University of Maryland Extension Anne Arundel County

06/02/2026

🌻🚜 Sunflower Update! 🚜🌻

It's been two weeks since we planted our sunflowers at the Anne Arundel Urban Farm Research Clinic, and they're looking great! 🌱☀️

While the sunflowers are off to a strong start, w**ds are always ready to compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Even after a herbicide application, some w**ds have emerged, so it's time for a little hoeing to keep the field clean and give our sunflowers the best chance to thrive.

Successful w**d management often requires a combination of practices throughout the growing season, and a little extra effort now can make a big difference later.

We're excited to watch these sunflowers continue to grow over the coming weeks! 🌻

🌻🌱🚜

06/01/2026

The Anne Arundel Urban Farm Research Clinic is excited to welcome Teagan Flaherty as our 2026 Summer Intern!

Teagan is going into her fourth-year Environmental Science major with a minor in Entomology at University of Maryland College Park. She will be working with us through the beginning of August, gaining hands-on experience in urban agriculture research and extension.

This summer, Teagan is especially interested in learning about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for fruit and vegetable crops from Dave and the team. We look forward to helping her expand her knowledge while contributing to our ongoing research and outreach efforts.

Please join us in welcoming Teagan to the clinic! 🌿🍅🍓

05/29/2026

🌿 June Gardening Events with Anne Arundel County Master Gardeners 🌿

Join the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners this June for gardening programs, composting demonstrations, and opportunities to get your gardening questions answered!

Composting Demonstration at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis:
Saturday, June 20th at 10am

Ask a Master Gardener Clinics:
- Anne Arundel Farmers Market (Annapolis): Saturdays, 8am-12pm
- Crofton Public Library: Saturdays, 10am-1pm
- Severna Park Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8am-12pm

Bay-Wise Program
Schedule your site visit! Learn how to create a sustainable landscape and request a visit at: go.umd.edu/aaume-baywise

Native Pollinator Project events:
Crofton Library, Pollinator Festival – Saturday, June 6th, 10am-1pm
1681 Riedel Rd, Crofton, MD 21114

We hope to see you there! 🌼

05/28/2026

Interested in raising chickens?

Want to raise or own poultry in Maryland?
1. Check any zoning or HOA rules for your location
2. Source birds from NPIP flocks
3. Register your flock with Maryland Department of Agriculture https://mda.maryland.gov/Anima.../pages/poultry-reg-faq.aspx
4. Selling table eggs? Submit a producer/packer application to MDA https://mda.maryland.gov/.../egg_distributor-packer...
5. Selling hatching eggs or live birds? Apply for NPIP https://mda.maryland.gov/AnimalHealth/pages/poultry.aspx
6. Selling meat? https://mda.maryland.gov/.../poultry_rabbit_program.aspx
7. Need to learn more about raising poultry or have questions? Contact the University of Maryland Extension extension.umd.edu/poultry

05/28/2026

🍓🥄 Build, Bake & Beyond — Jam Session — Canning Night! 🌼✨

📅 June 8 , 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM (Drop-off between 5:50–6:00 PM)
📍 Anne Arundel County Extension Office

Get ready to mix a little kitchen creativity with hands-on life skills! This month, special guest, 4-H Volunteer Dawn White is teaching us the basics of water-bath canning in a fun, beginner-friendly workshop.

You’ll create your choice of:
🍓 Strawberry Syrup — sweet, fruity, and perfect for pancakes, lemonade, desserts, and more
OR
🌼 Wildflower Jam — a unique homemade treat that’s almost too pretty to eat

Along the way, you’ll learn:
✨ Safe and simple canning basics
✨ How to prep, fill, seal, and process jars
✨ Tips for storing and gifting your creations
✨ A real-life skill you can use all summer long

Part science, part cooking, and all fun — you’ll leave with a delicious jar and the confidence to try canning again at home. Spots may fill quickly, so grab yours and come make something amazing!

Spots are limited—sign up today to secure your place!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14ymeFTieWo8aDmcdeZd5kXId1HxQp8DxUFePm5euLkA/edit?ts=6a0f0891

05/27/2026

The effects of the early spring freeze are becoming clear in our blackberry plantings here at the Anne Arundel Urban Farm Research Clinic. ❄️🫐

Our Natchez variety experienced the most damage, with about an 80% loss, while the other varieties saw closer to a 30–40% reduction. Even with the setbacks, the plants are showing resilience and we’re still expecting a nice crop this season.

That’s the reality of farming — every year brings challenges, but also opportunities to learn, adapt, and appreciate the harvests we do receive.

05/26/2026

The hops are headed for the skies! 🌿☀️

It’s exciting to see them climbing strong and thriving here at the Anne Arundel Urban Farm Research Clinic. Every day brings a little more growth and another reminder of how quickly the season moves this time of year.

Looking forward to watching these bines continue reaching new heights in the weeks ahead.

05/23/2026

After the freeze, we weren’t sure what this season would bring — but now the secondary growth on our grape vines is starting to show promising grape clusters here at the Anne Arundel Urban Farm Research Clinic. 🍇

It’s encouraging to see the resilience of these vines, and we’re hopeful that vineyards across Maryland are seeing the same signs of recovery and promise this growing season.

05/22/2026

📣 Registration is Open!
Anne Arundel County 4-H Summer Camp
🗓 July 26–31, 2026
For more information and to register:
go.umd.edu/aac4Hcamp or Scan the QR Code on the Flyer🌞🌲

05/21/2026

Planting season is underway at the Anne Arundel Urban Farming Research Clinic. 🌱

The tractor and planter are ready to roll, with Dave loading the squash seed plate before heading into the field. As the tractor moves forward, the tires press down the tall rye cover crop while the planter places squash seeds directly into the soil — combining cover crop management and planting in one pass. 🚜🌾

Every step helps build healthier soil, improve growing systems, and advance urban farming research.