New to Biodynamics?
Biodynamic agriculture does not just offer an alternative to chemical agriculture; it offers a means to renew agriculture at a basic spiritual level.
– Hugh Courtney, 2017 Celestial Planting Calendar
What Is Biodynamic Gardening?
Biodynamics began in 1924 when Rudolf Steiner spoke to farmers about sick soils and weak crops. He said a farm is a living being that links earth, plants, animals, people, and the wider cosmos. By using rich compost, special herbal preparations, and timing work by sun and moon cycles, growers can wake soil life and grow strong food. This impulse continues today at the Josephine Porter Institute, which has grown into an international supplier of biodynamic preparations and a source of biodynamic research and education.
At its core, biodynamics invites us to become co-creators with nature. Every handful of compost, every stirred preparation, every mindful act of care helps heal a wounded earth. Whether on a farm or in a backyard garden, this work matters deeply.
Why Farmers Use Biodynamics
Compost full of good microbes builds dark, spongy humus that holds water and nutrients.
Many say carrots turn sweeter and wine gains fuller flavor.
Mixed crops, animals, and moon‑phase sprays help fields remain resilient in the face of drought, pests, or frost.
Glossary
Cow‑horn manure soil spray
Cow‑horn silica leaf spray
Six herbs for compost: yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark, dandelion, valerian
Horsetail tea often used to control mildew
Blend of manure, eggshell, and clay fermented in a pit
Sun, moon, and planet cycles used to time farm work
FAQ
Do I need cows?
No. You can buy small prep packets from JPI while learning.
Is biodynamic the same as organic?
Biodynamic is organic plus the nine preparations and moon‑phase timing.
Will it work in my climate?
Yes. Adjust water in sprays and compost moisture as shown in the checklist.
Do I have to stir for 60 minutes?
Hand stirring builds the needed vortex, but a flow‑form or small motorized stirrer also works. The vast majority of the benefits of the stirring occur in the first twenty minutes, but given how infrequently biodynamic preparations need to be applied each year, it is not a lot of time.
Voice from the Field
“Even on one acre, worms were thicker a week after my first BD 500 spray.” – Stewart Lundy, Field Notes in Applied Biodynamics no. 110 (Winter 2024): 7
Want to Learn More?
The Earth is calling—and each of us can answer. Biodynamics is a path toward healing land, food, and future. If you'd like to dive deeper into its science and soul, explore our BD-Deep Dive guide. It follows the same clear format but adds more technical details, case studies, and links to related resources, workshops, and texts.
➡️ Continue to: Biodynamics: A Deeper Dive
Recommended Resources for Beginners
Applied Biodynamics no. 45 (2006): “Compost and Soil Fundamentals,” an illustrated guide to building living soil.
Biodynamics for Beginners (Portal Books, 2023), chap. 3: “Building Soil Life,” pp. 67–82.
Biodynamic Association PDF excerpt “‘Making Compost Work for You’” (adapted from AB no. 50, 2008): practical tips for small-scale piles.
Josephine Porter Institute workshop handout, Applied Biodynamics no. 72 (2012): “Compost Basics for Home Gardens,” pp. 12–14.
Pfeiffer Center webinar notes, “Compost and Microbes” (2015): overview of beneficial organisms and preparation synergy. Available on request.
Goetheanun Agriculture Section: introductory materials and FAQs.
JPI's Substack series, posts from 2021–2024.
Maria Thun: introduction chapter on soil and compost in Results from the Biodynamic Sowing Calendar (1962), pp. 10–16.
Lili Kolisko: Chapter 1 of Wheat Germination Trials (1939) on soil-seed experiments, pp. 1–8.