Clemson University Master Gardener classes to be online

Published: July 6, 2011

CLEMSON — The Clemson University Extension Master Gardener program will begin offering online classes Aug. 17 so home gardeners can complete the workshops from the comfort of their own homes. 

“We expect the online training will be especially useful for people who are employed full time so they can’t attend in-person training,” said Karen Hall, statewide Master Gardener coordinator. “We hope to reach more people this way so they can manage their home landscape in an effective and environmentally sound way.”  

The online training will not replace in-person workshops, but will make the popular program available to more people. Currently, 33 of South Carolina’s 46 counties offer the 12-week in-person workshops led by Clemson Extension horticulture agents. 

The online training will cover the same material as the in-person classes. The difference is that participants can complete the 12 workshop modules at home, working through them on a week-by-week basis. 

“Each module consists of about six hours per week of presentations by Clemson horticulture agents, videos, active learning in the home landscape and self-assessments to reinforce learning,” Hall said. 

Online participants are not required to earn Master Gardener certification. However, if they wish to be certified they can contact the Clemson Extension horticulture agent in their counties to take the exam and serve as a community gardening volunteer. 

The 12-week course begins Aug. 17 for the public and Aug. 24 for public school teachers. The cost is $300. For more information or to register, go to www.clemson.edu/extension/mg.

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