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 between August 1 and December 31. Dates and times will vary by host site. If you’d like to be notified of the next MGVTC in your area, please complete this form.
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.”
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).
Fall 2025 Training Classses
All Master Gardener Volunteer Training classes will be offered between August 1 and December 31. 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.
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Beaufort
This class will meet each Wednesday from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM beginning September 13 and ending December 3.
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Berkeley/Charleston/Dorchester
This class will meet each Wednesday from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM beginning September 10 and ending December 3.
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Florence/Darlington
This class will meet each Tuesday from 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM beginning September 2 and ending November 25.
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Horry/Georgetown
This class will meet each Monday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM beginning August 11 and ending November 17.
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Greenville
This class will meet each Tuesday from 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM beginning August 5 and ending November 18.
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Greenwood
This class will meet each Monday from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM beginning August 11 and ending November 24.
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Laurens/Newberry
This class will meet each Tuesday from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM beginning August 12 and ending December 2.
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
This class will meet each Tuesday from 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM beginning September 9 and ending November 18.
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Pickens/Oconee/Anderson
This class will meet each Thursday from 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM beginning August 7 and ending November 20.
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Richland/Kershaw/Fairfield
The Richland County class will meet each Friday from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM beginning September 12 and ending November 21.
The Kershaw County class will meet each Tuesday from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM beginning September 9 and ending November 18.
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Sumter
TBD
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Spartanburg
This class will meet each Wednesday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM beginning August 6 and ending December 10.
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York/Chester/Lancaster
TBD
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.
Branded Apparel and Gear
Looking for Master Gardener branded apparel and gear? Find shirts, hats and tote bags at our Signatures store.
