South Carolina residents interested in growing vegetables, herbs and fruit at home have a new learning opportunity through the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service.
A six‑week online course, Home Horticulture Foundations: Edibles and Orchards, begins March 16. The course is designed for beginner gardeners across the state.
Registration is open on Eventbrite through March 15. No gardening experience is required.
The self‑paced program provides weekly instructional videos released each Monday at noon. Lessons cover raised‑bed and in‑ground gardening, seasonal vegetable production, herb care, small‑fruit management, tree‑fruit basics and sustainable, research‑based practices suited to South Carolina’s varied climate zones.
“This course meets gardeners where they are,” said Carmen Ketron, a Clemson Extension urban horticulture agent. “Whether you’re starting your first raised bed or want to plant that peach tree you’ve been dreaming about, we’ll walk you through every step.”
The curriculum was developed by four Clemson Extension horticulture agents, Ketron, Nicole Goodman, Brittney King and Christiana Huss. Their specialties include vegetable crops, herbs, fruit production and organic gardening methods. Content is based on common questions they receive from home gardeners throughout the state.
Participants may choose between a $60 video‑only option or a $95 package that includes an optional in‑person field day on May 1 at The Farm at Florence One in Florence. The field day runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and covers raised‑bed construction, soil health, pest identification, pollinator support, irrigation installation and care of vegetable and fruit trees. Lunch and snacks are included.
All course materials, including videos and reference guides, will remain available through May 30, giving learners ongoing support during the spring growing season.
Ketron said the program reflects Clemson Extension’s long‑standing mission as part of a land-grant University to bring university‑based research directly to South Carolina residents.
“Extension agents translate the latest horticultural findings into practical techniques home gardeners can apply in their daily lives,” she said.
For more information, contact Ketron at cketron@clemson.edu or 843‑773‑1422. General gardening questions can be directed to the Clemson Home and Garden Information Center at 1‑888‑656‑9988 or hgic.clemson.edu.
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