The seeds of becoming a Master Gardener in South Carolina
While some of us are born with a proverbial green thumb, the rest of us have to lean on experience and a wealth of advice to make our favorite gardens grow.
Either way, those mining for more horticultural knowledge might consider digging into Clemson University’s Master Gardener Program, led by the university’s Cooperative Extension Service.
The two-phase program (40 hours of classroom-based instruction and 40 hours of volunteer service) teaches about different soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, and lawn management, among other topics. The instruction culminates with a written exam.
For those who do the work and pass the test, the title of South Carolina Master Gardener is on the horizon.
Master Gardeners have the expert knowledge to do dozens of garden-related activities, from composting, specialty gardening, soil health, and sustainability to planting to attract wildlife and even growing vibrant, healthy houseplants.
And yet, being a Master Gardener is about more than simply growing beautiful flowers or harvesting a cornucopia from the backyard garden. It’s about sowing knowledge in the community and being a resource for those who want to learn more.
Mary Vargo, urban horticulture agent and Master Gardener coordinator at Clemson, teaches the class and handles the volunteer aspect of the program.
“The best part of being the Greenville County coordinator is meeting so many unique individuals who have a real passion for learning and sharing knowledge with others,” Vargo says of the program. “I’m constantly surrounded by people who truly care about our environment and want to make Greenville a better place to live.”
In Greenville, Master Gardeners are in such high demand that Greater Greenville Master Gardeners’ “Rent a Master Gardener” program is on a backlog, according to the site.
Ask a Gardener
In the meantime, a series of Ask A Master Gardener events are planned for the remainder of the year in a variety of locations.
Greenville State Farmers Market: May 20, June 17, July 1, July 15, August 26, September 22
Simpsonville Farmers Market: July 8, August 12, September 9
Travelers Rest Farmers Market: June 24, July 8, July 22, August 5, August 19, September 6 and September 23
Becoming a Master Gardener in South Carolina
Step 1: Complete Clemson’s Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class pre-registration form
Step 2: pass a background check
Step 3: pay the $300 fee.
Step 4: Successfully complete the class and pass the final exam. All course materials are housed online, so reliable internet service and access to a computer are necessities.
Did You Know?
Clemson University offers soil testing services to identify whether your plants will bloom where they’re planted or need a little boost. Email hgic@clemson.edu or call (888)-656-9988 for more information.
Become a South Carolina Master Gardener if:
- You’d like to learn more about plants, pests, landscaping, and gardening
- You’d like to participate in an intensive, practical, horticultural training program
- You’d like to share your knowledge with others in your community
- You’d like to commit to both the training and volunteer service required
*Source: Clemson University’s Cooperative Extension
