Biodynamic growing - Part 1: An introduction to biodynamics

Biodynamic Growing - Part 1

An Introduction to Biodynamics

Biodynamics involves a collaboration with the cosmos, which helps us to get the very best from our plants. This agricultural system encompasses organic growing but takes it a step further by helping us to harness the power of the solar system to bring it into our gardens.

In biodynamic growing, we consider the orbit of the Earth around the Sun, and the Moon around the Earth, as well as the rotation of the other planets in the solar system. In order to support our land, we also make special preparations using specific plants and minerals, which are then applied to the soil in order to feed and sustain it.

Looking beyond ourselves helps us to understand the bigger picture. Biodynamics offers growers an holistic approach to farming by treating the whole farm as if it were one living organism, with each part affecting the whole.

Working with the natural rhythms of the cosmos, biodynamic farming takes organic growing to the next level. Like organic farming, no pesticides or herbicides are applied to the land, but biodynamics also aims to improve the fertility of the soil year after year.

How Do You Become Biodynamic Certified?

I moved to Fern Verrow in 1996. The land here had never been cultivated before, which meant that after two years of conversion, we could be certified biodynamic by Demeter, the certifying body for the biodynamic association.

We're now inspected every year to make sure we are adhering to the rules, which in principle are very similar to the rules for organic farming.

In practice, this means a lot of the work has to be done by hand, so while it is not complicated work, it does require us to be more engaged and give more of ourselves.

The Biodynamic Calendar

The biodynamic calendar is an essential resource. The calendar lists the best days for particular gardening tasks, dividing the week into flower, fruit, leaf and root days.

On these days, it is particularly beneficial to work on certain types of crops. On a leaf day for example, you would tend to leafy crops, such as spinach, kale and salad.

While on a flower day, you would tend to your flowering plants. The calendar is guided by the positions of the Sun and the Moon, and the alignment of the planets.

Working in line with the calendar helps to guide our work and gives us a sense of purpose. Sometimes there are so many gardening jobs to do that it can seem overwhelming. But working within the parameters of the calendar makes things much simpler, and helps our plants to reach their potential too.

The Effects from Using the Biodynamic Approach

I'm very rigid about doing things on the correct day, as I want to have the best produce that I can. I believe that following the biodynamic system can help produce the finest produce there is.

Biodynamics also gives us a chance to have a thoughtful and considerate relationship with nature, and by giving of ourselves in this relationship rather than just taking from nature, we're able to be part of the wider world around us.

The Influence of Rudolph Steiner

Rudolph Steiner was a philosopher in the early 20th century. In 1924, he gave a series of lectures to farmers who were concerned about the depleting quality of their soil and the animals on their farm.

Steiner encouraged the farmers to be more organic in order to protect their soils, in a move that is considered to be the start of the organic movement.

In recent decades, due to the rise of urban living, many of us have lost our connection to nature, but by practising biodynamics we can start to get back in touch with nature's rhythm.