South Carolina ETV gardening and horticulture show “Making It Grow” celebrates 30 years

image of making it grow 30 year anniversary logo with flowers and past and present hosts.

The Emmy Award-winning series Making It Grow celebrates its 30th anniversary of bringing horticultural knowledge to households across the Palmetto State on Oct. 12. From its inception in 1993, the South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) gardening and horticulture show has evolved from a monthly gardening program to a weekly, must-see show on ETV’s network of television stations and digital platforms.

For three decades, Making It Grow has been the trusted companion for gardening enthusiasts and environmental advocates alike. Produced at SCETV’s regional studio, ETV Sumter, the show takes viewers on a journey through the state, offering insights into a wide array of gardening, agricultural and environmental topics.

Each week, Host Amanda McNulty from Clemson Extension along with Clemson Extension Master Gardener State Coordinator Agent Terasa Lott offer research-based information and answer viewer questions on a variety of topics. Additionally, McNulty offers brief gardening tips and techniques on Making It Grow Minutes, a segment produced by SC Public Radio in partnership with Clemson University's Extension Service.

Over the years, Making It Grow has featured experienced Clemson Extension agents, horticulturists, farmers, fishermen, artisans, beekeepers, innovators, chefs, educators and more. Their passion and expertise have enriched the lives of South Carolinians and transformed backyards, gardens and communities throughout the state.

In celebration of this milestone achievement, the ETV Endowment of South Carolina and SCETV hosted a special Making It Grow 30th-anniversary celebration on Monday, Sept. 25 at the Sumter Opera House. The evening was a tribute to the people who have made Making It Grow an invaluable resource for South Carolinians as well as an opportunity to connect gardening enthusiasts and those who share a passion for the environment.

Adding to the 30th-anniversary celebration, classic segments of Making It Grow began airing on Aug. 8, allowing viewers to relive some of the show’s most memorable moments. The Making It Grow team is also scheduled to make an appearance at the SC State Fair on Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. at SCETV’s exhibit in the Ellison Building. In addition to this special meet-and-greet opportunity, the team will be recording segments for an upcoming episode during the State Fair to be broadcast at a later date.

Making It Grow is a production of SCETV and Clemson University and is supported by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, The Boyd Foundation, McLeod Farms, The South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Bureau Insurance, and Boone Hall Farms.

As we continue marking this significant milestone, viewers and listeners are invited to join SCETV in celebrating 30 years of growth, learning and community. Learn more about Making It Grow on the SCETV website, or interact with the Making It Grow team on their Facebook page


QUOTES

"We are immensely proud to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Making It Grow, a beloved series that has stood the test of time, bringing horticultural wisdom to countless homes across South Carolina. This milestone is a testament to the enduring commitment of our viewers and the remarkable team behind the show. We look forward to many more years of inspiring South Carolinians to cultivate a greener, more vibrant future." –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell

“It's been an incredible journey being involved with the show over the years working with talented crew members and experts in gardening and the natural world with our goal to educate and entertain. Thirty years wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of team Making It Grow and the support from our viewers who continue to have gardening questions and who remain fascinated about the people and places in South Carolina.” Making It Grow Producer Sean Fynn

“Gosh, it’s been a grand ride getting to know people in South Carolina who follow the show and want to learn about the fascinating world of plants, soils, insects, and intriguing places well-known and off the beaten path as we travel the state. With the help of Clemson Extension agents, our show brings research-based information delivered in a cheerful and entertaining manner; we’re happy to be under the umbrella of SC Educational Television and SC Public Radio, voices you can rely on for honesty.” Making It Grow Host Amanda McNulty


FAST FACTS 

  • The Emmy Award-winning SCETV series Making It Grow is celebrating its 30th anniversary. 
  • Over the years, Making It Grow has featured experienced Clemson Extension agents, horticulturists, farmers, fishermen, artisans, beekeepers, innovators, chefs, educators and more.
  • In celebration of this milestone achievement, the ETV Endowment of South Carolina and SCETV hosted a special Making It Grow 30th-anniversary celebration on Monday, Sept. 25 at the Sumter Opera House. 
  • Classic segments of Making It Grow began airing on Aug. 8.
  • The Making It Grow team will make an appearance at the SC State Fair on Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. at SCETV’s exhibit in the Ellison Building 
  • Learn more about Making It Grow on the SCETV website, or interact with the Making It Grow team on their Facebook page.

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice and How She Rolls. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.

Media Contact:
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
803-737-3337

South Carolina ETV gardening and horticulture show Making It Grow celebrates 30 years (PDF)