A thoughtful first step
A whole-farm practice rooted in observation
New to biodynamics?
Begin with the life beneath your feet.
Biodynamic agriculture uses compost, carefully made preparations, and close observation to support living soil and resilient farm ecosystems.
SoilPlantsAnimalsPeople
Our work
We make biodynamic preparations and share practical knowledge for healthier soil, farms, and communities.
The Josephine Porter Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving growers through freshly made preparations, education, and a commitment to regenerative practice.
Meet JPIBegin in the field
Easy ways to get started
A small, useful set of preparations and reading for growers beginning—or deepening—their biodynamic practice.
For the compost pile
Complete Compost Preparation Set
The six compost preparations, freshly made and gathered as a complete working set.Shop product
Ready for the field
Pfeiffer™ Field & Garden Spray
A convenient spray preparation designed to support soil vitality and plant development.Shop product
For the bookshelf
The Biodynamic Year
Maria Thun’s practical guide to timing, observation, and quality through the growing year.Shop productWatch · 90 seconds
What if growing food could also heal the land?
Biodynamics treats the farm as a living whole. This short film introduces the ideas behind the practice—and why the vitality of soil matters to all of us.
Good food begins long before the harvest.
What is Biodynamics?Film · 1:19
The central idea
A farm is not a collection of separate parts but rather an integrated wholeness.
Soil, plants, animals, weather, and people all shape the whole.A practical definition
Biodynamics is whole-farm thinking, put into practice.
Biodynamics combines composting, biodynamic preparations, thoughtful land management, and careful observation to support living soil and resilient farm ecosystems.
Growers use these practices to strengthen relationships among soil, plants, animals, and people. Every place is different, so timing, weather, materials, and attentive management all matter.
01
Build fertility
Feed the soil through compost and carefully prepared natural materials.
02
Observe closely
Let local conditions and the needs of the farm guide each decision.
03
Think in relationships
Work with the farm as an interconnected living organism.
Choose your path
Go deeper, in the way that serves your work.
Preparation sets, seasonal calendars, and a carefully chosen library make the next step tangible.
Make the soil your starting point
Biodynamic Preparations
Freshly made preparations for compost, soil, and plants—supported by practical instructions.Explore
Work with the rhythms of the year
2026 Biodynamic Calendars
Planting calendars that help growers bring observation and timing into daily practice.Explore
Keep learning
Books
Grounded guides to biodynamic agriculture, gardening, compost, and whole-farm thinking.ExploreStay connected
Field notes, seasonal guidance, and work worth sharing.
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