Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class

To view course offerings please visit the Master Gardener program page.

Course Description:

The Master Gardener Program has two components: instruction and service. The Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course (MGVTC) fulfills the instruction requirement. The course is a hybrid course combining online and face-to-face learning. 

MGVTC courses meet in person according to the schedule set by each Master Gardener Coordinator. Your local coordinator can provide information about your meeting times and location. During each meeting, Master Gardener Coordinators and other Clemson faculty and staff will share their expertise to help prepare you for your role as a volunteer. We will participate in lectures together, and we will have opportunities for discussion and practice. Quizzes on current topics will take place either online or in person. Your local Master Gardener will let you know how you will be completing your quizzes. At the end of the course, you will take your final exam online. The training requires that participants fulfill the necessary time commitments and volunteer hours.

Course Topics:

This course includes seven modules:

• Introduction to the Master Gardener Program
• Composting
• Soils & Plant Nutrition
• Botany
• Plant Physiology
• Plant Propagation
• Entomology
• Plant Pathology
• Weed Ecology & Management
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Irrigation
• Selecting & Managing Woody Plants
• Herbaceous Ornamental Plants
• Turfgrass
• Vegetable & Herb Gardening
• Fruit Gardening
• Diagnosing Plant Problems
• Communication

Course Requirements:

To complete the course and earn the Master Gardener digital badge, participants must attend 80% of the weekly sessions and complete the final exam with a score of 70% or better.

Technical Requirements:

To participate fully in this course, you will need:

• An active email address for the individual participating in the course.
• A desktop computer or laptop (recommended): Canvas is available on mobile devices, but some content may appear differently.
• Access to a high-speed internet connection.
• A web browser compatible with Canvas: Chrome and Firefox are recommended.
• Headphones or speakers (closed captioning also available).
• Computer skills including Internet browsing, using email, typing, downloading files, and basic troubleshooting.

Need Help?

• If you need help accessing or registering for a course, please contact Clemson Online at onlineplus@clemson.edu.
• Our support email is monitored Monday-Friday from 8:00-4:30. If you contact us in the evening or on the weekend, we will help you during the next business day.
• Please do not contact CCIT regarding CPE courses. Please reach out to Clemson Online so that we can assist you.
• Using Bulk Purchase? Please inform those you purchase seats for. They will receive an email invitation immediately upon enrollment. For more help, read about bulk enrollments in Catalog.