Home and Garden Information Center

Explore Our Program

We connect Maryland residents to trusted, science-based resources to grow healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities. Send us your questions, view gardening resources, and connect with the Master Gardener Program for local classes and other learning opportunities in person. All are welcome!

Education and Outreach

Master Gardener Program
Master Gardener Program
Master Gardeners are volunteers who combine their love of plants, people, and the environment to help Maryland residents grow healthy gardens.
Events and Classes
Events and Classes
Browse upcoming webinars, workshops, and other meetings about Yard & Garden topics.
HGIC Newsletter
HGIC Newsletter
Our quarterly email newsletter brings timely news, tips, events, and Q&A to your inbox.

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Resources

Gardening Resources
Gardening Resources
Explore all gardening topics: native and invasive plants, soil testing, food gardening, tree and shrub care, indoor plants, diagnosing problems, and more.
Ask Extension
Ask Extension
Get answers from our team of Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists, Extension Faculty, and Master Gardeners.
Food Access Resources
Food Access Resources
Make the most of your food resources and find tips on county-level help for households, pantries, and markets. Statewide food assistance resources include school meals, food donation guidance, and understanding date labeling.

Hot Topics

February Gardening Tips
February Gardening Tips
Collect leftover ice melt for later use and to keep it from polluting runoff water and soil. Around mid-month, indoor seed starting can begin for some annuals. Watch for vole activity under snow cover; gnawing on tree and shrub bark can cause dieback. During thaws, scale insects can be managed with dormant oil sprays.
2026 Seed Swap & Seed Library Resources
2026 Seed Swap & Seed Library Resources
Find event information for seed swaps and seed libraries in your county.
Maryland Native Plant Guide: Piedmont Region (PDF)
Maryland Native Plant Guide: Piedmont Region (PDF)
Explore 180 pages of native plant articles, photos and descriptions, with basic cultivation and selection information, plus tips for dealing with deer and other site challenges.