University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is offering eight new "Grow Your Own, Nevada!" classes at nine locations statewide to help Nevadans who want to get on a path to more sustainable, local, healthy living by growing more of their own food.

"Anyone can become a better gardener by attending these classes," Cooperative Extension Horticulture Specialist Heidi Kratsch said. "From the beginner to the advanced gardener, everyone can benefit from a Grow Your Own class."

The series will run Sept. 1-24 and be held 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. Instructors include Kratsch, as well as Cooperative Extension's Horticulturist Wendy Hanson Mazet, Urban Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide Safety Program Coordinator Melody Hefner, and Integrated Pest Management Educator Joy Paterson. The workshop topics will include:

- Sept. 1: Growing Fruit Trees and Edible Landscapes
- Sept. 3: Lawn Alternatives to Protect Your Trees
- Sept. 8: Save Water and Your Landscape
- Sept. 10: IPM Techniques for New Beekeepers
- Sept. 15: Aquaponics
- Sept. 17: Improving Your Soil
- Sept. 22: Garden Clean-Up for Pest Prevention
- Sept. 24: Composting Kitchen and Garden Waste

The workshops will be held at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office, 4955 Energy Way in Reno, and will also be available via interactive video at Cooperative Extension offices in Carson City, Elko, Gardnerville, Hawthorne, Lovelock, Tonopah, Winnemucca and Yerington.

To register for any or all of the upcoming "Grow Your Own, Nevada!" classes, visit www.growyourownnevada.com. The class fee for those attending at the Washoe County office is $15 per class or $60 for all eight classes. K-12 teachers and Master Gardeners in Reno receive a discount on registration cost. Class fees in other locations vary. Residents should contact their local Cooperative Extension office for information on attending the series in those locations. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the scheduled event.