PARIS — An increasing number of area people are growing their own gardens, and, as a result, many want to learn how to preserve their harvest.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension educator Barbara Murphy of the Paris office said interest has grown in food preservation during the last several years.

The extension is offering hands-on workshops to help people who want to learn a household art that may have been pursued by previous generations in several western and southern parts of the state from June through September.

In the Sun Journal area, the following workshops are scheduled:

Lisbon Falls: 1 to 4 p.m. June 29, hot water bath canning and freezing and low-sugar jams and jellies; 1 to 4 p.m. July 13, hot water bath canning pickles and freezing fruits and vegetables. Both at the extension office at 24 Main St. Each workshop costs $10. Call 871-6099.

Mexico: 9 a.m. to noon July 19, hot water bath canning pickles and freezing fruits and vegetables; and 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 2, canning tomatoes and freezing fruits and vegetables. Both at Region 9 adult education at 377 River Road. Each workshop costs $12. Call 364-2012.

Farmington: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 27, hot water bath canning and freezing fruits and vegetables; 1 to 4 p.m. July 28, hot water bath canning and freezing fruits and vegetables. Both at the extension office on 138 Pleasant St. Cost $10. Call 778-4650.