Biodynamic Gardening

Biodynamic gardening and farming commenced in 1924 with the Agriculture lectures of Rudolf Steiner. These lectures occurred at a time when chemical farming was increasing its global influence on dragging farming and gardening away from organic methods.

By 2026, public concern over chemical farming food quality, earth care and personal well being has helped organic food growing expand around the world for farmers and gardeners. This public awareness also provided impetus to pathways such as permaculture, biological farming, no till farming and natural farming. Recently termed, regenerative agriculture, is also on this pathway. This past blog gives more details on regenerative agriculture and explains the overlay of biodynamic gardening and farming methods to regenerative agriculture.

Biodynamic agriculture today still works with the principles expressed by Steiner in 1924 and these principles continue to be refined and researched globally. I have the pleasure of attending global biodynamic conferences in Switzerland regularly at the Goetheanum and it’s inspiring to connect with farmers, gardeners, researchers, advisers and educators from at least 60 countries.

What are some key principles in biodynamic gardening and farming?

• Uses organic methods as a base
• Potentises life processes through: biodynamic preparations, working actively with planetary influences and the impact of the farmer or gardener state of consciousness
• A wholistic approach that includes ecological, cosmic, human, spiritual and elemental life
• Individuality of the farm or garden including appropriate balancing of plants, animals, insects, soil, community and economy. This blog gives more information on individuality
• Deepening capacities for observation; see this blog for additional thoughts on observation techniques

What are some impacts of the biodynamic method?

• Higher quality crops
• Low impact from insects, animals and diseases
• Higher profitability
• Greater sense of well being
• More sustainable soil life management with lower inputs

It is vital that appropriate design of all key aspects of the garden or farm are considered from pragmatic and aesthetic perspectives. This includes community and economic aspects. Steiner refers to beauty, goodness and truth as a helpful framework for life and this blog expresses how these principles relate to the design of biodynamic food growing activities. We work with these principles in our biodynamic coaching and consulting and educational services as well as management of our own food growing spaces.

Some key resources for biodynamic gardening and farming

1. Our Blog and consulting and educational services
2. Our Facebook Biodynamic gardening group – My Food Garden
3. Biodynamic Agriculture Australia
4. Agriculture Section at the Goetheanum
5. Biodynamic Federation Demeter International