Do you want to learn more about sustainable practices in your home garden or landscape? This online, self-paced course is based on our Master Gardener basic training and provides an educational opportunity that does not require a volunteer commitment. This class is well suited for beginner to advanced home gardeners as well as green industry professionals. Students will learn through interactive online modules carefully crafted by experts within each specific plant area. Topics include soils, vegetable gardening, entomology (insects), integrated pest management, and more! Each module runs about 30-60 minutes. Once a module opens, you are able to access the materials at your leisure.
Students will receive a certificate upon completion of the course. *Please note: The Sustainable Horticulture Certificate does not imply that the holder is representing the University of Maryland as a certified Master Gardener volunteer.
Timing and Cost
This course will run annually from late winter-early spring and costs $225.00. There are no required textbooks for this course, but you are welcome to purchase the Maryland Master Gardener Handbook.
How to Apply
The next session will run from January 6- March 10, 2025, and registration is now open. Simply click the button below to go to the page.
Course Schedule
Week 1: Ecology and Botany
Week 2: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Pesticide Safety
Week 3: Plant Pathology and Entomology
Week 4: Soils and Turf
Week 5: Native Plants and Conservation Landscaping
Week 6: Weeds and Invasive Plants
Week 7: Woody Plants and Indoor Plants
Week 8: Vegetable Gardening and Vegetable Gardening IPM
Week 9: Work on project and prepare for final exam
Week 10: Final exam and project due
Please contact statemg@umd.edu for questions or to request a reasonable accommodation.
We are grateful to USDA-NIFA for their support in creating some of the teaching materials used in this course.
University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.