Tag: Horticulture

Bryan Smith
Area Extension Agent – Agricultural Engineer
Laurens

The Laurens County Extension Office is currently hosting a hybrid Master Gardener course.  The Master Gardener course began on August 11, 2026 and will meet each Tuesday through December 1.  This year’s course has 21 students.

Students in the course will complete 16 three-hour classes on subjects including lawn care, vegetable gardening, urban tree care, soils and plant nutrition, tree fruits and small fruits, and many more.  Each class is presented by an Extension Agent or a Master Gardener graduate that has experience in the subject matter, which allows them to provide practical experience along with research-based information.

This year’s course is once again a hybrid model, which includes 12 in-person presentations and 9 presentations by video (21 presentations in total will be presented over the 16 week course).  The hybrid model is an attempt to provide the same training to Master Gardener students across the State so they will all have the same base knowledge in the “Core” subjects.  The in-person classes allow coordinators to tailor the course for each county’s needs by offering local topics most useful to their students.

After completing the course the students will provide 40 hours of community service over the next 12 months to become Certified Master Gardeners.

For more information about the program visit https://www.clemson.edu/extension/mg/ .

Drew Jeffers
Horticulture Agent
Greenville

It has been a busy spring and summer for horticulture programming in Greenville County, and the pace is not slowing as we head into fall and begin looking ahead to 2027.

Over the past several months, much of my work has focused on helping homeowners, Master Gardeners, and green-industry professionals make better horticultural and pest-management decisions. That has included educational programs, professional training, diagnostic assistance, research, and the continued development of new Extension resources.

This summer also provided several opportunities to share some of that work beyond Greenville County. In August, I presented three research projects at the American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference in Dallas. Those presentations focused on consumer demand for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) services, Master Gardener knowledge of IPM, and factors affecting long-term retention of Master Gardener volunteers.

Closer to home, work has continued on the South Carolina Certified Landscape Professional program, including efforts to update and strengthen the curriculum for future participants. We have also been developing new educational resources for the green industry, including an IPM video project with the Clemson Campus Research Greenhouses and the transition of commercial pesticide applicator exam-preparation material into a more applied, online, on-demand IPM course.

A Full Fall Ahead

Fall 2026 is already shaping up to be busy.

Our Greenville County Master Gardener Training Course began in September and will continue through February 2027. Over the next several months, participants will work through topics ranging from soil and plant physiology to pest management, trees and shrubs, diagnostics, and other core horticultural subjects.

On October 17, I will be at the Kilgore Lewis House Fall Festival and Plant Sale, presenting Increasing Biodiversity in the Landscape and answering gardening questions at a horticulture Q&A booth.

October will also bring our annual IPM Symposium, which provides continuing education for landscape, nursery, greenhouse, and other green-industry professionals. The program focuses on practical, research-based approaches to pest identification, diagnosis, pesticide stewardship, and Integrated Pest Management.

In November, Jackie Jordan and I will present a hands-on Microscope and Diagnostics Workshop at the South Carolina State Master Gardener Conference in Myrtle Beach. The workshop will give Master Gardeners an opportunity to strengthen their diagnostic skills and gain experience with microscopes and other tools for investigating plant problems.

Looking Ahead to 2027

We are already planning a full slate of horticulture programs for next year.

For green-industry professionals, 2027 programs will include live webinars on plant diagnostics, biological controls, ornamental diseases, thrips, mites, whiteflies, and scale insects. We are also planning pesticide applicator training opportunities, a Greenhouse & Nursery Growers Summit, and continued IPM programming.

Homeowners will have several opportunities as well. Programs already planned include:

• Landscaping with Sun Perennials
• Landscaping with Shade Perennials
• Ornamental Landscape IPM
• Vegetable Garden Pest Management
• Using Shrubs in the Landscape

I am also planning to expand public outreach through garden center Q&A booths during the spring gardening season. These informal events will provide an opportunity for homeowners to stop by, ask gardening questions, learn about Clemson Extension resources, and receive research-based information as they make decisions for their landscapes and gardens.

