The Master Gardener mission in Charles County is to provide outreach education to the public on a wide variety of environmental horticulture subjects. "Environmental horticulture" is the planting, growing, and cultivation of plant materials with an emphasis on protecting the surrounding ecology and reducing harmful effects to the immediate environment. Plant materials may include (but are not limited to) flowers, vegetables, grasses, trees, shrubs, and ground covers. Goals targeted by the Master Gardener mission include informing residents about sound horticultural practices that will help prevent environmental damage and benefit the community ecology:

by reducing runoff and erosion

by limiting pesticide application

by building healthy landscapes

by discouraging the planting and propagation of non-native invasive plants

by soil quality identification and soil testing

by eliminating or reducing high-maintenance land areas

by minimizing paved surfaces when possible

by choosing appropriate botanicals for a specific location

and other site specific factors

The Charles County Master Gardener mission also encompasses providing information about nutrient management, organic food gardens, composting techniques, and Bay-Wise Landscaping. Master Gardener projects include teaching the public about these effective horticultural topics that protect the environment from leaching excess nutrients into waterways and streams.

Phone No. 301-753-8195