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Applied
Biodynamic

Introduction to Biodynamic Gardening

Ecological gardening for health

At a time when the Earth is warming through the economic activities of Man we are asked to learn new ways to help our ailing Gaia. Our individual health is also suffering from a form of agriculture that is reliant on artificial fertilisers and pesticides and does not consider the health of the soil, plants, animals or our rivers. 

Now more than ever we need to apply the life sustaining practices of Biodynamic agriculture, an enhanced form of organic farming that works with the rhythms of nature. These rhythms are both small and expansive and are at the heart of bio-dynamics. They allow the soil to breathe and integrate cosmic influences with earthly substances and forces. 

The farm is viewed as an organism, a self-contained entity which integrates the crops and livestock, recycling of nutrients, soil fertility. A healthy soil and nutrition are in turn fundamental to a healthy soul life and society. 

Did you know a recent paper prepared by Ray O'Grady and Rob Rush for a Carbon Conference held in Horsham in July 2006, states: 

We require only 10% of our productive degraded lands 

to absorb the estimated 6.1 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions 

to make a carbon negative world possible in our lifetime? 

The course will be of interest to home gardeners, farmers, landscape practitioners and those who simply wish to reconnect with the kingdoms of nature. You partake in the seasonal activities at Warrah Farm, visit established farms in the Hunter Valley and meet some of the leading practitioners in the field. 

Dates and Venue :

The course has 4 modules meeting once a month throughout the year. Most meetings are held on a Saturday at Warrah Biodynamic Farm, Dural. Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm.  There will be occasions where other venues are used. 

Module1 The Basics of Bio-dynamics:

1.   The basics of BD -Objectives of BD Practical activity compost making, farm tour and soil preparation.

February 20

2. BD preparation 501.  Practical of making and applying 501, planting green manures plant observation.

March 6

3. BD preparation 500, The Animal Kingdom, practical activity stirring & applying 500- the calcium polarity.

March 27

Module2 Soils Health and Nutrition :

4.    BD preparations 502 to 508, Practical activities, making the Nettle Preparation and composting and liquid manures. Garden activity seed sowing direct and indoors.

May 1

5.    Pest and Disease Control Practical activity making weed and insect peppers. 

May 29

6.    Planting calendar/ rhythms in nature/ timing for weeding, cultivation, and BD preparations application, Shared meal, Evening Star Watchmaking compost tea, worm farms  soil spray mixtures with worm wee ,seaweed and compost tea.

June 19 

Module3 Growing Bio-dynamic Food :

 7.    Rotations, companion planting and green manures. Practical Cow Pat Pit Garden activity planting and seeding. 

July 31

8.    Orchards, fruit production, Practical activity Winter pruning, Tree Paste, Irrigation and Mulching.

August 21

9.    Making compost tea, worm farms  soil spray mixtures with worm wee ,seaweed and compost tea.

September 18

Module4 Farm visit ,Bees and Nutrition :

10. Field trip BD Farm Production, animals and vegetables.

October 23

11. Bees and Honey Production, Garden activity.

November 13  

12. Nutrition and Health, Practical activity food preparation, fermentation, Garden activity.

November 20       

Course Fees and Enrolment Procedure:

Cost $355 per module or $1349 for the entire year (if paid in full).

Please enquire for more detailed timetable. 

Coordinator: Adam Chan

Application for Enrolment Form 

Enrolment Form