About the Master Gardener program
The South Carolina Master Gardener Program trains, selects, and utilizes knowledgeable volunteers to facilitate the educational work of the local Horticulture Agent by delivering research-based information to the citizens of the state. We invite you to join our dedicated network of South Carolina Master Gardener Volunteers who play a vital role in providing public education on horticulture and gardening-related topics.
Become a Master Gardener
Becoming a South Carolina Master Gardener is a two-step process.
Step 1: Pass the Training Class
Participants receive at least 40 hours of intensive, practical horticultural training during the Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course (MGVTC). Topics covered in the MGVTC include soils and plant nutrition, entomology, plant physiology, plant pathology, vegetable gardening, lawn management, culture of woody ornamentals, and problem solving. Satisfying the instruction component requires regular classroom attendance and passing a final exam. A criminal background check is also required.
The MGVTC is offered by local Extension Horticulture Agents who also serve as Master Gardener Coordinators. Dates and times will vary by host site.
Step 2: Complete Volunteer Hours
Participants must complete 40 hours of educational service to complete the initial training and earn the title “South Carolina Master Gardener.”
Maintaining The Master Gardener Certification
To maintain certification, a South Carolina Master Gardener must complete 20 hours of educational service and 10 hours of continuing education each reporting year (July 1 – June 30)
If you’d like to be notified of the next MGVTC in your area, please complete our Interest Form. This will allow the local coordinator in your area to contact you when the next course registration is available.
MGVTC Interest Form
Training Classes
Dates and times will vary by host site. Host site information will be added as dates and times are set. Please contact the local Master Gardener Coordinator for more information.
***If you are interested in taking the MGVTC in the future, please complete the interest form by clicking the green "MGVTC Interest Form" button above. We will contact you when the next course is scheduled in your specified location.
Spring 2026
- Sumter
This class will meet each Tuesday from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM beginning March 3 and ending June 2. These will be a one-hour lunch break at 11:00 AM.
Fall 2026
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Beaufort
This class will meet each Wednesday from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM beginning August 5 and ending November 11.
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Berkeley/Charleston/Dorchester
This class will meet each Tuesday from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM beginning September 15 and ending December 1.
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Florence/Darlington
TBD
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Horry/Georgetown
TBD
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Greenville
This class will meet each Tuesday from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM beginning September 8, 2026 and ending February 9, 2027.
No classes will be held November 24, December 15, December 22, or December 29 due to holidays.
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Greenwood
This class will meet each Monday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM beginning August 3 and ending November 16.
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Laurens/Newberry
This class will meet each Tuesday from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM beginning August 11 and ending December 1.
Minimum of 10 students required to hold the class.
Contact Bryan Smith: wsmth@clemson.edu or 864-705-1101
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Lexington/Aiken
TBD
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Pickens/Oconee/Anderson
This class will meet each Thursday from 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM beginning August 6, 2026, and ending November 19, 2026.
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Richland/Kershaw/Fairfield
The Kershaw County class will meet each Tuesday from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM beginning September 8 and ending November 17.
The Richland County class will be offered in Spring 2027.
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Spartanburg
This class will meet each Wednesday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM beginning August 5 and ending December 9.
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York/Chester/Lancaster
The York County class will have two course time offerings:
Wednesdays from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM beginning August 5 and ending December 9.
Wednesdays from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM beginning August 5 and ending December 9.
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Union
The class will meet each Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., beginning August 3 and ending November 30.
Additional Horticulture Learning Opportunities
Not ready for the volunteer commitment of the Master Gardener Program, but still want to expand your horticulture knowledge?
Home Horticulture Foundations: Edibles & Orchards starts March 16!
This beginner-friendly online course is perfect for South Carolina gardeners who want to start producing fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits right in their own backyard—no experience necessary!
Follow the register link to learn more and see if it’s the right fit for you.
Home Horticulture Foundations
Online Reporting
We need SC Master Gardeners to log all of their hours in the Volunteer Reporting System. This is how we show the impact South Carolina Master Gardeners make in their local communities.
SC Master Gardener Store
The SC Master Gardener store features decals, patches, Tervis tumblers, garden flags, and insulated grocery bags.
