Yard & Garden

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

Join us for an interactive program with Rachel Rhodes, UME Horticultural Educator, as we explore the world of plant propagation. Participants will learn the basic principles and techniques of propagation, including how to grow new plants from stems, leaves, and roots.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this activity please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office, Rachel Rhodes (410) 758-0166 or rjrhodes@umd.edu by March 5, 2026.

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.

Stop by the library with all your questions about gardening, garden pests, plant problems, and insects.  This month’s topic is “Vertical Gardening.” 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.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this activity, please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office, Rachel Rhodes (410) 758-0166 or rjrhodes@umd.edu by April 1, 2026.

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.

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. 

Join Dr. Chris Riley and arborists from Bartlett Tree Experts to learn about what to expect in 2026 and answer your tree care questions. 

If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact mboley@umd.edu or call 410-822-1244 by April 1st, 2026.

Join University of Maryland Extension Educator, Rachel Rhodes, to learn about simple plant propagation techniques and common house plants to duplicate.  Participants will have the opportunity to propagate plants and take home cuttings afterwards.

If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Mikaela at mboley@umd.edu by March 4th, 2026.

Participants will learn more about herbs that are vibrant, nutritious, and can grow in compact locations (like a windowsill). Pots, soil media, and herbs will be provided for each audience member to take home.

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.

Join us for the Annual Community Seed Exchange on Saturday, March 07, 2026, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm at Frostburg City Place. The event will include demonstrations with the Master Gardeners, kids' activities, and more. Free seeds will be available for all attendees (while supplies last). 

This event is being held simultaneously with the Garden Supply Swap hosted by the Frostburg Green Team, the Plant Swap hosted by the Allegany County Public Library in Frostburg, and the Winter Farmer's Market. Other local organizations will share information and garden related activities. 

For questions, please email sllewell@umd.edu or call the office at 301-724-3320. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event or any other, please contact our office at 301-724-3320. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.