Baltimore Master Gardeners
Baltimore Master Gardeners can answer questions and offer a treasure trove of home gardening information. Check out their website.
Cylburn Arboretum
Cylburn Arboretum, near I-83 and Northern Parkway, is a 200 acre oasis of nature open to visitors year-round. Check their website for programs and hours.
Soil Testing
Although DIY soil test kits are widely available for the home garden, there are times when you may want a professional lab to do your testing. Here’s a list of companies that provide soil testing, from University of Maryland Agricultural Service.
University of Maryland Agricultural Extension
This cool tool from the University of Maryland Agricultural Extension, lets you plug in your zip code to find out your current soil temperature. Air temperatures can vary wildly from day to day; soil temperature will guide your planting for various seasonal crops.
Vegetable Planting Calendar
Here is our favorite planting calendar for veggies based on central Maryland. Remember that the average yard has a number of ‘micro-climates’, which can affect what and when you plant. For example, a south-facing wall will often warm up much more quickly and take longer to freeze during cold spells. A southern facing site protected from winds by a fence or wall may extend your growing season.