Welcome to the Carroll County Master Gardener’s Blog!

Welcome to the new Carroll County Master Gardener blog! Our focus is on all things gardening in Carroll County, Maryland—from what’s happening in our gardens and landscapes to the unique ecology, horticultural history, and growing conditions that shape our local environment.

In addition to sharing a calendar of upcoming classes and events, we hope to encourage ongoing conversations and connections that help gardeners put what they learn in our classes into practice. Our Master Gardener Scouts will report on conditions found throughout the county, including emerging pest and disease problems, invasive species, frost and freeze impacts, and soil conditions. These local observations will help us stay informed and respond to the challenges and opportunities of each growing season.

We’ll explore Carroll County’s natural ecology and horticultural heritage, highlight native plants that thrive in our environment, and answer your questions about ornamental plants, growing fruits and vegetables, herbs, and creating beautiful, sustainable gardens. You’ll also find updates from our demonstration gardens and information about where to visit our garden clinic sites.

Have a gardening question? Join the conversation through our public blog forum or bring it to one of our Plant Clinics. Ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from our Master Gardeners and fellow gardening enthusiasts. We want this to be a place where information and ideas are shared and where learning continues well beyond the classroom.

We’ll also celebrate good gardening in our community! Through photographs and interviews, we’ll showcase Carroll County residents who are making a difference in their own landscapes—whether through Bay-Wise certification, effective pollinator gardens, wildlife-friendly spaces that support birds and other animals, or simply beautiful gardens that demonstrate sound horticultural practices.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener, just getting started, or simply curious about the natural world around you, we’re glad you’re here.

Let’s grow together, Carroll County!

Grow It-Eat It Class: Get a Head Start on Spring!

 

Join Carroll County Master Gardeners and learn about this fun and easy way to get your seeds started for the coming spring planting season. This method works for most perennial, as well as some annuals and vegetable seeds. You will learn the whys and how’s of Winter Sowing techniques and put together your own winter sowing jug to take home.
Beginners welcome

Event Details
• When: Saturday, November 14, 10–11:30 AM
• Where: Finksburg Library, Large Meeting Room
• Cost: $12.51
• Ages: 15 and older; minors must attend with an adult.

What You’ll Learn
• How winter sowing works.
• Which seeds are suitable.
• How to prepare your own winter sowing jug.

What Is Included?
Plastic jug, potting mix, seeds, tape, and marker.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/giei-winter-sowing-tickets-2002921654586

Contact info: Sue Christensen, Carroll County Extension 410-386-2760

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.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact us at (410) 386-2760 by Oct. 30, 2026

GIEI Upcoming Classes in Planning ( make individual posts)

 

Sat. Jan. 16

Tool Cleaning and Maintenance

10am Ext. Office Rm A/B

Learn how to clean and maintain your garden tools so they are ready for the gardening season.

 

Wed. Jan. 20

Beginning Gardening Series #1: Planning Your Garden

7pm Ext. Office, Rm A/B

Learn the how, when, where, and why of planning your own vegetable garden.

 

Wed. Feb. 3

Beginning Gardening Series #2: Soils & Amendments

7pm Ext. Office Rm A/B

Understand your garden soil and learn how to optimize yours for a productive garden

 

Sat. Feb. 13

Brassicas

10am Ext. Office Rm A/B

Learn all about growing brassicas (cabbages, broccoli, kale, etc) for your spring garden

 

Wed. Feb. 17

Beginning Gardening Series #3: Maintaining Your Garden 7pm
Ext. Office Rm A/B
Learn how to keep your garden producing throughout the growing season

 

Wed. March 3

Beginning Gardening Series #4: Companion Planting 7pm
Ext. Office Rm A/B
Understand how to pair plants for pest control and productivity

 

Sat. March 6 Mushrooms (1st Offering)

10am Ext. Office Rm A/B

Get started with your own mushroom patch.

 

Wed. March 17

Beginning Gardening Series #5: Seed Starting

7pm Ext. Office Rm A/B
Learn the best techniques to get your seeds off to a good start.

Wed. March 31

Beginning Gardening Series: MakeUp Date

7pm Ext. Office Rm A/B

 

Sat. Apr. 3 Mushrooms (2nd Offering)

10am Ext. Office Rm A/B

Get started with your own mushroom patch.

Sat. Apr. 17

Diseases of Vegetables 1

0am Ext. Office Rm A/B
Learn how to detect, prevent and treat common diseases in your vegetable garden

Upcoming July 18 !

9am – Michelle Mays – Permaculture
A talking tour and discussion of our permaculture beds, creating sustainable and regenerative natural ecosystems

9:45am – Chloe Irla – Companion planting with vegetables/flowers/herbs
A talking tour of how we incorporate planting companions to increase harvest and deter pests

10:30am – Suzanne Sweeney – Bug Hunt
Come hunt bugs! Learn about pests and beneficials in the garden!