Category: Event

Welcome to the Carroll County Master Gardener’s Blog!

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Welcome to the new Carroll County Master Gardener blog! Our focus is on all things gardening in Carroll County, Maryland—from what’s happening in our gardens and landscapes to the unique ecology, horticultural history, and growing conditions that shape our local environment.

In addition to sharing a calendar of upcoming classes and events, we hope to encourage ongoing conversations and connections that help gardeners put what they learn in our classes into practice. Our Master Gardener Scouts will report on conditions found throughout the county, including emerging pest and disease problems, invasive species, frost and freeze impacts, and soil conditions. These local observations will help us stay informed and respond to the challenges and opportunities of each growing season.

We’ll explore Carroll County’s natural ecology and horticultural heritage, highlight native plants that thrive in our environment, and answer your questions about ornamental plants, growing fruits and vegetables, herbs, and creating beautiful, sustainable gardens. You’ll also find updates from our demonstration gardens and information about where to visit our garden clinic sites.

Have a gardening question? Join the conversation through our public blog forum or bring it to one of our Plant Clinics. Ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from our Master Gardeners and fellow gardening enthusiasts. We want this to be a place where information and ideas are shared and where learning continues well beyond the classroom.

We’ll also celebrate good gardening in our community! Through photographs and interviews, we’ll showcase Carroll County residents who are making a difference in their own landscapes—whether through Bay-Wise certification, effective pollinator gardens, wildlife-friendly spaces that support birds and other animals, or simply beautiful gardens that demonstrate sound horticultural practices.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener, just getting started, or simply curious about the natural world around you, we’re glad you’re here.

Let’s grow together, Carroll County!

Heirloom Tomato Festival

Suji

 

The Carroll County Heirloom Tomato Festival is a celebration of flavor, history, and community, drawing gardeners, farmers, and food lovers together each summer. Centered around the rich diversity of heirloom tomatoes, the festival showcases varieties you won’t typically find in grocery stores—each with its own unique color, shape, and taste.

Visitors can sample everything from sweet, golden cherry tomatoes to deep, smoky-purple slicers, while local growers share stories and tips about cultivating these treasured plants. Beyond the tomatoes, the festival often features cooking demonstrations, live music, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities, making it as much a cultural gathering as it is an event.

What sets heirloom tomatoes apart is their connection to the past. Passed down through generations, these varieties preserve genetic diversity and regional heritage. The festival not only highlights their incredible flavors but also underscores the importance of saving seeds and sustaining local food traditions.

For anyone passionate about gardening, fresh food, or simply enjoying a vibrant community event, the Carroll County Heirloom Tomato Festival offers a memorable and delicious experience.