The Grow It Eat It theme for 2026 is container gardening! Our office is working on updating the Year of webpage on the statewide Master Gardener site, but you can find some resources now. The PowerPoint presentation will be available soon.

Thursday February 19, 12:00 – 1:30pm, Zoom

This Valentine’s season, join us for a special educational webinar celebrating the beauty, benefits, and ecological value of Maryland’s native grasses. UME Principal Agent Associate Mikaela Boley will guide participants through the many reasons to fall in love with native grasses — from their role in supporting pollinators and wildlife to their resilience in home landscapes and public spaces. Whether you’re new to native grasses or already a devoted admirer, this webinar will deepen your appreciation for these often-overlooked garden heroes.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this activity, please contact Stephanie Pully at pully@umd.edu or (301) 226-7616 before February 5, 2026.

Wednesday March 11, 10:00am – 2:00pm, Hybrid

Join us in-person at CMREC Clarksville or on Zoom for our Winter Grow It Eat It meeting, our last with Jon Traunfeld before he retires!

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this activity, please contact Stephanie Pully at pully@umd.edu or (301) 226-7616 before February 25, 2026.

Monday April 27, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Irvine Nature Center (Owings Mills, MD)

Discover the beauty and ecology of moss on this guided Master Gardener hike at Irvine Nature Center. Discover the beauty and ecology of moss on this guided Master Gardener hike at Irvine Nature Center. We’ll explore the wooded trails, learn about moss identification, and discuss how these small plants contribute to the health of forests and gardens. Please be prepared for the weather and to hike outdoors in uneven terrain.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this activity, please contact Stephanie Pully at pully@umd.edu or (301) 226-7616 before April 13, 2026.

Did you miss any of our continuing education webinars last year?

Check out the recordings below! You can always see both upcoming continuing education opportunities and recorded webinars on the State MG Continuing Education webpage.

Thriving landscapes that support wildlife, enhance biodiversity, and respond to environmental challenges require thoughtful design and tested practices. This engaging symposium brings together experts in horticulture, ecology, and design to share solutions that work—from small gardens to large public landscapes. This event counts towards continuing education hours.

Lisa Kuder, Native Plants & Landscapes Specialist, is launching a new Natives at Noon webinar series in 2026!

Hello! I’m your host, Lisa Kuder, from UMD Extension. Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 as we delve into various topics related to native plants. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, this series provides an opportunity to expand your knowledge and engage with experts in the field. Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists, these sessions are an excellent way to earn Continuing Education Units. Although the presentations are free of charge, registration is required to attend. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your understanding of native plants while enjoying your lunch. Register at the links below to attend one or more of the first three live only sessions.

When: Saturday, March 14, 2025 from 7:30 AM-4:00 PM

Where: Central York Middle School (York, PA)

Don’t miss the annual GardenWise event, where research-based insights on sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship take center stage. Designed for both new and experienced gardeners, GardenWise offers engaging sessions led by experts who share practical tips, innovative techniques, and the latest findings to help you cultivate a thriving, eco-friendly landscape. Space is limited. Preregistration is required.

Q&A: How can I fix flowering issues with my Christmas cactus?

By Miri Talabac, Horticulturist, University of Maryland Extension Home & Garden Information Center.

Okra is Summer

By Erica Smith, Montgomery County Master Gardener

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.