Learn which plants produce easy to save seeds; how to know when seeds are mature to harvest; best practices for cleaning, drying and storing seeds; and which seeds are best to save and which to avoid. 

Share what your grow! Participants are encouraged to donate a portion of self saved seeds to any Allegany County Library location at their free seed library. 

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 other legally protected class.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate any program or event, please contact our office, at least two weeks prior, at 301-724-3320.

This event will highlight fall-blooming, pollinator-friendly native perennials as well as herbs and cool-season vegetable plants, such as spinach and lettuce, that can go straight into the ground or containers and yield a harvest well into the fall. Attendees will also find fall mums and a variety of Master Gardener-donated plants from which to choose.

You’ll have a chance to take home a variety of plants and chat with a group of friendly, knowledgeable gardeners eager to share their passion. Have a question about your yard or garden? Stop by the “Ask a Master Gardener” Plant Clinic, where University of Maryland Extension–trained volunteers will be ready to help with advice on flowers, fruits, vegetable gardens, and plants that attract wildlife such as songbirds, butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this event or activity, please contact the University of Maryland Extension Kent County at 410-778-1661, option 6, on or by Friday, September 4, 2026.

Two more opportunities to attend Garden Educational Classes in Allegany County with UME Master Gardeners. 9/5/26 Native Plants for Landscaping and 10/3/26 Indoor Growing and Hydroponics, at Christ Lutheran Church Community Garden. 

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.

The AFA Leaders Conference is a 4-day experience in Kansas City, MO where you'll have the opportunity to learn from and connect with industry leaders in ag, animal, and food, meet students from across the country, and develop essential professional skills. AFA cover the majority of costs associated with participation and a travel stipend application is available to all interested AGNR students. 

Spend some time working on your application for AFA Leaders Conference with the UMD AFA Ambassador and AGNR career services program director. We'll be there to answer questions and offer advice on completing the application, plus answer any questions you may have about the experience.

Bonus: free pizza!

Learn how to construct habitats to shelter wildlife and create biodiversity for your garden. Wild creatures are always looking for accommodations such as bug snugs, toad abodes, insect hotels, hedgerows, and brush piles.

This introductory class covers the essentials of hydroponics and aquaponics, including nutrients, grow mediums, system types, and a bit of history. We'll explore the benefits, challenges, similarities, and differences of these systems. 

Bring a little more green into your life with this fun and beginner-friendly introduction to houseplant care! Learn the basics of watering, lighting, fertilizing, soil mixes, and pest prevention while discovering how to help your plants truly thrive. Whether you’re brand new to houseplants or looking to grow your confidence as a plant parent, this class will give you practical tips for creating a happy indoor jungle.

Learn the best time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs. We will study their branching patterns and learn where and how to prune. We will also discuss the proper time to prune flowering shrubs that will encourage greater flowering!

To help native bees and other pollinators, your garden must meet their basic needs for food, water, shelter and a healthy place to raise their young. The Master Gardeners’ Pollen-Aiders Program recognizes homeowners whose pollinator gardens meet these needs by giving them a free sign and including them in the Pollen-Aiders Alumni. Learn about the Pollen-Aiders program, how to qualify for a free sign and become a Pollen-Aiders alumni member.