Practical Experiences in Nutrient Management is a workshop conducted by the University of Maryland Extension Agricultural Nutrient Management Program that provides participants with hands-on farming and nutrient management related activities including yield and moisture estimates of grain crops, harvest machinery overview and demonstration, and compost and cover crop application to fields.

9:00-9:30 -     Registration

9:30-12:00 - This session will provide a practical overview of key post-season grain crop management and harvest evaluation activities. Participants will review common grain crop yield estimate procedures, examine a combine and its major components, and observe the machine harvesting a grain crop in the field. The program will also include a comparison of moisture readings taken with a hand test moisture meter and those recorded by the combine yield monitor to highlight accuracy and calibration considerations. In addition, attendees will see post-harvest field operations including compost application, broadcast seeding of a cover crop, and vertical tillage used to incorporate the compost and cover crop seed into the soil. 

12:00-12:30- Lunch

12:30-1:00-   MDA Nutrient Management Update

1:00-3:30-     This session will provide participants with an overview of vegetable production and harvest, and view the vegetable harvesting conveyor.  The program will end with an overview of the production of compost on the farm and the planning process for fall applications.

CEUs: 5.5 hours of credit toward consultants’ or operators’ continuing education requirement will be earned from full participation in this event.

University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners of Charles County is giving a presentation on the proper and recommended techniques for turning over your garden between winter and planning time. Participants will learn a variety of Bay-Wise and sustainable gardening techniques that help prepare and care for next year's garden, because the gardening year truly begins in the fall. The program will highlight practical steps for putting gardens to bed for the winter while protecting the soil, pollinators, and setting the stage for a healthy productive spring.

Registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact us at westref@ccplonline.org or call (301) 645-1395.

Join fellow farmers, industry representatives and Extension Agents for a day of learning about forages, grazing, and cropping systems. Equipment demonstrations will occur throughout the day. Walk 9 different annual warm season forage grass plots. 

This will be an informal tour, with plenty of opportunity to discuss your crop and forage questions with other growers. Handouts and other brochures will be available. 

Directions: The farm is located off of Route 6 in the Charlotte Hall area. Take Rt. 5 south toward Leonardtown. Turn right onto Rt 6 and proceed 2 miles. Turn left onto Farmland Place. Proceed to the first farm on the right. 

Private Applicator Pesticide Credits and Nutrient Voucher Credits Approved 

This session will cover the 8 keystone habits of the Bay-Wise Living Landscape Metric, and tell you more about steps involved in getting your landscape certified as Bay-Wise.

Many counties, and Baltimore city, around the state start our Master Gardener basic training together in February. Curious what the basic training, and all else that becoming a Master Gardener entails? This session will cover all that and more. If you're interested in becoming a Master Gardener, this is your chance to learn all about it.

The University of Maryland Extension offers a free weekly, expert-backed program series designed specifically for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's, covering critical topics such as communication in dementia care, healthcare in senior years, managing someone else's money, The MIND diet - boosting brain power with food, food poisoning prevention and rest and relief for caregivers.

Multiple date options:

1. Option 1: Six sessions running April 2, 9 & 16 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

2. Option 2: Six sessions running May 6, 13, 20 10 am - noon

Container gardening is a great way to grow your own food if you are just starting out, have limited space, or want to maximize your harvest. Participants will learn how –to choose a container, select the right growing mix, plant in the container, choose the right cultivar, and the light, nutrient, and watering requirements of berries.

Help save the Chesapeake Bay by implmenting some habits. Actions towards creating an environmentally friendly sustainable landscapes that can improve water quailty and conserve natural resources.

The workshop features hands-on demonstrations, including building a grow light stand using everyday low-cost materials.

In addition to sowing native plant seeds, tips will be shared on winter sowing herbs and vegetables. Soil, seeds and milk jugs are provided; however, participants may also bring their own translucent milk jugs.