A little about Biodynamic Agriculture

  Biodynamic agriculture originated with Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in the early 1920’s. His insight, observations, and understanding of nature’s formative forces have been developed into what is known as anthroposophy.

  As organic agriculture’s predecessor, biodynamic growing uses many tools to achieve its purpose—to bring life and health back to our depleted soils through balanced applications of homeopathic herbal medicines.

  Part of any horticultural practice is a good farmer’s almanac. Here at Valentino’s, we employ the Stella Natura calendar. It is created through a partnership from Camphill Village Kimberton Hills—a 430 acre biodynamic farm in Pennsylvania.

  This calendar is similar to a standard farmer’s almanac. It offers advice on sowing, transplanting, and harvesting in an easy to follow guide. For each day of the year, lunar and solar phases—constellations—planetary alignments—and other important information is provided.

 Each day is dedicated to a specific type of plant, based on celestial influences, historical climatic observations, and more. For example, if a day is marked with the word FRUIT, all work associated with fruiting plants is suggested. The same is true for ROOT days, LEAF days, and FLOWER days.

  **There is one exception. For LEAF bearing plants like lettuce, cabbage, etc, seed sowing is for days marked LEAF—however, harvesting these plants on a LEAF day is not suggested. This is because when influences from the moon or other celestial bodies direct energy toward the LEAF, water flows into the plant. A water-laden plant will be fine for immediate consumption. But for storage purposes or eating a few days later, a head of lettuce for example will not keep well if harvested on a leaf day. For all other plants, sowing and harvesting are best done on coinciding days.

Special interest: Some growers ask how a cauliflower or broccoli is classified—a flower? a fruit? Historical observations in biodynamic growing suggest that cauliflower and kohlrabi should be sown on LEAF days. Broccoli sown on a FLOWER day will produce large firm heads. If sown on a LEAF day, broccoli will produce large numbers of small florettes instead.

Days indicating a barren time are best used for weeding, mulching, cleaning up the garden, or other activities. Most important—the calendar is only a reference guide. Personal observations are the best way to achieve success in a garden. Reconnecting with nature and Mother Earth is the goal.

Biodynamic Planting & Growing Calendar

May 2007

Date   Plant       Hours           Lunar cycle

22        Leaf         12a-12n         1st

23        Root*       12a-9a           "      "

             Fruit         9a-12m         

24        Fruit         12a-11a        2nd

25        Root          1pm-12m      "    "

26        Root         all day            "    "

27        Root        12a-1pm        "     "

             Flower**   1pm-9pm     

28        Root         all day           "     "

29        Flower      10a-12m      "     "

30        Flower       12a-7pm     "      "

31        Leaf          all day         Full moon