The Michigan State University Extension office is hosting a series of gardening programs.

The series began last month but continues through June 19.

On Saturday, a course on growing heirlooms and saving seeds will be held at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center (NMHRC).

Instructors Mike Kiessel and Mike Davis along with advanced master gardener volunteers will cover fundamentals of this almost forgotten practice, along with reasons for doing so.

Topics include: reasons for saving seeds, favorite heirloom varieties for the region, different approaches required for different plant families, hand polination and isolation techniques, and storage of seeds.

This program is offered free of charge. However, a $7 per person donation is suggested to help cover costs.

Other course dates and topics are:

 Tuesday, 6 to 8:30 p.m., NMHRC — Growing grapes in the backyard.

 Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. to noon, NMHRC — Backyard Tree Fruit.

 Tuesday, May 22, 6:30 to 8 p.m., County Government Center, Suttons Bay — Culinary Herbs for the Backyard.

 June 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Leelanau Community Garden, 1/2 mile north of M-204 on Horn Rd. — Organic Pest & Weed Control for Home Gardener.

Advance registration is required for all classes and may be completed by calling 256-8323.