Howard County Master Gardeners

Welcome to the website of the Howard County Master Gardeners. We hope you enjoy your visit. The mission of the Howard County Master Gardeners is to educate residents about safe, effective, and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities. The Master Gardener program is administered by the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension Service.

Howard County Master Gardeners are volunteers, trained by the university, who provide horticultural education services to individuals, groups, and communities including government agencies, neighborhood associations, non-profit organizations, historic sites, schools and youth groups, senior citizens and garden clubs. Master Gardener programs and services are available free of charge to all Howard County residents and community groups.

Howard County's Master Gardeners offer education via activities such as:

• Integrated pest management to solve problems using least toxic methods
• Plant clinics to diagnose plant problems (diseases, insects, fertility, and abiotic disorders) and offer advice on weed and other pest control
• Nutrient management: composting demonstrations and soil improvement practices
• Bay-Wise landscaping practices that protect the Bay and local environments
• Youth education about gardening at public schools such as our Schools and Streams program
• Speakers to talk on almost any aspect of gardening
• Demonstration gardens open for public visits

Benefits of the Master Gardeners Program for communities:

• Enjoy a healthier environment by reducing fertilizer runoff into our watersheds and the Bay
• Save money and reduce health risks by minimizing use of toxic pesticides
• Improve soils and save landfill space by composting yard waste
• Reduce water use through horticultural practices
• Create beautiful and ecologically sound landscapes for local conditions
• Learn ways to provide habitat for native wildlife and beneficial insects

Benefits to individuals who become a Master Gardener:

• Sense of satisfaction in helping others
• Regular interaction with other gardening experts to share experiences
• Opportunity for self improvement, advanced education in horticulture
• Proudly wear apparel bearing Master Gardener logo: shirts, caps, pins, nametags, etc.

For more information, contact WebMaster

Last updated: 08/24/2007