Animal free biodynamics

[Earthmama]

maybe just asking a little too much ... there ain't many cows dying of natural causes in the UK, and how many of those are going to have horns anyway?

Precisely. Hence my plans to do without and just use the teas/sprays and non animal preps.

[lynda66]

hmmmmmm and theres me thinking gardening wasn't complicated thanks wellie i suggest rubber gloves ..... but think i'll stick to compost and poo by the barrow load if i can ever get any.

think i'm more of a plant seeds, pull up the odd weed, then go lie down till it's ready sort of gardener

[bluemoon]

I think all you can do is start simply and then increase the amount of biodynamics you actually incorporate. If you begin by sowing and planting by the moon and gardening completely organically then that's a good first step. For many people that's as far as it goes. The ideas and philosophy behind it is complex and I doubt that many people could start out by going the whole hog with the system. It interests me, but until I have more time available I can't do more than touch upon the basic principles when growing my own crops.

[zazen999]

My thoughts on this are do what you can...when you can.

I do garden by the moon but if there is a month of rain and one day of sunshine, then I'm going to do what I can on that day and not wait until the proper moon day to do things.

I don't want to use manure, mainly because I can't be arsed to to transport it - shifting my compost from home to lottie is hard enough work - so I don't use it.

[wellie]

Hello all, Rachie here! Wellie's let me intecept to give you all some info but i am not anywhere close to being an expert or even fully understanding, i am learning every day.

The idea that you can practise bits and pieces and take what ever you can do at that point of time is vital, what you are inspired to do gives your work intention and purpose which is hugely beneficial. However it is my understanding that the preps really are vital if you are to work with the moon and planets as it is all about the cosmic connection with the earth and the earth (soil) has 'forgotten' this through all our mis treatment. As far as i understand it the preps balance and organise and re-open that connection so that the soil is open to the cosmic influences. This is when the real effects start to be noticed...

As far as the animal issue is concerned i know very little about this but the cows are always sourced from biodynamic farms where the animals are worked with in a very different way. The uk regulations mean that we are not allowed to keep skulls, etc from slaughtered animals so most things come from europe! Whether the animals die naturally or not i don't know.

The thing that i find hugely helpful is the thought of a farm or garden organism - the idea that you source as much of your compost / manure from your own farm therefore use what you've got. If you use your rabbits poo and the rabbit has been eating from your garden then it will be taking what it needs and giving back what the garden needs. However the cow is vital in the farm organism because of its inherent fetility and its amazing digestive system (the 4 stomachs etc). The composts do have the herbal preps in them as do manure heaps if they are big enough.

Hope that doesn't sound like too much crazy waffle,

For me biodynamics is about giving back more than you take and healing the earth that we have damaged for centuies, any one who has this in mind is going to be a positive contributer to this. Hurrah!!

Happy gardening,

over and out Rachie x

[Earthmama]

The idea that you can practise bits and pieces and take what ever you can do at that point of time is vital, what you are inspired to do gives your work intention and purpose which is hugely beneficial.

For me biodynamics is about giving back more than you take and healing the earth that we have damaged for centuies, any one who has this in mind is going to be a positive contributer to this. Hurrah!!

Happy gardening,

over and out Rachie x

Thanks Rachel for the information and encouragement.