Biodynamic Gardening – What’s it about?

Biodynamic gardening, such as planting by the moon, is a natural progression from organic gardening, that was founded by Dr. Rudolf Steiner in 1924. This method has been most widely and successfully used in Australia.

Biodynamic farming is practiced in Australia on over two million acres. Alex Podolinsky undertook to fulfill Steiner’s wish that it become the agricultural method for farmers in the future by developing “Australian Professional” Biodynamic agriculture, which has been adopted by thousands of farmers in Europe with the same outstanding results as demonstrated in Australia.

So, what is Biodynamic gardening exactly?

According to Rudolf Steiner in 1924, Biodynamics is a method of agriculture, which tends to work actively with the health-giving forces of nature. It was introduced 20 years back and has now spread throughout the world.

The main focus of biodynamics is the vitality and health of the soil, which is widely depleted by modern agriculture and the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. When the nutrients in the soil are balanced, plants grow large and healthy and produce food that is vitamin-rich. Biodynamics includes the use of raw compost materials.

Raw compost materials, along with fresh manure are added in layers after digging a deep hole. These layers can be heaped up to about 2’ above the ground. After that, the seed or plant is planted. As the plant grows, it has its own supply of nutrient-rich compost and incredible results are shown afterward. For example, when tomato plants were treated by Biodynamics, they were 12’ high by 10’ round and produced 2000 tomatoes per plant. This is very impressive.

This type of gardening also includes a number of other practices. Among them is working with the biodynamic calendar, the Stella Natura. Biodynamic gardeners work with their ground preparation, cultivation, planting and harvesting in harmony with the rhythms of the sun, moon, and stars. This is said to enhance the vitality, success and health of their crops.

 

Biodiversity is another key important part of biodynamic gardening.

Crop rotation, companion planting, cover crop and non-genetically modified seeds helps to draw beneficial insects, soil health and maintain crop. All of these things work together to produce healthy foods that contain valuable trace minerals, which are usually missing from commercial produce.

Pest control, fertilization, and soil revitalization are increased by specially formulated Biodynamic Preparations. These unique proportions, consisting of extracts from plants, minerals or manures, are applied at definite times of the year. Some are applied directly to the soil or compost while the others are applied directly to the leaves of the actively growing plants.