Biodynamic Farming

Welcome to the world of biodynamic farming- a practice that blends agriculture and nature creating a sustainable relationship between humans and the environment. Biodynamic farming is more than just a technique- it’s a belief system deeply rooted in the idea that everything in nature is connected ². Join us as we explore the core principles of biodynamic farming and its impact on our connection with the earth.

 What is Biodynamic farming?

 Biodynamic farming is an agriculture approach developed by Rudolf Steiner in the early 1900’s. Like organic farming, biodynamic farming regards the farm as a complete ecosystem. This method emphasizes how soil health, plant growth, animal well-being, and even cosmic forces are all linked together ^2. 

 Biodynamic farming consists of four key components:

1. Biodynamic Preparations: Includes special mixtures of herbs and minerals are utilized to improve soil quality and boost the health of plants ¹.

• Biodynamic compost is enriched using six special preparations made from yarrow, chamomile, stinging nettle, oak bark, dandelion, and valerian (labeled as #502, 503, 504, 505, 506, and 507).
• Biodynamic spray preparation - Various biodynamic mixtures are applied as powerful liquid sprays to enhance the health, energy, and sensitivity of the farm and garden.
• Horn manure (#500)- It improves soil health and the connection between soil and plants. It's created by placing cow manure inside a cow horn buried in the ground during winter.
• Horn silica (#501)- It boosts plant defenses, improves photosynthesis, speeds up ripening, and is made from quartz crystals buried in a cow horn during summer.
• Horsetail tea (#508)- Assists in warding off fungal diseases and maintains a proper water balance in plants and soil.

2. Organic practices: Biodynamic farming sticks to natural methods such as composting and rotating crops, to maintain soil health and avoid using artificial pesticides or fertilizers ¹.
3. Biodiversity: Biodynamic farms encourage biodiversity by growing different types of plants and raising various animals. They do this through methods like mixing crops, rotating where animals graze, and providing habitat for helpful insects and wildlife to thrive ¹.
4. Cosmic influence: Biodynamic farmers believe that the movements of the moon and planets affect farming. They schedule tasks like planting, tending crops, and harvesting based on these celestial rhythms ¹.

All these elements collaborate to build a well-rounded and eco-friendly farming system that supports healthy soil, thriving plants, happy animals, and overall environmental balance.