The ideas that Austrian philosopher and edible gardener Rudolf Steiner proposed nearly a century ago to nourish soil—he recommended burying stag bladders full of flowers, animal skulls packed with bark, and cow horns brimming with dung—never caught on in a big way.
But Steiner’s principles of biodynamic gardening are having a moment, among winemakers and organic farmers who say a holistic approach to replenishing the soil promotes healthier crops and ecosystems.
What is biodynamic farming?
Founded in 1981, Quivira Vineyards in Healdsburg, California was one of the first vineyards to be certified biodynamic in the United States.
The techniques have recently become more popular, spearheaded by winemakers around the world, from Quivira Vineyards in Northern California (shown above) to Colombaia in Tuscany.
Photograph by Howard Sooley.
How does biodynamic farming work?
Biodynamics is a two-fold approach to growing, whether on farms or on a smaller domestic scale. First, organic preparations are used at different times in the growing cycle.
At Rosendals Tradgard, biodynamic principles are practices in both the garden and greenhouse.
Photograph via Rosendals Tradgard.
But perhaps more controversially (at least for the academics who believe there is no scientific proof to back up biodynamic principles), the method also advocates using lunar cycles to optimize the sowing, cultivation, and harvest of crops.
Food editor Allan Jenkins and photographer Howard Sooley employed biodynamic techniques to grow rainbow chard in their shared London garden.
What is the difference between biodynamics and permaculture?
Allan Jenkins communes with the soil in his biodynamic garden. There is still much debate about exactly how much biodynamics improves soil and plant health as well as the surrounding environment.
Does biodynamic farming improve soil and increase crop yield?
How do you use biodynamic growing principles in a small garden?
Organic gardening in Marin County, California. Tonics can be applied in much the same way, just on a smaller scale, and the calendars can be used to sow and harvest crops or flowers at optimum times.
Photograph by Katie Newburn.
Many academics are skeptical about biodynamic farming, arguing that it is unproven. But advocates and growers, including the Herefordshire farm Fern Verrow, believe that this holistic approach promotes healthier crops, soil, and ecosystems on the land.
Photograph by Katie Newburn.
What are the benefits of biodynamics?
Photograph by Katie Newburn.
Only time and organization; if you are sowing and planting anyway it’s not too much trouble to rearrange this according to the biodynamic calendar (which you can buy each year).
Does biodynamic farming have drawbacks?
Where can I find out more about biodynamics?
Writer and wine maker Monty Waldin’s Biodynamic Gardening gives a good illustrated overview of how to apply these principles on a smaller scale.