Harford County Master Gardeners - University of Maryland Extension

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

Are you interested in becoming a Harford County Master Gardener (HCMG) ?
Then check out our upcoming class !!!

The 40-hour in-person course will take place on Saturday mornings from 10:00 am-1:00 pm, beginning February 13th and running through May 23rd. There will also be one Saturday class on May 15th.

Our upcoming 2027 class is expected to have 12-20 students. The course fee is $250. The program requires a Master Gardener Handbook, which will be provided to you free of charge on your first day. Once you have been accepted into the training class, we will request a deposit of $100 to secure your position in class. The remaining $150 will be collected on your first day.

Please contact Isabel Mooney-Kreidler ([email protected]) no later than October 31st, 2026 to get further information and begin the application process. This program has a 20-person class limit, so make sure you send in your application asap!

For those who cannot attend classes on the weekend, we traditionally alternate classes by year. So in 2028, we will be offering a weekday morning class.

The University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Program is designed to train volunteer horticultural educators to support the mission by educating residents about safe, effective, and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities.

Thank you again for your interest in the Harford County Master Gardener program. Our incoming Master Gardener trainees are the essential life of the program and provide enthusiasm and innovative ideas.

Sincerely,

Isabel M. Mooney-Kreidler
[email protected]

University of Maryland Extension
Harford County
3525 Conowingo Rd., Suite 600
Street, MD 21154

09/05/2026

Protect your finds and ensure your seeds are viable when the planting time is right with proper seed storage.

09/05/2026

Some people have an interest in saving seeds to preserve heirloom varieties of certain vegetables. As many gardens are winding down, now is a good time to start your seed collection!

Beans, peas and okra are some of the easiest crops to save seeds from, while tomatoes and cucumbers require a few extra steps. The key is to collect seeds from healthy, open-pollinated plants and store them in a cool, dry place. You can read more about saving seeds here: https://tinyurl.com/2u9pwwjj

09/05/2026

Join our experts for a weekly series during Food Safety Month, where we discuss food safety topics each week for consumers, retail and restaurants, farms and food producers, and processing and manufacturing safety. Register now at go.umd.edu/foodsafetymonth2026.

09/05/2026

Wasps?! Mosquitoes?! Don't bug out! All insects play a big role in the ecosystem by supporting crop pollination and soil health, feeding wildlife, and providing pest management. 🐝

Here are some simple strategies to stay safe while coexisting with insects:

• Mosquitoes: Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk. Use a fan to keep mosquitoes away. Remove standing water sources where they lay eggs. Apply insect repellents or wear treated clothing.

• Limit outdoor lighting: Insects are attracted to outdoor lights at night because they orient themselves by keeping a light source at their back, known as a dorsal light response. A light that's on all night will disorient insects and lead to their death. To help: reduce outdoor lighting, use motion-sensor lights, close window blinds, and use yellow or amber-colored lights.

• Wasps: Yellowjackets are more active in the fall and may be attracted to sweet foods and drinks. Keep lids on cups or use a clear cup to see if a wasp has landed in it. If a wasp is checking you out, blow on it or brush it away. A swat can lead to a sting.

Explore more with the Everyday Environment team in a blog and podcast conversation about navigating insect challenges with horticulture educator and our resident "bug guy" Ken Johnson at https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/everyday-environment.

With: University of Illinois Extension Calhoun/Cass/Greene/Morgan/Scott counties

09/05/2026

September 11. Cost $10.

Come join us for Moth Night at the Estuary!

https://otterpointcreek.org/event/moth-night-at-the-estuary-center/

09/05/2026

September classes at the Harford County Public Library.
Check them out!!!

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Bluebird Box Care 101
Saturday, September 19: 10:15am - 11:15am
Bel Air Library - Meeting Rooms 1, 2 & 3

Age group: Seniors Adult
event type: Guest Presenter, Gardening/Nature/Outdoors, Community Participation

Join Tyme Anusonti-Inthra, Harford Bird Club member and trip leader, to learn simple ways to care for and maintain native bird boxes for successful nesting next Spring. Attendees can win one of five bluebird nest boxes to take home. Each person must register prior to the program.

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Bugs & Books
Wednesday, September 23: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Harford County Agricultural Center - Susquehanna Room

Age group: Family
event type: STEM, Homeschool, Gardening/Nature/Outdoors, Crafts/Hands On, Community Partnerships, Autumn

In partnership with the Master Gardeners, come enjoy stories and explore the roles of bugs in our gardens through hands-on activities. Each child attending must register prior to the program.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9 2026 at 9:00am

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Growing Up Wild
Wednesday, September 23: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Bel Air Library - Meeting Rooms 1, 2 & 3

Age group: Pre-School Grades K - 2
event type: STEM, Gardening/Nature/Outdoors

Enjoy a variety of nature-based, hands-on experiences and activities. Each child attending must register prior to the program. Supported by the Bel Air Friends of HCPL.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9 2026 at 2:00pm

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Master Gardeners - "Trim it up! Pruning Woody Plants"
Saturday, September 26: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Havre de Grace Library - Meeting Room A & B

Age group: Adult
event type: Guest Presenter, Gardening/Nature/Outdoors, Community Partnerships

Pruning: Nip it in the bud! It may be cold outside, but it is the best time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs. We will study their branching patterns and learn where and how to prune. We will also discuss the proper time to prune flowering shrubs that will encourage greater flowering!

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Master Gardeners - "From Surviving to Thriving: Houseplant Essentials".
Saturday, September 26: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Bel Air Library - Meeting Rooms 1, 2 & 3

Age group: Seniors Adult
event type: Gardening/Nature/Outdoors, Community Participation

Bring a little more green into your life with this fun and beginner-friendly introduction to houseplant care! Learn the basics of watering, lighting, fertilizing, soil mixes, and pest prevention while discovering how to help your plants truly thrive. Whether you’re brand new to houseplants or looking to grow your confidence as a plant parent, this class will give you practical tips for creating a happy indoor jungle. Each person attending must register prior to the program.
Registration opens on Saturday, September 12 2026 at 10:30am
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09/02/2026