If you love gardening and want to know more, or you are looking for new volunteer opportunities and want to expand your social circle, consider becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer.

Mahoning and Columbiana County Master Gardeners are planning an open house to showcase the regional program from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Ohio State University Extension Office, 490 S. Broad St., Canfield.

Participants are welcome to drop in any time throughout the free event, but reservations are recommended. Call 330-533-5538 to reserve a place.

Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the local program and the upcoming training session, which will run from early February through May at the OSU Extension Office.

The training features sections on flowers and vegetable gardening, house plants, insects, invasive species, plant diseases, lawn care, integrated pest management and the use of pesticides and herbicides. Lecturers include OSU faculty and other horticulture and gardening experts; class size is limited.

Tuition is charged to cover the cost of training materials and other expenses. Each session includes a continental breakfast, snacks and a hot lunch — all prepared by MGVs and at no additional charge.

After completing the training, MGV interns can choose from a wide range of volunteer opportunities to complete the prerequisites of the program. They range from gardening activities with children and senior citizens to researching and answering horticultural questions from the public, from writing gardening articles for local newspapers to cooking and baking for MGV events.

Volunteer service and continuing education are required after the internship year to maintain active status as a Master Gardener. Volunteers can select from a variety of activities and educational programs. Monthly membership meetings also provide opportunities to cultivate new friendships while earning volunteer and educational credits.

The Master Gardener Volunteer program started in Seattle in 1972 and since then has expanded to include active MGV groups across the United States and Canada. In Ohio alone, more than 3,000 active MGVs are serving communities in 62 urban, suburban and rural counties.

To learn more about the Master Gardener Volunteer program in Mahoning and Columbiana counties, call the OSU Extension Office at 330-533-5538 or visit https://go.osu.edu/mahoningmgv