Guidebook Aims to Grow Maryland Gardeners

After the coldest Maryland winter in several years, spring flowers have burst onto the landscape—and with them, eager gardeners hoping for a verdant oasis come summer. Whether they’re working an expansive plot of land or just tending pots on their patios, they have a new resource this year to help them.

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) on Tuesday published the 2025 edition of the “Maryland Master Gardener Handbook,” in print and ebook format from Johns Hopkins University Press to help anyone develop a green thumb. Produced as part of the curriculum for the UME’s Master Gardener Program, the new book has been revised and expanded since the last edition in 2016. 

Meant as a go-to resource, the book contains 29 chapters on everything from lawns and vegetable gardening to weeds, composting and garden tools. Photos, graphics and easy-to-reference keys aid in identifying plants and various conditions that impact them, including pests, diseases and weather.

For a quick overview of what’s new in this edition and some gardening tips, we talked with Stephanie Pully, state coordinator for the UME Master Gardener Program who oversaw production of the book, wrangling 30-some research and extension specialists whose expertise fills more than 900 pages.

Why was an update needed?
We've had a lot of changes in terms of what research says about improving soil health. And the gardening zones in Maryland are definitely changing geographically. The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones tell us what plants can grow in our area based on our climate, and that was updated by the agency in 2023.

Also, there's been a growing interest in Maryland in native plants and how they can be used in a landscape, so we added an entirely new chapter about native plants. And our diagnostic section, which is a really valuable piece of the book, has been updated to reflect new pests and diseases coming into Maryland. The book discusses what to do about these issues, and of course we are offering a lot of integrated pest management (IPM) solutions to insect and pest problems.

What’s integrated pest management?
IPM is a holistic approach that starts with planting the right plant in the right place and giving them what they need to thrive. Next is observing your plants for problems and doing some research about possible causes. Prevention is an important part of IPM. For example, you can plant disease-resistant vegetable varieties to prevent disease problems.

Most people don’t know that the vast majority of insects they encounter in their gardens and yards are either beneficial or totally harmless. The handbook helps people learn how to identify and attract pollinators, butterflies and insects that control pest insects. 

In some cases, insect feeding on our plants is minor and can be ignored. If action is needed, try handpicking the insects and dropping them into a container of soapy water. Our Master Gardeners in Dorchester County taught us that you can wrap duct tape around your hand to pick squash bugs off plants. We're teaching control tactics that aren’t harmful to the environment. If a pesticide is to be used, select the least toxic one available.

A big book that includes the term “Master Gardener” in the title might be intimidating to a beginner—is it really for everyone?
Absolutely. It's great for new gardeners because it gives you the basic information about anything gardening-related that you might want to know. And it’s not limited to any one kind of gardening. We cover trellises and vertical gardening, and also urban gardening in small spaces like balconies. The container gardening section is amazing with stunning pictures. We want to let people know no matter what your space is, you can still help provide habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects, or grow your own food. If you are an indoor gardener, we have a chapter that can help with caring for your indoor plants as well.

And for experienced gardeners there’s a lot of information if you want to take things to the next level, for instance with landscape design or how to successfully manage woods on your property.

Any tips for people who are starting a garden for the first time?
Start small and set yourself up for success. People think they have to plant their whole landscape at once, but that’s not necessary. For example, a lot of people want to learn how to switch their lawn into a native plant oasis to provide habitat for wildlife and help our environment. For that, starting small might mean picking a certain area of yard best suited for a native plant bed. Start with a couple small plants, take care of them, and get them established this year. Then you can expand a little bit more every year.

If you're thinking about vegetable gardening, starting small could mean planting a container or a small, raised bed in your yard, and plant just a few types of vegetables or some leafy greens to get started. Get your practice in, learn what you're doing, and then go from there.