For many gardeners, few winter pleasures rival the joy of leafing through seed catalogs, imagining the colors, scents, and harvests to come. That sense of anticipation will be in full bloom at this year’s annual Seed Swap, where community members are invited to browse, share, and take home seeds for the upcoming growing season.
From unique varieties of herbs to beloved annual flowers and coveted, prize-winning tomatoes, the event will offer a generous selection of seed packets. Attendees don’t need to bring seeds to participate, but those with extra or leftover packets are encouraged to contribute. Organizers ask that all donated seeds be clearly labeled so fellow gardeners know exactly what they’re receiving.
The Seed Swap provides both novice and seasoned growers an opportunity to expand their gardens and enhance their landscapes at no cost. Seeds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, making early arrival a smart strategy for those looking for specific varieties.
Whether you’re planning your first container garden or dreaming of a full backyard harvest, the Seed Swap invites everyone to share in the excitement and promise of a new growing season. This program is sponsored by the Queen Anne’s County Master Gardeners volunteers and our generous sponsors.
Seed Swap Dates:
Saturday, March 7, 2026
10 am to noon
Queen Anne’s County Library-Kent Island Branch (200 Library Circle, Stevensville, MD 21666)

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
6 pm to 7:30 pm
Queen Anne’s County Library-Centreville Branch (121 S. Commerce Street, Centreville, MD 21617)

For further information, please call or make reasonable accommodations to participate in these events email the University of Maryland Extension Queen Anne’s County, Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture and Master Gardener Coordinator, Rachel J. Rhodes, at 410-758-0166 or rjrhodes@umd.edu by February 21, 2026 the events or see us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/QueenAnnesCountyMasterGardeners

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class

Format: Online

Course Dates:
March 30 – May 1, 2026

Description:
This fully online Farmer Training and Certification course provides the same certification requirements as other FTC offerings and is intended for producers seeking additional scheduling flexibility in the spring. Training focuses on nutrient management regulations and development of nutrient management plans using NuMan Pro software.

Participants must have current soil and manure/organic tests prior to training.

Registration:
https://go.umd.edu/FTCApril2026

Format: Online

Course Dates:
March 2 – April 3, 2026

Description:
This fully online Farmer Training and Certification course is designed for Maryland producers seeking certification to write their own nutrient management plans. Participants will receive instruction on Maryland nutrient management requirements and plan development using NuMan Pro software.

The course requires a significant time commitment. Larger or more complex operations may require additional training. Participants must have current soil and manure/organic tests prior to training.

Registration:
https://go.umd.edu/FTCMarch2026

Event Type: FARMER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

Date & Time: March 4, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Location: Dorchester County Extension Office, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, MD 21613

Description: Exam day for participants to review and submit their first nutrient management plan (NMP) to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA).

Registration: https://go.umd.edu/FTCFebruary2026

Event Type: FARMER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

Date & Time: February 26, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Format: Online (Zoom)
Location: Online via Zoom

Description: Online exam day for participants to review and submit their first nutrient management plan (NMP) to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA).

Registration: https://go.umd.edu/FTCFebruary2026

Event Type: FARMER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

Date & Time: February 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Location: Washington County Extension Office, 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713

Description: Exam day for participants to review and submit their first nutrient management plan (NMP) to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA).

Registration: https://go.umd.edu/FTCFebruary2026

Date & Time: February 20, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Format: Hybrid (Zoom or In-Person)

Location: Zoom or select Extension office
Dorchester County Extension Office: 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, MD 21613
Washington County Extension Office: 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713

Description: Third and final day of hybrid training for Maryland producers to learn how to write their own nutrient management plan (NMP) using NuMan Pro. Participants may attend via Zoom or in person.

Registration: https://go.umd.edu/FTCFebruary2026

Date & Time: February 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Format: Hybrid (Zoom or In-Person)

Location: Zoom or select Extension office
Washington County Extension Office: 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
Dorchester County Extension Office: 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, MD 21613

Description: Second day of hybrid training for Maryland producers to learn how to write their own nutrient management plan (NMP) using NuMan Pro. Participants may attend via Zoom or in person.

Registration: https://go.umd.edu/FTCFebruary2026

* Fun with Fiber Art - Explore the art of working with fibers, including wool felting.
* Science in a Jar - Discover the excitement of science in a jar while learning and conducting cool, hands-on experiments.
* Bundle Up & Beachcomb - While beachcombing is often thought of as a summer activity, winter is actually the best time to find shells. Learn how to identify native shells and start
your very own shell collection.
* Scrapbooking - Learn creative techniques that turn scrapbooking into a keepsake to be treasured for generations.

Date & Time: February 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Format: Hybrid (Zoom or In-Person)

Location: Zoom or select Extension office
Washington County Extension Office: 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
Dorchester County Extension Office: 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, MD 21613

Description: First day of hybrid training for Maryland producers to learn how to write their own nutrient management plan (NMP) using NuMan Pro. Participants may attend via Zoom or in person.

Registration: https://go.umd.edu/FTCFebruary2026