Biodynamic vs organic methods of food growing, is there a difference or are they pretty much different names for the same thing? The organic method is ecologically oriented. It tries to replace an overly complex, laboratory-oriented approach with a common sense approach which the ordinary gardener and farmer can relate to. In many cases, the […]
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Organic garden design principles tend to relate to physical aspects of the garden such as: layout, size, orientation, drainage, materials used and how it is managed with a strong orientation to eliminating the chemicals of industrial agriculture. When the deeper meaning of beauty, goodness and truth permeate design and operation of the garden, you will […]
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Farm individuality is an important principle in biodynamic food growing. Individuality can also be applied in urban food growing spaces of any scale, but there are some changes needed in how to work with individuality, some new perspectives. I had the pleasure of running a workshop recently at the global centre for biodynamics in Dornach […]
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Four fold nature is a very helpful conceptual framework for looking at the make up of your organic garden or urban farm and how to optimise its quality. Being conscious of the integrated system forming the four main components of a successful organic garden or farm (its four fold nature) creates an essential platform for […]
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Organic garden design and build is always an interesting challenge. There are so many factors to consider with any organic garden design to ensure the mix of design elements match the goals and resources of the gardener. I wanted to share some experiences and photos of quite a large and interesting project we are currently […]
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Understanding soil is the key task in a successful organic and biodynamic garden. How do you get a grip on the importance of all the soil nutrients or grasp the complexity of the living process in the soil and then develop a rhythm of activity in the garden that enhances soil fertility? Its a big […]
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Nematode control is a common challenge of organic gardeners. There are a large variety of nematodes that are helpful for the garden, but its the root knot nematode that causes grief and demands nematode control if you want a healthy and productive garden. Nematodes are microscopic, long, thin worms that cause stunted and unproductive plants. […]
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Vegetable seedlings are the starting point for a healthy and productive organic garden, once you have your garden layout and soil well prepared. You will be surprised at how small, no-cost changes in how you manage your vegetable seedlings can make such profound difference to their success. I list simple tips below that I work […]
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Planting vegetable seeds using open pollinated, hybrid or GMO seeds is an important question for gardeners and this question has been at the heart of large disturbances in farming over the last 60 years. As a gardener, your ideal is to start with the best quality organic seeds that give you the most healthy […]
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Comparing biodynamic gardening methods to organic gardening is a common question I deal with at our workshops. One of my favourite authors on organic and biodynamic growing is Wolf Storl and I wanted to share this passage from his book Culture and Horticulture – A Philosophy of Gardening. I think it sums up the differences […]
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