Growing fresh food at home doesn’t require a green thumb, just a little guidance, some patience, and a willingness to get dirty.
Maybe those seed packets at the hardware store have sparked questions about whether watermelons really can grow in a South Carolina backyard. Maybe a neighbor’s plum tree or the idea of cooking with homegrown herbs has planted a seed of curiosity. That spark is all it takes to begin.
Every experienced gardener was once a complete beginner. They didn’t know the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes. They weren’t sure when to water or how deep to plant seeds.
The good news? No one must figure it all out alone.
Learn skills for a bountiful vegetable gardening. Carmen Ketron, ©2026, Clemson Extension
A Course Designed for Beginners
Clemson Cooperative Extension is offering Home Horticulture Foundations: Edibles and Orchards, a six-week online course starting March 16, 2026. No experience necessary, this program was built specifically for people just getting started.
The self-paced video course walks participants through the essentials:
- Setting up garden space, whether in-ground or raised beds
- Planning and planting seasonal vegetables
- Growing herbs for the kitchen
- Caring for small fruits like strawberries
- Getting started with fruit trees
- Using sustainable, organic-friendly methods
Videos are released every Monday at noon, and all materials remain accessible through May 30, 2026, so learners can revisit lessons throughout the planting season.
Learn by Doing
For hands-on practice, an optional field day takes place May 1, 2026, at The Farm at Florence One in Florence, South Carolina. From 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., participants receive practical instruction on building raised beds, understanding soil health, identifying pests, attracting pollinators, setting up irrigation, and planting vegetables and fruit trees. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Register now at qrco.de/HHF_EO.
Questions? Contact Carmen Ketron at cketron@clemson.edu or (843) 773-1422.
