BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Grow Plants Biodynamically

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Biodynamic farming and gardening seek to heal the earth from harm caused to it by pesticides, chemicals and industrial farming. Biodynamics, founded by Rudolf Steiner, sees the earth as a living entity and aims to enhance both its physical and its spiritual health. Biodynamic gardens and farms are self-contained and provide all of their own nutrients and energy.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step1

Observe nature very closely, as it relates to the garden, in order to develop an ability to read natural movements and understand the logic of nature. This kind of observation will familiarize you with your environment and with the characteristics of each plant in the garden.

Step2

Know that plants are sensitive to influences from every part of the universe and that various rhythms affect plant growth and maturation. According to the theory of biodynamics, plants are affected by the movements of the stars, the sun and the planets. Study planetary and astronomical movements, in order to know when to cultivate and till the soil and when to sow any garden vegetables.

Step3

Compost regularly, and use this compost on the garden soil. Compost develops the rich humus that adds to the vitality of the soil.

Step4

Fertilize the garden using a biodynamic fertilizer.

Step5

Recognize that weeds and pests indicate an imbalance in the garden system. Biodynamic practices advocate burning some of the invading insects or weeds and sprinkling the ashes on the soil to eliminate any future infestations.

Step6

Understand that the healthiest and strongest of plants require constant care and nurturing. Biodynamic farming focuses on the health and well-being of each plant, which means that biodynamic gardens do not produce a large quantity of plants. Instead, they produce a few plants of very high quality.

Tips & Warnings

Read the Stella Natura calendar in order to become familiar with celestial and astronomical movements.
Biodynamic plants and vegetables are considered organic, because biodynamic farming is a more specific form of organic farming.
Because biodynamic farms are meant to be self-sufficient, most biodynamics practitioners also raise animals who eat some of the biodynamic plants and whose manure can be used as compost.