March 20, 2011:

Steven Zien, Sacramento’s Organic Advocate will again be a guest on Farmer Fred's garden radio talk shows from 9 to 10 a.m. on 1530 KFBK and from 10 a.m. to noon on 650 KSTE discussing organic horticulture and spring garden chores.

April 9, 2011 from 10am to noon:

Sacramento’s Organic Advocate, Steven Zien will give a two hour class on "Save Your Garden From Pests And Pesticides: Don’t let the pests of spring turn your enjoyable garden experience into a real pain in the gut.” In spring things can get so bad the most dedicated organic growers are tempted to resort to toxic pesticides. Discover how to improve your irrigation practices to reduce pest problems by 90 percent. The bounty of safe tools, techniques, and products will be revealed that will allow you to organically manage most garden and landscape pests (not including neighbors/spouses). Become a master of the hose, flame and blanket as safe defenders in your garden security strategy. Essential oils no longer used for just aromatherapy in the garden. “Say no to pesticides” once and for all and prevent your green thumb from turning a chemical brown. The program will be held at Soil Born Farms American River Ranch, 2140 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova. For more information go to the Soil Born Farms website (information will be posted soon). For information and to register go the Sacramento Natural Food Coop website.

April 10, 2011:

Steven Zien, Sacramento’s Organic Advocate will again be a guest on Farmer Fred's garden radio talk shows from 9 to 10 a.m. on 1530 KFBK and from 10 a.m. to noon on 650 KSTE discussing organic horticulture and spring garden chores.

April 10, 2011, 2:45pm:

Organic Horticulturist Steven Zien will give a free one hour presentation on "SOIL NOT JUST A DIRTY WORD: Take a revealing journey into the mysteries of managing your soil's biology for an easy care, healthy, pest free garden and landscape.”Discover how a healthy soil functions and learn techniques to maximize the beneficial organisms in the Soil Foodweb that help your plants grow healthy and pest-free without pesticides. Explore the science of ecological succession in relation to weeds and reducing undesirable vegetation, along with appropriate horticultural practices to transform a problem-plagued garden and landscape into one with prolific biological components, abundant yields and minimal pest problems. Soil analysis, organic fertilization and organic pest management will also be covered. The program will be held as part of the California State Flower Food & Garden Show being held at Cal Expo, in Sacramento..

May 12, 2011, 8:30am:

Organic Horticulturist Steven Zien will give his 45 minute presentation entitled, "Foliar Feeding - A Valuable Yet Seldom Used Tool in the IPM Arsenal." Foliar feeding has numerous untapped benefits to the IPM practitioner including a scouting tool, providing nutrient insurance mixed properly it can have pesticidal qualities. Steve is just one of several speakers discussing alternative pest management methods and reducing pesticide use (among other pesticide related topics) at this all day educational opportunity is sponsored by the Pesticide Applicators Professional Association. The seminar will be held at the Carmichael Elks Lodge, 5631 Cypress Ave, Carmichael, California.