Another longer-term goal is the development of an advanced diagnostics and IPM training program for experienced Master Gardeners. This will likely be a collaborative effort involving Extension agents and specialists, focusing on practical diagnosis, scouting, symptom recognition, and pest management decision-making.

Staying Connected

One of the goals of Clemson Cooperative Extension is to make research-based horticultural information practical and accessible, whether you are managing a commercial landscape, growing plants professionally, volunteering as a Master Gardener, or simply trying to keep your own lawn and garden healthy.

As registration opens for these programs, details will be shared through Clemson Extension and Greenville County program announcements.

There is a lot ahead in 2027, and I look forward to continuing to work with homeowners, volunteers, and horticulture professionals throughout Greenville County and across South Carolina.

Nicole Goodman
Urban Horticulture Agent

Extension Agent Nicole Goodman is steadily expanding her workshop offerings, including education on stormwater management—an important topic for protecting local water resources.

This year, Nicole offered two “Harvest the Rain” workshops, both of which filled to capacity with 15 attendees each.

Participants explored the legal considerations of rainwater collection nationwide, rainwater chemistry, stormwater management, and how everyday activities—such as washing a car—can affect water quality downstream.

The second half of the workshop focused on practical applications. Attendees learned how to calculate rainwater storage capacity, incorporate landscape features that manage stormwater, safely use collected rainwater in edible landscapes, and build and connect a rain barrel to a roof. Participants also had the option to purchase a rain barrel and installation kit.

“Harvest the Rain” is planned as an annual workshop.

Interested in suggesting a future workshop topic? Complete Nicole’s Qualtrics form to help identify the county’s educational needs: https://clemson.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_douhccsqDM63odo

Nicole Goodman
Horticulture Agent
Spartanburg County

For the first time since 2023, Spartanburg County proudly offered the Master Gardener Volunteer Training once again—and it would not have been possible without the dedication, curiosity, and generosity of our Master Gardener Volunteer community.

Between August and December 2025, fifteen enthusiastic students completed the 16-week training focused on growing better, healthier gardens. Coursework covered a wide range of topics, including lawn care, native plant identification, hands-on invasive plant removal, and soil health for a more bountiful harvest. Their commitment culminated in a rigorous four-hour final exam in early December, which they passed with flying colors, demonstrating both knowledge and determination.

Graduation, however, is just the beginning. Each new Master Gardener Volunteer now contributes 40 hours of educational service, sharing science-based gardening practices throughout the county. Many are already actively serving—offering lectures at local libraries, teaching garden club classes, introducing young visitors to the beauty of Hatcher Garden, or guiding community members during monthly workdays at St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic in downtown Spartanburg.

Our Master Gardener Volunteers are more than educators; they are stewards of growth, connection, and care. Through their service, they leave a lasting mark on Spartanburg County—one garden, one lesson, and one shared moment at a time.

The Pre-Registration for the 2026 Training is now online and can be found here
https://forms.gle/yku9i5QSp2SsNgFr8

As the new Horticulture Agent in Union County, the past few months have been both busy and rewarding. After stepping into this role last fall, my first priority was getting to know the community and sharing with residents that horticulture support and programming was available through Clemson Extension. Early visits to the Piedmont Physics Garden and Sanders Garden Center helped establish those first local connections.

            Just as I started to settle in, the Union County Fair arrived, bringing a whirlwind of activity. I jumped in where needed and even had the opportunity to teach a session for “5k Day”, one of the week’s highlights. After the fair, I shifted to planning programs to support residents across the county. 

            In December, I presented a Poinsettia program at two local churches. Both programs were well attended, and participants seemed to truly enjoy learning about the history and care of this classic holiday plant. Word spread, and I was soon invited to share the presentation again at the Union County Carnegie Library. These programs marked my first full presentations created specifically for Union County, and I’m eager to continue offering educational opportunities.

            With the new year underway, I’m excited to launch my spring project: a six-part Vegetable Gardening Series. Each Monday at 10 a.m., from February 9 through March 16, participants will explore a different aspect of vegetable gardening. This series is designed for everyone – from those planting a garden for the first time to seasoned growers looking to sharpen their skills.

