Staff

The delightful hum of lawnmowers is right around the corner. Soon we’ll be tackling outdoor tasks that have been calling our names during the cold winter months. As we transition into warmer days, our 2026 spring “Ask A Master Gardener Plant Clinics” will be traveling around Queen Anne’s County to various events and open houses. This is a great opportunity to have Master Gardeners help with all your gardening questions, from garden pests and plant problems to selecting the perfect native plants and beneficial insects. Master Gardeners will be on hand to give tips and tricks to make your home garden flourish, help troubleshoot tricky growing situations, and offer encouragement on creating the perfect garden for your space. These events are free and open to the public.

Dates/Topics: 

March 28-29, 2026- Enhancing your garden with native plants at A Little Farm and Nursery (100 Davidson Drive, Stevensville, MD 21666). Master Gardeners will be on hand to discuss picking the right native plant for the right place. From 10 am to 2 pm 

April 11, 2026 – Vertical Gardening at the Queen Anne’s County Library (200 Library Circle, Stevensville, MD 21666). Master Gardeners will focus on creating vertical gardening that maximizes growing space by training plants to grow upward, making it an efficient and attractive solution for small gardens and urban environments. From 10 am to noon

April 18, 2026-Enhancing your garden with native plants at Lowe’s Bayshore Nursery (703 Love Point Rd, Stevensville, MD 21666). Master Gardeners will be on hand to discuss picking the right native plant for the right place. From 10 am to 2 pm   

April 25, 2026- Vegetable Gardening 101 at the UME Office (505 Railroad Ave, Centreville, MD 21617). Master Gardeners will focus on helping you get your vegetable garden started. From 8 am to 11:30 am 

May 2, 2026- Planting a Spring Garden at An Eastridge Garden (533 Dulin Clark Rd, Centreville, MD 21617). Master Gardeners will focus on helping you get your spring gardens started. From 10 am to 2 pm 

May 9, 2026-Container Gardening at the Queen Anne’s County Library (121 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD 21617). Stop by the library with all your questions about gardening, garden pests, plant problems, and insects as the Master Gardeners kick off the Year of "Container Gardening." Container gardening allows plants to thrive in pots or other vessels, offering flexibility and accessibility for gardeners with limited space or poor soil conditions. From 10 am to noon

May 9, 2026-Container Gardening at Unity Church Hill Nursery (3621 Church Hill RD, Church Hill, MD 21623). Stop by the library with all your questions about gardening, garden pests, plant problems, and insects as the Master Gardeners kick off the Year of "Container Gardening." Container gardening allows plants to thrive in pots or other vessels, offering flexibility and accessibility for gardeners with limited space or poor soil conditions. From 10 am to 2 pm 

For further information please call or reasonable accommodations to participate in this event contact the University of Maryland Extension Rachel Rhodes, at (410) 758-0166 or rjrhodes@umd.edu   

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.

Attended our upcoming St. Mary's County Master Gardener Training Information Session!
During this session we will cover:
• Being a Master Gardener
• MG Training Experience
• Planned 2026 Syllbus, starting in mid August
• How to Apply
• Any questions about the program
Pick one of two information sessions being offered digitally on Zoom :
Thursday, May 7, 2026 or Thursday, May 14, 2026 both from 6:00 - 7:00 PM

This webinar outlines the landowner perspective on utility-scale solar: land use and environmental considerations, due diligence steps, common lease terms and clauses, and how property ownership and easements can influence development. We’ll discuss practical questions to ask and how to work with advisors when reviewing proposals. Hosted by Drew Schiavone, Energy Specialist with University of Maryland Extension.

This session explains the fundamentals of community solar; what it is, who it serves, and how subscription structures allocate benefits and costs. We’ll discuss enabling policies and program features, compare community solar scale to other sectors, and outline practical steps and resources to evaluate offerings and join a program. Hosted by Drew Schiavone, Energy Specialist with University of Maryland Extension.

This webinar explores the financial side of solar PV, including system cost components and soft costs, incentive structures, net metering and interconnection considerations, and approaches to estimating cash flow and simple payback. We’ll compare ownership and leasing models and outline how to assemble a straightforward economic case for homes, farms, and small businesses. Hosted by Drew Schiavone, Energy Specialist with University of Maryland Extension.

AGNR faculty and staff are invited to the 2026 State of the College and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 13, at 9:00 am at the Riggs Alumni Center. The AGNR Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards serve to recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements and contributions of our colleagues across the College in innovative research, impactful teaching, meaningful extension work, service, and leadership. 

Gooey snacks and sweet treats provided to welcome students back into the Spring semester! The event will commence from 3:30-5:30 on Thursday February 12th in the ANSC Courtyard

February 12, 2026
Salisbury University
Montgomery Conference Room, Commons Dining hall

Lunch is included.

Transportation to tour two nearby local farms will also be included.

The event begins at 9:30a and ends around 3:30p

February 10, 2026
University of Maryland College Park
Pyon Su Room, Stamp Building

Lunch is included.

Transportation to and from the farm for a tour will also be included.

The event begins at 9:30a and ends around 3:30p

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