Clemson Extension Master Gardeners in Greenville County
The Clemson Extension Master
Gardener Program is a volunteer training program administered by the Clemson
University Cooperative Extension Service. Introduced in Charleston County
in 1981, the Master Gardener program is now offered over most of the state.
The mission of the Clemson Extension Master Gardener Program is to select,
train, and utilize knowledgeable volunteers to facilitate the educational work
of the local Consumer Horticulture Agent, by delivering research-based
information to citizens of the state.
The Master Gardener program is divided into two parts: Instruction and
Service. In the first part, participants receive at least 40 hours of
intensive, practical horticultural training. The following topics are typically
covered in the program:
- Soils and Plant Nutrition
- Botany and Plant Physiology
- Basic Plant Pathology
- Physiology
- Entomology
- Vegetable Gardening
- Tree and Small Fruit Culture
- Culture of Woody Ornamentals
- Lawn Management
- Basic Landscape Design
- Problem Solving
After successfully completing the classroom portion, which involves regular attendance and passing a final exam, participants receive the title of "Master Gardener Intern". These interns are then required to volunteer at least 40 hours of educational service in the Clemson Extension office or in the community to become a Certified Clemson Extension Master Gardener. Volunteer activities are coordinated through the local county Extension office.
The Master Gardener program in Greenville County is coordinated by S. Cory Tanner, Horticulture Extension Agent.
