Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Workshop Series
| Place: | Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, California |
| Start date: | Saturday 11, February 2012 |
| End date: | Saturday 11, February 2012 |
| Times: | 9.00am - 5.00 pm |
| Price: | Individual Sessions: $85 General $45 Students/Seniors Weeklong Advanced Intensive: $380 General $205 Students/Seniors |
Held one Saturday a month for 8 months (Sept–May except Dec), followed by a 5-day intensive in June. Sessions may be taken individually or as a series. Beginners and experts welcome.
Session 1: Soil—The Foundation of Life September 17, 2011
We begin the series with an introduction to biodynamics and the philosophy out of which it arose. We’ll explore soil as the foundation of all garden and farm work, including in-depth observations of different soil types and conditions, and end with preparation of a bed for planting. (Bring samples of your soil!) with Harald Hoven and Cynthia Hoven
Session 2: Biodynamic Preparations October 15, 2011
The preps are Rudolf Steiner’s special contribution to agriculture. Fermented herbs are used for making rich compost to enliven the soil. Fermented cow manure and crystals are sprayed on soil and plants to stimulate root growth and aid plant maturation. We will make and apply “horn manure” (BD #500), bury compost preparations, dig up “horn silica” (BD #501), and learn about the balancing effect of the spray preparations (BD #500, 501). with Harald Hoven
Session 3: Compost November 19, 2011
Compost is the ideal recycler of all organic waste, acquainting us with the mysteries of death, transformation, and new life. Biodynamic preparations, used homeopathically in the compost pile, are important healing medicines for the depleted earth. Compost brings new life, improves any soil, and provides the highest quality fertility. Learn the theory behind composting and practical skills for large- and small-scale operations. with Harald Hoven
Session 4: Seed Saving January 21, 2012
The miracle of the seed is the form of the future it carries within. Instead of importing seeds, learn to save your own seed—a crucial part of creating a self-contained farm organism—by encouraging varieties best suited for your environment. with Harald Hoven
Session 5: Cosmic Rhythms, Planting Calendars February 11, 2012
Life is rhythm. The plant is embedded in cosmic rhythms of days and seasons, guided by sun, moon, and planets. Learn about cosmic influences that affect plants and how planting calendars help you see plants in relationship to cosmic events, increasing awareness of the land’s cosmic surroundings. with Harald Hoven and Brian Gray
Sess ion 6: Tree Care and Animal Husbandry March 10, 2012
Trees and animals complete the farm or large garden. Trees offer habitat, shade, and fruit. Learn about tree selection and care, orchard site selection, and pruning for health and fruit production. Animals ensoul the
land, bringing joy. Gain an understanding of their role in the “farm individuality” through their capacity to process plant matter, produce manure, and provide nutrition. with Guest Instructors Marney Blair, Lisa
Bjorn, and Daniel Nicholson
Session 7: Springtime— Growing Plants, Managing Weeds April 21, 2012
Get ready for this vigorous season! Learn methods for starting annuals and perennials, including direct sowing, nursery work, propagation through cuttings, layering, and divisions, and preparing plants and soil for optimum growth. Explore the virtues of weeds, how to identify them, and strategies and biodynamic methods for management, including ashing of seeds. (As a bonus, last year’s preps will be dug up.) with
Harald Hoven and David Basile
Session 8: Pests and Insects— Friends, Foes, and the Honeybee May 12, 2012 Gardens and farms need insects, but when the natural balance is disturbed, pests of all sorts creep in. From managing insect and animal pests to controlling fungal disease and attracting beneficials,
this workshop looks at insect identification, biodynamic pest control, pollinator habitat, and care of the honeybee. with Harald Hoven and David Basile
Weeklong Advanced Intensive June 6–10, 2012
Culminating the year’s sessions, this week recapitulates and deepens the entire series’ experiences. It includes presentations on the self-enclosed farm organism, plant observations, theoretical discussions, hands on activities, and lectures and eurythmy based on the four kingdoms of nature. (This intensive can be taken separately, with permission.) with Harald Hoven and Cynthia Hoven
Workshop Fees
Saturdays 9:00am-5:00pm
Individual Sessions: $85 General $45 Students/Seniors
Advanced Intensive:
$380 General $205 Students/Seniors
If you have taken this series and would like to repeat a session, we invite you to attend at the student rate.
