Biodynamic gardenis a garden based on the principles of biodynamics, in which we use natural cultivation methods and take into accountthe influence of moon phases on plants , their growth and development. Biodynamics is a set of views on the animate world, with particular emphasis on the relationship between life processes on Earth and the cosmos. Thegardener's biodynamic calendarderives from it, based on the assumption that the arrangement of celestial bodies, especially the moon and planets, has a decisive influence on the efficiency of work in the garden. But biodynamics is not only a calendar, but also recommendations for the use of natural methods of cultivation, fertilization and plant protection, as well as proven recipes forbiodynamic preparationsstrengthening our plants.See what this knowledge is worth applying in your own garden!
The biodynamic garden takes into account the influence of the phases of the moon on plants
Biodynamic calendar, i.e. the influence of the moon on plants
Since man has become a rational being, he began to notice the connections between the world around him and his own life. One of the most intriguing issues turned out to be the relationship between the earth and its phenomena, with its neighboring planets. The two most important planets in our system, the sun and the moon, have had an impact on the earth a long time ago. Initial associations of these dependencies were expressed in tales, legends and proverbs. Some of them are mere beliefs and fantasies resulting from a lack of understanding and knowledge. However, the part, probably based on the observation of nature, is still valid today and reflects the actual relationship between the earth and the cosmos.
With time, attempts were made to systematize the influence of the cosmos on various areas of life on Earth, including the cultivation of plants.One of the most spectacular determinants of the planets are the ebb and flow of the sea. They are caused to a large extent by the gravitational forces of the sun and moon. It was therefore concluded that since these planets can act so effectively on the states of large water bodies on our planet, they must have an equally strong influence on other aspects of life on earth, including the plants growing on it. And this is how thebiodynamic calendar of the gardener , also known as the lunar calendar, taking into accountthe influence of the moon on plants
biodynamic calendar of the gardeneris mainly based on the annual sun cycle and the monthly moon cycle. Both planets go through a full range of 12 phases, known as the zodiacal signs. They differ slightly from the zodiac constellation, but their names remain identical. The sun goes through 12 such phases a year, while the moon goes through the same 12 signs every 29 days, or 1 month.
In our country, thebiodynamic gardener's calendarstarted to appear recently, just over 20 years ago, and mainly amateur gardeners use its various editions.However, interest in such calendars has existed for a long time in the world and the principles of growing plants presented there are also appreciated by specialists dealing with the cultivation of crops on a mass scale.
Biodynamic calendar of the gardenerfocuses on the monthly cycle of the moon, as it is the easiest to observe by humans and allows you to easily follow its indicationsbiodynamic gardenPlants were divided into 4 basic groups and subordinated to specific zodiacal signs. These signs symbolize a certain set of dependencies that in a given period occur between the main planets of our system, in particular the sun and the moon. These specific systems on a given day, in some way, have a positive or negative effect on these specific groups of plants. That is why adjusting the care treatments or other gardening works to these guidelines will definitely improve the appearance, yield and other factors of plant development.
How the phases of the moon affect the growth and development of plants
Briefly, I will try to present the basic features of the individual phases of the moon and zodiacal signs in relation to thebiodynamic gardenThe moon makes a full revolution around the earth during a month, and what it looks like in during this journey, they are defined by four basic cycles. It is the New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter. They can be clearly identified by looking at the clock face. For example, 12:00 is the new moon, 12:15 is the first quarter (1/4 way), 12:30 is the full moon, 12:45 is 3/4 of the way and closes the circle 12:00, which is again the new moon.
Biodynamic calendarassumes that the most sensitive plants are 1 day before and 1 day after the new moon and full moon - then you should refrain from any interference in their development. During the time from new moon to full moon, plants grow and develop intensively, their life juices move upwards (the moon grows). Then, one- and two-year-old plants should be sown and planted, especially fruiting above the ground (first quarter), as well as perennial, including grassy (second quarter).It is also a good time for vaccinations, harvesting the above-ground crops of vegetables, fruits, flowers and herb leaves. Fruits harvested during this period are believed to be juicier and preserve better. Then we can also replant fruit trees.
In the next period, from full moon to new moon, the plant sap goes down to the ground (the moon is waning) and the underground parts of plants develop better. This period is of particular importance for good fruiting. Therefore, when running abiodynamic gardenin the third quarter, let's try to sow and plant trees, shrubs and root crops, mainly those that bear fruit underground. Then we also collect underground crops of vegetables and herb roots. For example, carrots harvested by this date should be juicier. We also replant perennial plants (bulbs and perennials). But the last, fourth quarter, is the time when we should not interfere with the development of plants, because then they develop the root system most intensively. Damage to it during transplanting will certainly have an impact on the condition of the entire plant.The only thing we can continue at this time is harvesting.
And how do these relationships relate to the individual zodiacal signs related to the movement of the moon? Well, for the purposes ofbiodynamic gardeningplants have been divided into four basic groups: leaf, flower, root and fruit. Days that are good for their care are marked with the appropriate symbols in the calendar. Additionally, all 12 signs are divided into two types: fertile and infertile. The fertile signs include those from the earth groups (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) and water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). In contrast, the barren are signs of fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) and air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius). Planting plants is not recommended during the period of infertile signs, as water shortages and other factors weaken their growth and development. This time is worth spending on other activities. Digging up the soil, weeding (weakening of development also applies to weeds), fighting pests and diseases, cleaning plants from damaged or diseased parts, harvesting fruit and seeds are the best works for fire signs.Digging up and aerating the soil, sanitary pruning of trees and shrubs or harvesting flowers and herbaceous plants - these are the activities recommended during the air signs period.
