Biodynamic Articles
Steps for converting from conventional and organic biological to biodynamic agriculture
Certification Several organisations administer biodynamic certification within Australia, adhering to the National Organic and Biodynamic Standards. The Australian Organic and Biodynamic Standards require that a biodynamic soil preparation is sprayed out a minimum of twice per year. It is also essential to spray out horn silica (501). This is seen …
In praise of valerian (507)
John Hodgkinson Lately, I have found myself preoccupied with the Valerian preparation. Its stimulation of phosphorus availability in the sprayed environment is most intriguing, the Valerian flowers themselves being devoid of elemental phosphorus! Valerian (507) is made by mashing Valerian flowers, preferably in a mortar and pestle, then diluting 40:1 …
Biodynamic talk at Bellingen Autumn Plant Fair
Biodynamic Agriculture Australia will be attending the Bellingen Autumn Plant Fair on Saturday 11 March 2023, with lots of information, products, and an informative talk on stage from 10am with Sid Hazell. Sid is a teacher with NSW TAFE and has been teaching organic farming, biodynamics and production horticulture for …
Earthing: a Biodynamic Gardening Novel by Kaye Groves
Book Review By: John Hodgkinson I had trouble putting down this intriguing, unpretentious book, and read it in three sessions over two days. At first I found it troubling that all the biodynamic detail seemed to break up and interrupt the narrative. After a while, however, I found myself accepting …
A biodynamic inspired journey
By Kaz Selbie I love spontaneity. Some say it’s the Gemini in me, but I think it has more to do with living in my now and doing what my heart compels. Recently I had the opportunity to get away so visited a few biodynamic and organic properties on the …
The low and high octaves of biodynamics
By John Hodgkinson On a mundane level, biodynamics is relatively straightforward, and its practical challenges are fairly easily met. The single, most important challenge from this angle is actually “doing” (carrying out) Steiner’s agricultural indications, AND keeping this up over time. The underlying challenge – vital if one’s practice can …
Interpreting Keats’ Antipodean Astro Calendar – additional guidelines
John Hodgkinson 1. When to apply soil and atmospheric sprays• apply biodynamic soil sprays (500, Soil Activator, Combined Soil Activator, Manure Concentrate, Winter Horn Clay, Fermented 508) on DESCENDING MOON. • apply biodynamic atmospheric sprays (501, Summer Horn Clay, Fresh 508) on ASCENDING MOON. Explanation: The Moon’s ascending/descending orbit is …
The case for Paramagnetic Tower Systems
The case for paramagnetism: biodynamics could save the world – with a little help from energy towers and paramagnetic rock dusts. John Hodgkinson Since reading Paramagnetism by Philip Callahan and Secrets of the Soil by Tompkins and Bird many years ago, I have relentlessly advocated the application of “paramagnetics” to gardening, …
Heaven and Earth
Harvesting by the stars might be mumbo jumbo, but the fortunes of this winemaker are rising Like most winemakers, Sergio Carlei is fascinated by terroir – the way that the soil, rainfall and other physical characteristics of a vineyard site produce distinct qualities in the wine made from it. For …
Is organic healthier? Settling a long-time agricultural debate over nutrition
Sir-Albert-Howard-was-the-father-of-the-modern-organic-farming-movement-in-the-West Is organic food healthier than conventional food? Anneliese Abbott – (sourced from Eco Farming Daily, 1.8.22, with thanks) Aside from the debate over whether or not organic agriculture can feed the world, this is probably one of the most controversial topics related to organic farming. It’s been pretty well documented …