Growing Medicinal Herbs for Profit: Prince George's County

Learn how to grow medicinal herbs for profit during this three-class series offered by University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension in cooperation with ECO City Farms in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension is offering a three-class series on growing medicinal herbs for profit at ECO City Farms in Edmonston, near Hyattsville, Maryland.

The classes will be held in different growing seasons (winter, spring and fall) at the farm located at 4913 Crittenden St., Edmonston, MD 20781.

The series focuses on all phases of growing, preparation, harvest and processing, soil improvements, W**d and pest control. The classes will feature herbs that are commercially valuable and grow well in the Chesapeake Bay region. The classes will also include workshops to plant, cultivate, and harvest herbs.

Participants are strongly encouraged to sign up for all three classes scheduled for March 24, May 12 and Oct. 13, 2026, and you will also receive free consultations between classes to support you while you grow the herbs.

The class series is conducted by University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension herb specialist Henriette den Ouden, whose more than 20 years of herb‑growing experience provides invaluable guidance for beginning farmers. Experienced growers have been selected to share their knowledge as well.

Group interaction is encouraged during hands-on activities.

All three classes will be held 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and lunch will be provided. The cost is $60 for all three classes or $25 for an individual class. Pre-registration is required as class size is limited.

While each session has separate registration, participation in all sessions is encouraged. (Select the session date before clicking “reserve a spot”, then repeat for the next date.)

ABOUT THE CLASSES:

March 24, End of Winter Class, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: This is all about preparation and setting your first steps. We talk planning, what products you want to create, if you are ready to dry herbs, and what tools do you need. Together we will plan how to lay out your growing area and what challenges you need to prepare for. The day includes a workshop on seeding skills, transferring seedlings and soil preparation and an exercise in record keeping with food safety principles in mind.

May 12, Spring Class, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: You have started and the challenges of growing become real. We will discuss W**d control, pest control, irrigation methods, transferring plugs and seedlings, shade creation and harvesting. We will continue to talk record keeping, business planning and sales planning. This workshop is about successfully making and growing cuttings, an easy way to multiply your plants for an additional harvest.

Oct. 13, Fall Class, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: The focus of this class will be on winter preparations, seeding for the new season, overwintering plans for perennials, cover crops, harvesting, processing and selling. We share products that you want to make and discuss labeling and regulations. There will be time for questions and evaluation of your first year as a grower.

CONTACT: Crystal Sankar at [email protected]

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. If you require a reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected].

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