            Looking ahead, a major goal is bringing the Master Gardener course back to Union County for the first time in over a decade. While neighboring counties provide training, having one in Union again would make the program far more accessible for our residents. If enough interest is expressed, I plan to host a new course in fall 2026, running from August to November. Those interested may contact me at 864-795-2567 or bgreen5@clemson.edu.

            Thank you to everyone who has offered such a warm welcome. I’m excited to continue growing horticulture programming for the people of Union County.

Jackie Jordan, the Fairfield County Urban Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator offered two Master Gardener Training classes in the fall of 2025. The Master Gardener Training Class 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. The course is an 11-week course covering lawn care, home vegetable gardening, urban tree care, native and ornamental plant selection, and insect, disease and weed identification and management. Master Gardeners provide many free garden programs at multiple Richland County Library locations.

On March 26^th Jackie Jordan will be hosting a landscape design workshop focusing on using native and edible plants in the landscape. Participants will learn principles of design so they can create a beautiful and functional home landscape.

For more information on the program, please reach out to Jackie Jordan  by email at jkopack@clemson.edu.

By: Andrew Jeffers, Greenville County Horticulture Agent

Greenville County Extension is excited to announce a new partnership with the Greenville State Farmers Market, strengthening opportunities for agricultural education, horticulture outreach, and community engagement in Greenville County.

This partnership creates a shared space where Extension programming and the Farmers Market’s mission intersect—connecting residents with practical, research-based information while supporting local agriculture and green industry professionals.

Through this collaboration, Drew Jeffers, Horticulture Agent for Greenville County, will work with market leadership to deliver educational workshops, demonstrations, and trainings that serve homeowners, Master Gardeners, landscapers, growers, and the general public. Planned programming will focus on topics such as urban tree care, sustainable landscaping, pest management, seasonal gardening practices, and homeowner horticulture education.

In addition, Amie Mabe, 4-H Agent for Greenville County, is actively planning youth-focused programs at the Farmers Market that will support agricultural literacy, hands-on learning, and community engagement. These efforts will expand opportunities for young people to connect with food systems, horticulture, and environmental stewardship in a highly visible public setting.

Other Greenville County Extension agents are also exploring the possibility of scheduling future programs and workshops at the Farmers Market, reflecting a broader interest in using the site as a hub for Extension education across program areas.

The Greenville State Farmers Market provides an accessible, high-traffic location that attracts a diverse audience—from experienced growers to first-time gardeners. Hosting Extension programs at the market allows education to meet people where they already gather, reinforcing Extension’s role as a trusted source of science-based information.

By combining Extension expertise with the Farmers Market’s strong community presence, this partnership enhances Greenville County’s capacity to promote sustainable practices, informed decision-making, and long-term stewardship of landscapes and natural resources.

Details on upcoming programs and events hosted through this partnership will be announced in future newsletters and through Greenville County Extension communication channels.

For more information on Extension programs and educational opportunities, contact Greenville County Extension.

By: Andrew Jeffers, Greenville County Horticulture Agent

Urban trees are more than landscape features—they provide shade, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and add long-term value to our communities. To help homeowners, landscapers, and Master Gardeners better understand how to establish and care for trees in developed environments, Greenville County Extension recently hosted an Urban Tree Workshop led by Drew Jeffers, Horticulture Agent for Greenville County.

The workshop attracted 42 participants from across the county and focused on practical, research-based strategies for improving tree survival and long-term performance in urban and suburban landscapes.

One of the primary topics covered was proper tree planting techniques, including correct planting depth, identifying the root flare, and the importance of wide, shallow planting holes. Participants learned that many common tree problems begin at planting and that improper installation can shorten a tree’s lifespan by decades. Common issues such as girdling roots, buried root flares, and compacted soils were discussed, along with methods for correcting or preventing them.

The workshop also addressed mulching and watering practices, areas where well-meaning maintenance often causes unintended harm. Participants learned how excessive mulch can damage tree trunks and restrict oxygen to roots, as well as why consistent, moderate watering is more effective than infrequent heavy irrigation. Proper mulch placement and irrigation timing were emphasized as simple, low-cost practices that significantly improve tree establishment.

