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:
More Information:
For more information from Clemson Extension click here.
The Master Gardener program in Greenville County is coordinated by Drew Jeffers, Horticulture Extension Agent.
Clemson Extension Office Number:
(864) 232-4431
Already a SC Master Gardener?:
Any South Carolina Certified Master Gardener in the Greenville area may join the GGMGA. Contact our membership chairperson at [email protected] for more information.
We would love to have you as a Master Gardener!
Getting into the weeds:
Here is the membership information from the 2023-24 GGMGA By-Laws:
ARTICLE III. Membership
Classes of Membership for Clemson Extension (CE) GGMGA Members:
A. Certified status will be assigned to GGMGA members who have paid dues and completed and documented in the state Volunteer Reporting System:
B. Active status will be assigned to GGMGA members who have paid dues and completed and documented some Educational Service or Continuing Education hours, but not the minimum required.
C. Inactive status will be assigned to GGMGA members who have paid dues and have not completed and documented any Educational Service or Continuing Education hours.
D. Student Members–Individuals currently enrolled in the MGTC who are granted a complimentary guest membership.
E. Interns–Individuals who have successfully completed the MGTC but have not completed the initial 40-hour volunteer commitment. A complimentary guest membership is granted to all GGMGA interns until the membership drive following their March certification. At that time, they become Active members of the GGMGA by paying annual membership dues.
F. Honorary Members—Individuals awarded special recognition by the Executive Committee for exemplifying the spirit of the Master Gardener program by promoting consumer horticulture education in Greenville County. At the June Executive Committee meeting, Honorary Members will be determined for the subsequent fiscal year, beginning July 1.
G. Transferees—Master Gardeners from other states who are currently auditing the MGTC or who will audit the next available MGTC. A letter of recommendation from the transferee’s previous Extension MG Coordinator and a copy of the transferee’s MG certification must be forwarded to the Clemson Extension MG Coordinator. While the transferee is auditing the MGTC or waiting to complete the Clemson Extension requirements, he/she, upon payment of dues, will have all rights, responsibilities, and privileges of membership with the exception of providing educational service to the public. Transferees from other counties within South Carolina will become members of The Greater Greenville Master Gardeners Association upon payment of annual dues.
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
More Information:
For more information from Clemson Extension click here.
The Master Gardener program in Greenville County is coordinated by Drew Jeffers, Horticulture Extension Agent.
Clemson Extension Office Number:
(864) 232-4431
Already a SC Master Gardener?:
Any South Carolina Certified Master Gardener in the Greenville area may join the GGMGA. Contact our membership chairperson at [email protected] for more information.
We would love to have you as a Master Gardener!
Getting into the weeds:
Here is the membership information from the 2023-24 GGMGA By-Laws:
ARTICLE III. Membership
Classes of Membership for Clemson Extension (CE) GGMGA Members:
A. Certified status will be assigned to GGMGA members who have paid dues and completed and documented in the state Volunteer Reporting System:
- at least 20 hours of Extension-approved Educational Service and
- 10 hours of Extension-approved Continuing Education by June 30, the end of our fiscal year.
B. Active status will be assigned to GGMGA members who have paid dues and completed and documented some Educational Service or Continuing Education hours, but not the minimum required.
C. Inactive status will be assigned to GGMGA members who have paid dues and have not completed and documented any Educational Service or Continuing Education hours.
D. Student Members–Individuals currently enrolled in the MGTC who are granted a complimentary guest membership.
E. Interns–Individuals who have successfully completed the MGTC but have not completed the initial 40-hour volunteer commitment. A complimentary guest membership is granted to all GGMGA interns until the membership drive following their March certification. At that time, they become Active members of the GGMGA by paying annual membership dues.
F. Honorary Members—Individuals awarded special recognition by the Executive Committee for exemplifying the spirit of the Master Gardener program by promoting consumer horticulture education in Greenville County. At the June Executive Committee meeting, Honorary Members will be determined for the subsequent fiscal year, beginning July 1.
G. Transferees—Master Gardeners from other states who are currently auditing the MGTC or who will audit the next available MGTC. A letter of recommendation from the transferee’s previous Extension MG Coordinator and a copy of the transferee’s MG certification must be forwarded to the Clemson Extension MG Coordinator. While the transferee is auditing the MGTC or waiting to complete the Clemson Extension requirements, he/she, upon payment of dues, will have all rights, responsibilities, and privileges of membership with the exception of providing educational service to the public. Transferees from other counties within South Carolina will become members of The Greater Greenville Master Gardeners Association upon payment of annual dues.