Biodynamic and Organic Gardening Resource Site

During my many years as a backyard biodynamic and organic gardener I have often been asked, “Is it possible to practice biodynamics without the use of animal products?” \

I think that the question that should be asked is it possible that agriculture could be practiced at all without the use of animals, most notably the cow, the bee and the earthworm. The plethora of creatures great and small; insects, nematodes, Ciliate, flagellates, amoeba, mites, ants, aphids, birds, moles, voles, rabbits and woodchucks contribute their excretions and bodies to the living soil organism and are as important as the flora with which they coexist.

Also agriculture is totally bound up with culture and if you have studied anthropology you would know that there has never been a “vegan” culture. Even India where there are a goodly number of vegetarians would be totally bankrupt if it were not for the “Holy Cow” that provides milk, fuel and fertilizer. In the western world we have removed the cow from the farm and placed them in stock yards in mounds of their own manure and that is an aberration that has bankrupted our agriculture.

Is it possible to concoct homeopathic remedies that do not directly rely on animal products to heal the earth? I am certain that it can be done and would be a great area of research for one who is so inclined. One would have to study the preparations and their planetary attributes as well as the micro-life they foster. I have met many biodynamic farmers who do not ingest meat or practice the slaughter of animals. I am sure there are “vegan” participants in the world who have taken inspiration from the “Agriculture” lectures and have molded their own practices of the science to conform to the personal choices that they have made. I’m sure there have been some that have met with varying degrees of success. I know that Alan Chadwick, the master gardener did not use the preparations exactly as Rudolf Steiner indicated. He was a big fan of herbal teas as well as using plants that were not mentioned in the original recommendations. His success was phenomenal.

It is up to each of us to use reason, observation and experience to create the farm organism that reflects our being. Being totalitarian about any system cannot be beneficial, After all it is a world of all possible worlds and there is certainly infinite variety in the human condition.

There are 14 tools that, in my opinion, are essential for the backyard gardener.

1. Pruning Shears- Good pruners are a gardener’s right hand. They are indespensible. I have a holster for mine so that they are always at my side. I highly recommend the Felco brand, expensive but will last a lifetime and never fail you.

2. Wheelbarrow- During your life as a gardener you are going to move tons of soil, rocks, compost and plant debris. They come in handy at harvest time too. For years I used five gallon buckets. When I bought my fiirst Wheelbarrow I really felt empowered.

3. Spading fork- Essential for loosening soil, digging potatoes and perrenial bulbs. I prefe the D-handled. Again quality counts. I like the Ames True Temper with the wooden handle.

4. Garden Spade- Necessary for double digging so you can “slice” the soil and keep the topsoil on top without turning it over. Am Leonord is top quality if you can afford.

5. Garden Rake- Used to remove weeds from beds after being loosend woth the spading fork and hoe. Great for grading and shaping garden beds.

6. Leaf Rake- for gathering leaves and grass for the compost pile. Buy a nice metal one. Avoid the plastic ones like the plague.

7. Garden hoe- Great when doing the initial weeding when preparing beds and chopping large chunks of compacted soil.

8. Scuffle hoe or action hoe- makes quick work of cultivating and weeding of garden beds. Just keep the top inch or two of soil loose and let the earthworms do the rest.

9. Hose- Well we all know what a hose does. Buy at least a 5-ply hose with good fittings.

10. Quick connect hose fittings- Never waste your time screwing hoses off and on spigots again. Never saw one until Michelle Amdre at Windflower Farms showed them to me. Haven’t been without them since.

11. Fan Spray- excellent for watering raised beds. Pointed upwards it creats a gentle rain with a wide pattern

12. Water wand- Allows you to get water just where you want it. It’s wondeful for watering tomatoes at the roots without gettin the leaves wet.

13. Watering Can- Bring water to individual plants and seedlings without dragging out the hoses. The Haws is the best. Again I prefer metal to plastic.

14. Hand trowel- For planting and transplanting seedlings. Assures you the the soil is firm around the roots

We should talk about a few of the most significant things to recognize before you begin shopping for groceries.

There are numerous choices open to you, and one of the first things that you can think about is biodynamic amd organic grocery shopping. This is the point at which you can make a conscious choice to encourage better farming practices and to make sure that you and your family eats better, you’ll find that looking into organic grocery shopping can help you in both fields. Consider shopping for organic groceries and think about what the benefits can do for you, your family and the planet

What qualities must a food have to be classified as organic or to be certified as biodynamic?

Fundamentally, organic means foods that are in conformity with specific production standards. Organic foods don’t have food additives, fertilizers, sewage sludge, or pesticides, in accordance with fairly strict standards. A majority of countries block farmers from using the term “organic” on their goods if it has been modified genetically. You’ll find that organic meats have not had antibiotic drugs used or growth hormones on them USDA’s National Organic Program determines the criteria for any farm, wild crop harvesting, or handling operation that would like to sell an farm product as organically produced.

The standards for Biodynamically produced food is more stringent than that of organic foodstuffs. Demeter is the certification group that is responsible for the authentication of biodynamic products. The Biodynamic farmer conceives his farm in terms of forces and processes whereas organic and sustainable agriculture farmers think in terms of substances. The biodynamic farmer also uses the preparations outlined in Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture course. The preparations are homeopathic substances designed to heal the earth and bring forth the force for a healthy farm organism. The Biodynamic farmer is tuned into the daily, monthly and seasonal patterns of nature, for instance, the impact of the moon phases on establishing seeds and plant development.The biodynamic farmer relies upon a minimal amount of nutrients from remote sources and, ideally will generate the richness of his soil through cover-cropping and the use of manure from animals that dwell on the farm. He realizes that by importing fertilizers he may also bring in problems from other farms. To date there are only a handful or Demeter Certified farms in the United States (about 110) but the number is growing as biodynamics gains critical mass in the Western Hemisphere.

Where can I find organic foods? The grocery store is the best place to begin looking for organic foods. Most supermarket chains now have organic sections or even their own organic brands You may also find that you are able to make use of your local co-op.

Bidoynamically grown foods are more easily found by shopping CSA’s. (community supported agriculture}. There are also a number of Demeter Certified products available at Green concious markets.

As you’re anticipating to eat healthier, remember that you’ve plenty of choices with organic grocery shopping. Patronise stores in your area and be sure to take advantage of the options there.

Also with the advent of cyberspace you have the added choice of shopping on line including our own Biodynamic and Organic Supermarket.