The time of fertility inthe biodynamic calendaris a good time for planting and sowing. For the plants planted then, there is a good chance of a rich harvest, the formation of a solid root system and good development. However, you should avoid harvesting, mainly herbaceous plants (water signs). It is also worth paying attention to the detailed affiliation of certain plants to the signs of the zodiac. So while the Taurus sign is good for most plants, Capricorn prefers those with a strong root ball and Virgo is best for ornamental shrubs. In addition, each sign emphasizes a different type of gardening work performed. So, while changes in the lunar system can be easily observed by ourselves on cloudless nights, the zodiacal signs for a given day are placed on individual days of the calendar.
To make it easier, thegardener's biodynamic calendaralso contains additional markings that make it easier for us to plan our work, e.g. miniatures of tools, crossed seeds or special colors. Each calendar comes with a legend explaining these signs. One of the curiosities is the fact that the days leading up to Easter have a very negative impact on plants, it is then advisable to refrain from any gardening work.
Natural cultivation methods and biodynamic preparations
Howeverbiodynamic gardenis not only about the influence of the phases of the moon on plants. In such a garden, the cultivation principles should be as close as possible to the natural cycle of plant development and ecology. The use of chemicals should be avoided in favor of natural preparations of protection and nourishment. Prevention is also particularly important, so crop rotation should be used, plants should be sown for green fertilizers (e.g. yellow lupine, hop alfalfa, white clover, phacelia) and soil fertilization with natural compost.Mineral fertilizers are mainly used as a small additive to compost and they should rather not be a product of the chemical industry, but come from natural sources, such as wood ash rich in macro- and microelements, resulting from the combustion of natural wood.
We do not apply mineral fertilizers directly to the soil, because we can easily fertilize it and lead to its excessive salinity. Not only is the development cycle of the positive microorganisms disrupted then, but the plants themselves can also be damaged. There is no such danger in the case of compost, as long as it is prepared with the right ingredients (he althy plant parts, meat-free and organic kitchen waste, free of chemicals).
" It is important to try not to dig the soil too deep during these operations, but rather to move it. This is because then we will avoid pushing beneficial soil organisms into deep layers, and thus the appearance of so-called dead soil on the surface.In addition, we can supply plants with self-made manure based on plants such as: dandelion, horsetail, nettle. In addition, such slurry or extracts can be used for spraying plants. And so, horsetail manure fights fungal diseases (e.g. powdery mildew, molds) and provides the plant with minerals (silicon, potassium, calcium). Garlic extract is also excellent, as it has an antiseptic effect and helps fight aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, as well as fungal and bacterial diseases. We can use ready-made biopreparations based on garlic and other plants that help protect against diseases or pests (Bioczos BR, Biosept 33 SL). "
An additional important element ofin the biodynamic gardenis mulching the soil with organic material (compost, grass without seeds, leaves, garden bark), which significantly reduces the evaporation and development of weeds and soil pests. It is also worth avoiding excessive plant density, because air circulation provides them with better protection against fungal diseases.
It is also important that plants and vegetables are in close proximity. Some of them produce a variety of chemicals as they develop. Knowing the individual species and their special features, we can successfully use them to improve the functioning of the entirebiodynamic gardenFor example, planting checkerboards or garlic near bulbs is a great way to get rid of voles from the garden. However, if you want to scare away aphids, let's think about the mint, the smell of which these pests do not like. It is also worth planting herbal plants in the vicinity of vegetables (e.g. sage, hyssop). Blooming dandelion secretes ethylene which supports flowering and accelerates fruit ripening (recommended in orchards). Lupine, on the other hand, attracts pollinating insects.
Some plants, however, secrete compounds that adversely affect other species. For example, in the vicinity of fruit bushes, we do not plant anemones, eagles or peonies. In close association with a walnut, most plants are unlikely to thrive well or die altogether.
Crop rotation is also very important. We avoid planting plants from the same group one after another. It is important for several reasons, including the sterilization of the soil from nutrients that are particularly needed by a given species, and pathogens that are dangerous for a given group of plants may also remain in it. You can try to make a plan for several years, in which we will take into account the properties of subsequent plantings and their mutual influence.
Watering is another important activity. It is good if the water for this purpose is standing, preferably rainwater (from cleaned gutters). Water the plants in the morning so that they have time to dry before the full sun comes. We also avoid evening watering, because then the humidity lasts a long time and promotes the development of fungal diseases.
As an additional aid to ourin the biodynamic garden , the phenological calendar can also be used. The rules contained in it were created on the basis of observations of nature.The seasons are determined by the flowering periods of indicator plants, and each season (related to vegetation, i.e. excluding winter) is divided into three parts, e.g. early summer, full summer, late summer. This calendar foresees, for example, that during the flowering of apple and cherry trees, we sow frost-sensitive plants, and when peaches are in bloom, we can sow lettuce.
Inthe laws of biodynamicswe may or may not believe. However, it is definitely worth using the methods of natural plant cultivation and avoiding the use of chemicals in the garden. Mineral fertilizers should be replaced with organic fertilizers (compost, manure). Chemical plant protection products should be replaced with self-prepared plant preparations (decoctions, extracts, liquid manure) and biopreparations available in stores. And for anyone who has not yet had experience in growing plants, the lunar calendar will help to set the right dates for individual garden works.
Katarzyna Józefowicz
