GRAY- The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will conduct several sessions this fall on crops and selling.

The Extension has scheduled a three-session course, “Growing Pumpkins, Squash and Gourds as a Cash Crop,” to be held during September.

The course is designed for serious gardeners and small farmers. Learn how to successfully grow pumpkins, squash and gourds in Maine.

Extension Small Fruit Specialist Mark Hutton will lead the sessions scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, at the Maine Forest Service, Route 26; from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Highmoor Farm, Route 202, Monmouth; and from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Maine Forest Service.

The cost is $75 a person or couple and includes a textbook, “Pumpkin Production Guide,” or $50 a person or couple without the textbook.

The Extension will hold a course on “The Allure of Garlic” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 13, 20 and 27, at Falmouth Middle School, 52 Woodville Road.

The sessions will be taught by Aurelia Scott, master gardener and author; Laurie Jean Kelly, herbalist and owner of Steeplebush Farm Herbs, Limington; and Kathleen Savoie, registered dietitian and Extension educator.

The cost is $75 a person or couple and includes the textbook, “Growing Great Garlic,” or $50 a person or couple without book.

The Extension has scheduled a yardscaping class from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Windham Public Library, 217 Windham Center Road. Gary Fish of the Maine Board of Pesticide Control will lead the session. The cost is $15 a person.

The Extension will give a course, “From Garden to Market: Selling Herbal Food Products,” that will teach participants what is involved with starting and running a business.

The class will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 22, 29 and Oct. 13, and 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 6, in Bailey Hall, Room 102, University of Southern Maine Gorham Campus.

The sessions will be taught by Dr. Beth Calder, food science specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension; Kathleen Savoie, registered dietitian and Extension educator; Jim McConnon, business and economics specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension; and staff from the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The cost is $75 a person or couple.

For more information visit the Cooperative Extension homepage at www.umext.maine.edu or call 1-800-287-1471. The courses are limited to 20 participants.