Biodynamics is truly a ‘holistic’ approach to gardening. It encompasses the principals of organic gardening while taking into consideration the basic cycles of nature. The goal is to restore and maintain balance and of the earth and its ecosystems. The father of biodynamic gardening, Rudolph Steiner, laid the groundwork for this new approach in 1924.
A primary focus of biodynamics is the health and vitality of the soil, which has been depleted over the years by modern agriculture and the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. When the ecosystem of the soil is in balance, plants grow large and healthy and produce an abundance of vitamin-rich food. Compost is used extensively, but not always in the traditional manner. Biodynamics incorporates the use of raw compost materials. After digging a deep hole, raw compost material is added in layers alternating with fresh manure. These layers can be heaped up to about 2’ above the ground. The seed or plant is then planted. As the plant grows, it has its own supply of rich compost. Incredible results such as tomato plants as large as 12’ high by 10’ round that produce 2000 tomatoes per plant have been reported. With that kind of result you don’t need a large garden!
Biodynamic gardening includes a number of other practices. Among them is working with the biodynamic calendar, the Stella Natura. Biodynamic gardeners time their ground preparation, cultivation, planting and harvesting to be in harmony with the rhythms of the sun, moon and stars in order to enhance the health, vitality and success of their crops.
Biodiversity is another key element of biodynamic gardening. Cover crops, crop rotation, companion planting and non-genetically modified seeds all work together to draw beneficial insects and maintain crop and soil health. All of these practices work together to produce healthy foods that are filled with valuable trace minerals which are often missing from commercial produce.
Pest control, fertilization and soil revitalization are enhanced by specially-formulated Biodynamic Preparations. These unique concoctions, consisting of extracts of plants, minerals or manures, are applied at specific times of the year, usually in small, yet highly potent rates. Some are applied directly to the soil or compost while others are applied directly to the leaves of actively growing plants.
To learn more about biodynamic practices you may want to visit the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association’s website . There you will find information about the philosophy as well as the science of this environmentally-conscious technique.
The biodynamic garden
Begs the Earth’s pardon
For the damage we humans have done.
Balance and vitality
Can be the reality
When we see the universe is one.
As we garden in rhythm
We heal the schism
From the connection the ancients knew.
Along with the stars
The Moon and Mars
We are all part of the cosmic stew.
Guest Author Ann Myers
There is a mistake in your article above regarding biodynamics. I am an enthusiastic biodynamic gardener, and the tomato plants you mention that can grow as big as 12′ by 10′, do not actually produce 2000 lbs of tomatoes, but 2000 tomatoes per plant. Please visit the link below for L.A. Rotheraine’s video for complete information regarding the tomato plants that you are referring to, and how your readers can obtain the super seeds and achieve these results:
http://youtu.be/B5qUKMHXZoU
Thanks Fred. That article was written by a guest author but I have made the change per your comment. Thanks for writing to let us know.
Hi Fred. I made the additional change to reflect 10′ round. And feel free to share this article as needed. All the best, JL
Shairon, sorry to hear the Add to Any is getting in the way… I might see if I can move that down. Meanwhile, perhaps try just clicking the “Like” at the top instead of the one on the bottom? Or, you can just paste this link into your FB and I think that will work nicely too: https://www.growingagreenerworld.com/biodynamic-gardening-an-overview/ I hope that helps! – Also thank you so much for wanting to share it with your friends! Means a lot to us 🙂
Am trying to share this on F.Book but the ADD to any keeps getting in the way.
I’m not wanting to promote them but would like to share your lovely piece with all.
Shairon