Pressure Canning

Pressure Canning Workshop - July 18th, 2026

Presented by Clemson Extension, the Charleston County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers & Women's Committees

Experience the journey from field to pantry!

Join Clemson Cooperative Extension and Charleston County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers & Women's Committee for a unique, hands-on workshop that begins with harvesting fresh tomatoes straight from the vine and ends with learning how to safely preserve them to enjoy all year.

On Saturday, July 18th, the day will begin at 9:00 AM with an optional guided tomato picking experience at Bugby Plantation on Wadmalaw Island, where participants will harvest fresh tomatoes before traveling to the Clemson Extension TEACH Center at Citadel Mall at 1:00 PM for a hands-on pressure canning workshop.

At the TEACH Center, you'll learn the fundamentals of safe pressure canning using current USDA-approved methods from a Food Systems and Safety Agent with Clemson Cooperative Extension.

As a special benefit, Charleston County participants will receive a complimentary one-year Charleston County Farm Bureau membership, courtesy of the Charleston County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers & Women's Committees.

No prior food preservation knowledge is required!

Attendees will learn:

- how to harvest preservation-quality tomatoes

- how to prepare tomatoes for canning

- proper selection and use of a pressure canner

- safe canning practices

- how to properly store finished, home-canned products

Participants will gain practical, hands-on experience and leave the workshop with the knowledge and confidence to safely preserve fresh fruits and vegetables. You'll also discover how pressure canning helps reduce food waste, preserve seasonal harvests, and keep your pantry stocked with homemade foods year-round.

Each participant will also take home one jar of pressure-canned tomatoes prepared during the workshop.

Schedule - attendees will need to have their own transportation or prior plans to carpool

· 9:00 AM: Optional Tomato Picking at Bugby Plantation (Bugby Plantation Rd., Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487)

· 11:30 AM–1:00 PM: Lunch on your own

· 1:00 PM: Meet at the Clemson Extension TEACH Center at Citadel Mall, 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd C412 (backdoor entry near Belk and Target’s Loading Dock- look for the orange awning!)

· 1:00–5:00 PM: Hands-on Pressure Canning Workshop led by a Clemson Cooperative Extension Agent

What to Bring & Wear

· Hat/sunglasses/sunscreen for sun protection while harvesting

· HIGHLY SUGGESTED: long-sleeve shirt, specifically for the farm portion of the workshop (in addition to protection from the sun, harvesting tomatoes can be a dirty job, and tomato branches can scratch your arms)

· Closed-toe shoes suitable for walking in the field and working in the teaching kitchen

· Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated

· Comfortable clothing appropriate for working outdoors and in the kitchen (you may want to bring two separate sets of clothes... one set for harvesting outdoors in the heat, the other for the kitchen portion of the workshop)

· Long hair must be pulled back or covered while working in the kitchen for food safety

· Extra money in case you'd like to buy extra produce from Bugby Plantation (a specified amount of tomatoes will be included with your workshop fee of $40)

Come experience the complete journey from harvesting fresh produce to safely preserving it at home while connecting with fellow gardening, agriculture, and food preservation enthusiasts. You'll also learn how Charleston County Farm Bureau supports local farmers, strengthens our agricultural community, and advocates for agriculture throughout the county.

Space is limited, so register today!