Farm Organism Thinking
What Is Biodynamics?
Biodynamics treats the garden, smallholding or farm as an interconnected organism where soil, plants, animals, compost, weather and people all shape fertility.
Biodynamic practice places compost, manure, plant residues and on-site fertility at the heart of soil care, aiming to keep nutrients cycling locally.
Plants such as yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark, dandelion and valerian are traditionally used in tiny amounts as part of biodynamic compost preparations.
Why Explore Biodynamics?
Asks growers to watch soil, plants, seasons, animals and place closely.
Places mature, living compost at the centre of fertility building.
Works best with hedges, flowers, mixed planting, animals and habitat.
Encourages fertility from within the growing system where possible.
Soil Benefits
Biodynamics for Soil-First Growing
You do not have to adopt every biodynamic belief to learn from its attention to compost, relationship, rhythm, diversity and whole-system care.
Biodynamics gives growers a reason to make compost deliberately, mature it well and return it thoughtfully to the land.
Herbal preparations and diverse planting highlight the role of plants beyond harvest, including their place in compost and soil care.
Some biodynamic claims are polarising, so it is sensible to separate useful soil practices from ideas that need personal or scientific scrutiny.
Practice Basics
Getting Started
Start with the practical foundations: make good compost, increase habitat, reduce waste, observe seasonal rhythms, keep soil covered and treat any preparations as part of a wider living system.
Further Reading
Biodynamic Articles
What Is Biodynamics? Basic Guide to Biodynamic Farming and Gardening
A beginner-friendly guide to biodynamic farming and gardening, including compost, preparations, lunar rhythms, animals, biodiversity, and whole-system soil care.
Read article The Biodynamic Toolbox
A practical guide to the herbs, minerals, manures, and natural materials used in classic biodynamic preparations.
Read article