Biodynamics is a farming method that centers on the energy of living things and treats the farm as a living entity or organism. It was organic before the word organic was coined. Biodynamics was first developed by Rudolf Steiner in the 1920’s in response to the degradation of the soil from the chemical fertilizers and pesticides that were being introduced into agriculture. He also promoted timing planting, pruning and harvesting plants to take advantage of any influence the moon, planets, and stars might have.
I first got really interested in Biodynamics after meeting another small farmer who produces a very successful CSA on only one acre. His soil is the best I’ve ever seen and he attributed his farm’s success to biodynamics. I met some other folks from a biodynamic garden in Decatur, GA. I invited them out to see our farm and when they did, the topic of turning manure into compost came up. We then made plans to get together to do a compost workshop. Well get together we did and a turn out we had! As a matter of fact, we had to close registration due to the huge response that we had.
If you want to learn more about biodynamics, click HERE. We chose this because it fully encompasses all that God has created. From the use of animal and green manures to coordinating planting and harvesting with the heavens. The energy in our food is not just the caloric value, but it is also the energy of life, oh hey…. as in BIO-DYNAMIC.
Thanks to Cathy Payne of Broad River Pastures in Elberton, GA for taking these photos.
Granite is a mineral source.
Broad River Pastures’ Intern lends a Hand
Manure is a vital ingredient.
Herbal biodynamic preps are key.
Just in case you don’t know what poop is, this came from sheep at Broad River Pasures in Elberton.
In with the veggie scraps.
Having fun yet?
A fine mix.
Nothing like smiling, willing help!
Jim Jensen led the workshop and I think he did an excellent job!
You need carbon. Our carbon primary ingredient was leaves.
Here, Abbey Brewer stirs up the liquid preparation with some rain water.
Getting close!
If you have any whole scraps like old oranges or heads of lettuce, you may need to chop them up a bit.
The final layer, then a full covering of leaves.
