Welcome to the State Master Gardener Program!
The University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Program is designed to train volunteer horticultural educators to support the University of Maryland Extension mission by educating residents about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities. To learn more about our program, review our 2024 HGIC and MG Annual Report.
The Master Gardener Program is organized by Maryland counties and Baltimore City, so if you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener or requesting volunteer support, please contact your local Master Gardener Program.
Join Our Team!
We have openings for a Master Gardener Coordinator in Howard County and Baltimore City. These Faculty Extension Educators will administer all aspects of the Home Horticulture program which includes coordination and programmatic support for home horticulture activities in their respective location, including training and management of Master Gardener Volunteers, collaboration on educational programs among partners, outreach to clientele, and related activities.
A sample of responsibilities include:
- Develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to horticulture. Evaluate programs to assess knowledge gain or skills learned in the short term, and practices improved, intent to change, and behavioral change over time.
- Coordinate the Master Gardener Program, including which includes volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, and coordination of community-based projects and programs.
- Respond to clientele requests via phone, office visits, email, etc., for information on lawn care, landscape plants and trees, home fruit and vegetable production, pest control, and other subjects related to home horticulture, providing appropriate literature and science-based advice in a timely and professional manner. This may include home/site visits when deemed necessary and appropriate.
- Identify plants, insects, and other horticulture samples submitted by clientele and respond with information and recommendations promptly and professionally.
Click the buttons below for more information and to apply
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Become a Master Gardener
Become a Master GardenerMaster Gardeners are volunteers who combine their love of plants, people, and the environment to help Maryland residents grow healthy gardens.
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Request Volunteer Support or Speakers
Request Volunteer Support or SpeakersMaster Gardeners provide a variety of education through one-time speaking occasions, special events, and school programs.
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Become Bay-Wise Certified
Become Bay-Wise CertifiedThis is a water quality protection program that is open to all who live in the Chesapeake Bay watershed whether you have a traditional yard or an apartment balcony.
Master Gardener Plant Clinics and Demonstration Gardens
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Ask a Master Gardener Plant Clinics and Demonstration Gardens
Ask a Master Gardener Plant Clinics and Demonstration GardensThis interactive map will help you find plant clinics and demonstration gardens near you.
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University of Maryland Extension Learning Garden Provides Education and Produce to Local Food Bank
University of Maryland Extension Learning Garden Provides Education and Produce to Local Food Bank -
Composting and Native Gardens at Quiet Waters Park
Composting and Native Gardens at Quiet Waters ParkClick here to view their 2025 composting demonstration dates.
2025 is the Year of Herbs!
This year in the Master Gardener Grow It Eat It program, we are celebrating herbs. Visit our "Year of..." webpage for resources and graphics. Contact your local program to register for educational programs or festivals for herbs.
Learn more about gardening
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Ask Extension
Ask ExtensionGet answers from our team of Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists, Extension Faculty, and Master Gardeners.
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Maryland Grows Blog
Maryland Grows BlogWe help Maryland residents grow! Learn timely tips to manage your lawn, ornamental plants, and food gardens, with advice from University of Maryland experts and certified horticulturists.
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Home and Garden Information Center
Home and Garden Information CenterThe Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) develops and delivers science-based, sustainable gardening and integrated pest management education for better human and environmental health.
Thank you for the support of USDA-NIFA through Northeast Region EIPM Grants