Biodynamic Agriculture

The form of organic gardening we are doing here at New Elm Farm is called biodynamic agriculture. It seemed high time to mention it here in the blog. Biodynamic agriculture is a HUGE topic - not that easily summarized, but here is my two-paragraph attempt: Biodynamic agriculture utilizes numerous naturally occurring plant and animal substances fermented according to specific recipes to enliven and enhance the vitality of all plants in the garden. The most important of these are cow manure, silica, yarrow, valerian, chamomile, dandelion, stinging nettle, oak bark and equisetum. It was developed in 1924 by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian, and thus predates organic agriculture by about twenty years. The biodynamic preparations are similar to homeopathic remedies in that a small amount is used for a large area. Recognition of the importance of planetary influence on all growing things is also an integral part of biodynamic agriculture. Don't worry. I haven't forgotten the Tom the Turkey Adventure Tales. Next time.