Maryland Master Gardener Handbook

The definitive guide to gardening in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic—from the experts at the University of Maryland Extension.

Whether you're a novice or an expert gardener, The Maryland Master Gardener Handbook is the resource you need to grow a thriving garden in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region. This reference details plant terminology, gardening instructions, growing schedules, and species charts featuring color photographs for gardeners in Maryland.

Chapters cover essential horticultural topics such as ecology, botany, soils, entomology, and plant diseases. In addition to educating gardeners about the basics, the handbook highlights sustainable gardening content such as the use and care of native plants, integrated pest management, water conservation, and best management practices for gardening in a changing climate.

Diving deeper, the handbook also provides information on:
• Plant nutrition
• Composting and pruning
• Weeds and lawns
• Herbaceous plants and woody plants
• Vegetables and fruits
• Native plants, invasive plants, indoor plants, and plant propagation
• Landscape design and conservation landscaping
• Wildlife and woodlands
• Garden tools and equipment

Finally, the guide includes diagnostic keys for all major plant groups and special keys for cultural and environmental problems, as well as information on structural and nuisance pests. Created as part of the curriculum of the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Program, The Maryland Master Gardener Handbook is the definitive resource for anyone looking to develop a green thumb.

The University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Program began in 1978 to extend science-based knowledge to the public by providing horticultural and pest management expertise to help protect and improve Maryland's natural resources. Today, this popular program can be found in 20 Maryland counties and Baltimore City. To learn more about the program, visit go.umd.edu/mg.