When you’ve got questions about your garden, where do you turn?
In the three Southern Maryland counties you can turn to local experts who have trained to become Maryland Master Gardeners.
The program, run through the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, began in 1978 as a way to share horticultural knowledge with the general public. Master Gardeners complete many hours of training, take a test, and give volunteer time before they can earn the title of “Master Gardner.” Even then, annual volunteer hours and continuing education are required.
That means there’s no one better to ask when it comes to getting answers to your lawn, garden, and pest questions.
You’ll find your local Master Gardeners online (see links for the three Southern Maryland counties below) and during plant clinics at libraries and farmer’s markets. You can even contact them through the UMD Cooperative Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center website.
The goal of Master Gardeners across the state and Southern Maryland is to educate residents about sustainable, safe, and effective gardening, landscaping, and pest management practices. The Cooperative Extension’s Bay Wise program encourages gardening in a way that minimizes or eliminates negative effects on the Chesapeake Bay. The Grow It, Eat It program promotes backyard and community food gardens.
There are local Master Gardeners in 20 Maryland counties and the city of Baltimore. Each chapter offers plant clinics, lectures and educational events, and Master Gardener training. They also perform community service and participate in conservation projects in their home counties.
Calvert County Master Gardeners
Website: http://extension.umd.edu/calvert-county/master-gardeners
Calvert County’s next Master Gardener training will take place during spring 2019. The group’s events include plant clinics, Garden Smarter lectures each spring, community garden development, and conservation projects. Find a complete calendar of events at the website.
Charles County Master Gardeners
Website: http://extension.umd.edu/charles-county/home-gardening
Charles County Master Gardeners offer plant clinics, work with local schools, and design landscapes for public areas in the county. Regular workshop topics include rain barrels and composting. Find a calendar of events at the chapter’s website.
St. Mary’s County Master Gardeners
Website: http://extension.umd.edu/st-marys-county/home-gardening/master-gardener-program
St. Mary’s County Master Gardeners host regular plant clinics at the county’s libraries and maintain the Freedom Garden at the county government center. Planted and maintained in partnership with the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, the garden is a memorial to the victims of the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks. Visit the chapter’s website for more information and events.
Waldorf MD Homes for Sale and Real Estate Services in Southern Maryland. You now have a search engine to help you with your Southern Maryland home search! And I’m ready to provide you with a custom home valuation if you’re considering selling your home. Let’s connect to discuss how I can help you. Contact Kimberly Bean at 301-440-1309