Another key focus was urban tree stress. Trees growing in developed environments face unique challenges, including limited rooting space, reflected heat, soil compaction, and mechanical injury. Understanding these stressors helps explain why trees in landscapes often decline prematurely and highlights the importance of proactive management rather than reactive treatments.

The workshop concluded with a discussion on long-term tree care, including structural pruning, monitoring for pests and diseases, and recognizing when professional arborist services may be needed. Participants were encouraged to view tree care as a long-term investment that benefits both individual properties and the broader community.

Educational programs like this Urban Tree Workshop support Greenville County’s commitment to healthy landscapes, resilient urban forests, and informed environmental stewardship. By improving how trees are selected, planted, and maintained, residents can help ensure Greenville County’s trees thrive for generations to come.

For information on upcoming Extension programs and educational opportunities, contact Greenville County Extension.

By: Andrew Jeffers, Greenville County Horticulture Agent

Clemson Extension recently hosted the 8th Annual Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Symposium in Greer, bringing together professionals from across the region for a full day of applied, research-based education.

The symposium attracted 93 participants, including landscapers, nursery and greenhouse professionals, pesticide applicators, Extension personnel, and industry representatives. The event focused on practical IPM strategies designed to improve pest control outcomes while reducing unnecessary pesticide use and minimizing environmental and economic risk.

Sessions emphasized the core principles of IPM, including accurate pest identification, monitoring and threshold-based decision making, resistance management, and the integration of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control tools. Speakers highlighted how improper timing, overreliance on single modes of action, and reactive management approaches can contribute to control failures and resistance development.

Participants also received updates on current pest issues affecting ornamental landscapes and production systems, along with guidance on selecting appropriate control options based on site conditions, plant material, and pest pressure. Emphasis was placed on making informed management decisions that protect both plant health and applicator safety.

The symposium provided an opportunity for professionals to earn pesticide recertification credits while engaging directly with Extension specialists and peers. Attendees were encouraged to take information from the program back to their operations to improve long-term pest management efficiency and sustainability.

Educational events like the IPM Symposium reflect Clemson Extension’s commitment to supporting South Carolina’s green industry through science-based training and professional development. By promoting IPM principles, Extension helps ensure that pest management practices remain effective, economical, and environmentally responsible.

Information on future IPM programs and educational opportunities will be shared through Clemson Extension and Greenville County Extension communication channels.

For more information, contact Greenville County Extension.

By: Andrew Jeffers, Greenville County Horticulture Agent

In 2026, Horticulture Agent Drew Jeffers is lining up a full slate of practical programs that meet learners where they are—on jobsites, in community spaces, and online. We open the year with a Tree Workshop on January 22 in Greer, a half-day deep dive designed for crews and managers who want fewer callbacks and healthier canopies. Sessions move from tree ID challenges to invasive species awareness, then into “plant this, not that” alternatives and the soil/site realities that make-or-break urban trees—each talk aimed at decisions you’ll make the next day.

February stacks training options for every audience. Growers and land managers can earn credentials at the Private Applicator session on February 3 (Greenville DHEC training room). Home gardeners get a focused, myth-busting Hydrangeas webinar on February 18. And turf professionals can spend February 26 in an Advanced Turf IPM Workshop that walks through communication with clients and crews, cultural practices that strengthen IPM, insect and disease ID, scouting and thresholds, and advanced weed management—seven hours that connect diagnosis to action, start to finish.

Looking ahead to fall, the Master Gardener main course runs August 4–November 17, bringing a new cohort into research-based horticulture with plenty of hands-on problem-solving. We’ll also gather the industry at the IPM Symposium on October 22 (Canon Centre, Greer) to compare notes, sharpen scouting and decision-making, and leave with steps that improve outcomes across the Upstate. A second Private Applicator date follows on November 5 for those needing certification before year’s end.

Along the way, Drew will share tailored talks with local garden clubs and appear at regional and national meetings—including ASHS (August), the EMG Conference (August), and iLandscape (February)—to keep our programs aligned with current science and the real-world questions people bring to the table. It’s a year built around one goal: practical learning that turns into better decisions, healthier landscapes, and confident clients across Greenville County and beyond.