education

Saved your vegetable seeds from last year's garden and wondering how to grow them this year? Join UME Fruit & Veggie Specialist Jon Traunfeld and UME Home Horticulture Agent Courtney Coddington for a Grow It Eat It Seed Starting Series! While this event will be virtual, your registration includes a kit that you will receive in the mail to start your seeds. See the link below for more information and to purchase tickets.

Purchase Tickets

A Fresh Start in the Garden with

Montgomery County

Montgomery County Master Gardeners are hosting A Fresh Start in the Garden, an online speaker series for 2021! Topics include Building Healthy Soils, Container Gardening, Beginning Vegetable Gardening and more. Spanish speaking classes are also available. More information and registration below.

GreenScapes Symposium 2021

February 19, 2021 | 9:30am-4pm | Live Virtual Event | $55

Join GreenScapes for a fascinating day of innovative presentations that dig deep into how native plants can restore natural ecosystems in a range of landscapes, from backyards and public gardens to urban and commercial projects. For more information and to register for the event, please see the link below.