With spring breaks starting to occur, thoughts turn to spring and gardening. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is offering eight new "Grow Your Own, Nevada!" classes at 10 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.

"Gardening in Nevada can be a challenge, but Grow Your Own educators are experienced gardeners and growers, and are excited to share what they know with the community." Cooperative Extension Horticulture Specialist Heidi Kratsch said.

The series of workshops will run 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 2-25. The workshops will provide gardeners and those interested in growing healthy foods with a back-to-the-basics guide to producing bountiful harvests in Nevada. Topics include:

• April 2: Edible Landscaping
• April 4: Nevada Soils
• April 9: Season Extension: Simple to Complex
• April 11: Vermicomposting and Hot Composting
• April 16: Fruit Tree Pruning
• April 18: Nuisance Weeds in the Vegetable Garden
• April 23: Growing Grapes in Nevada
• April 25: Nevada's Bugs

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 Battle Mountain, Caliente, Carson City, Elko, Fallon, Hawthorne, Lovelock, Winnemucca and Yerington.

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

To register to attend any or all of the classes in Reno, visit the Grow Your Own, Nevada! website. The class fee for those attending in Reno is $15 per class or $60 for all eight classes, and K-12 teachers and Master Gardeners receive a discount. The cost covers class supplies, materials and refreshments. Reno participants attending all eight classes will also receive a free tote bag and USB flash drive containing gardening resources.

For more information on attending at other locations, including registration and fees, residents should contact their local Cooperative Extension office. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Program Coordinator Jenn Fisher, fisherj@unce.unr.edu, at least three days prior to the first day of the course they plan to attend.