The South Carolina Master Gardeners Program
"Volunteers Making a Difference"
What is the South CarolinaMaster GardenerTM Program?
This volunteer training program is administered by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. Introduced in Charleston County in 1981, the Master Gardener program is now offered in 36 counties.
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. A few of the following topics are covered in the program:
*Soils and Plant Nutrition
*Basic Plant Pathology, Physiology, and 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." The Master Gardener graduates then donate at least 40 hours of service to complete the last part of the program.
This volunteer training program is administered by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. Introduced in Charleston County in 1981, the Master Gardener program is now offered in 36 counties.
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. A few of the following topics are covered in the program:
*Soils and Plant Nutrition
*Basic Plant Pathology, Physiology, and 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." The Master Gardener graduates then donate at least 40 hours of service to complete the last part of the program.
What is Expected of Master Gardeners? After completing the course, Master Gardeners are required to volunteer at least 40 hours of service in the Clemson Extension office or in the community. The volunteer activities are coordinated through the local county Extension office.
Master Gardeners share their knowledge and skills in a number of ways: answering horticulture calls at the Extension office; speaking to garden and civic clubs; working with youth or senior groups; and assisting communities with beautification projects.
Many Master Gardeners far exceed the expected 40 hours of service. Many continue in the program beyond the first year, motivated by their willingness to help others and the personal satisfaction derived from participating in this community service program.
Master Gardeners share their knowledge and skills in a number of ways: answering horticulture calls at the Extension office; speaking to garden and civic clubs; working with youth or senior groups; and assisting communities with beautification projects.
Many Master Gardeners far exceed the expected 40 hours of service. Many continue in the program beyond the first year, motivated by their willingness to help others and the personal satisfaction derived from participating in this community service program.
Will I Learn More After Becoming A Master Gardener?
Master Gardeners never stop learning. Volunteer activities, Master Gardener association meetings, Extension inservice trainings, and annual State Master Gardener Continued Training Conferences offer Master Gardeners a wide range of opportunities to increase their knowledge, develop new skills, exchange program ideas, and forge new friendships.
Master Gardeners never stop learning. Volunteer activities, Master Gardener association meetings, Extension inservice trainings, and annual State Master Gardener Continued Training Conferences offer Master Gardeners a wide range of opportunities to increase their knowledge, develop new skills, exchange program ideas, and forge new friendships.
Is the Master Gardener Program for You? Ask yourself these questions:
Do I want to learn more about plants, pests, landscaping and gardening?
Do I want to participate in an intensive, practical training program?
Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
Do I have the time to commit to both the training and the volunteer service?
If you answered "yes" to these questions, then the Master Gardener program could be for you.
Do I want to learn more about plants, pests, landscaping and gardening?
Do I want to participate in an intensive, practical training program?
Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
Do I have the time to commit to both the training and the volunteer service?
If you answered "yes" to these questions, then the Master Gardener program could be for you.
How Can I Become a Master Gardener?
If you have the desire, commitment and time to learn and want to put your knowledge and skills to work through volunteer service, then apply for admission to the Master Gardener program.
Contact Tony Melton at amelton@clemson.edu
If you have the desire, commitment and time to learn and want to put your knowledge and skills to work through volunteer service, then apply for admission to the Master Gardener program.
Contact Tony Melton at amelton@clemson.edu
