Horticulture Agent Update – Stephanie Turner

January 29, 2021

Since assuming my role in August of 2020, I have been working towards increasing public awareness of the Cooperative Extension activities and services available in Greenwood County. The Index Journal has granted me a weekly column for educational outreach. In the column I have covered topics ranging from recommended garden tasks to environmental education and I have included program announcements. I also created the Greenwood County Cooperative Extension Facebook page for our office to update our community on our activities and to share timely information and educational posts. I have assisted the Home Garden Information Center in updating online fact sheets for crops such as Begonia and Coleus.

In my role as Master Gardener coordinator, I have connected the Lakelands Master Gardener Association with two new projects. The first new project will be in conjunction with the Piedmont Agency on Aging using their greenhouse and raised bed gardens for educational activities and potentially housing their annual fundraising plant sale. The second new project is the rehabilitation of the Eleanor Rice Elementary school Roots and Shoots Garden. I am also part of the committee creating the new statewide Virtual Master Gardener course that will be held online on Wednesday mornings beginning in January 2021. Four individuals from Greenwood plan to take this new course and become Master Gardeners.

Horticulture Agent Stephanie Turner and Master Gardener Vic Chrjapin pose with ‘Mr. Pots’ at the Roots and Shoots garden.

I created and sent out an assessment to local stakeholders in Greenwood County to identify needs and gather suggestions for programs. Respondents provided comments on areas of concern, desired programming, and suggested activities for Clemson Extension. Stakeholders commented on the need to engage youth and to educate both consumers and professionals on a variety of topics including conservation, integrated pest management, agricultural practices, health and nutrition, and more. I’m looking forward to addressing these areas and others in conjunction with interested community members, partner organizations, and my Cooperative Extension colleagues.

For more information on Horticulture related issues and programs, please contact Stephanie Turner by email at stepht@clemson.edu or phone at 864-889-0541.