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1. Introduction and history

What is different about BD?
Fundamentals of Organic Farming: soil structure and microbiology
Atmospheric factors: light and warmth

2. Dynamic Growth -- the BD difference

Growth gestures of plants
Polarity of natural forces

3. Ripening and Change

Growth and Maturity
Cosmic Influences
Lunar cycles, zodiac cycles

4. The BD Materials

Field sprays
Compost preparations
Other applications: teas, tree paste
Compost: ingredients, process

5. Ecosystem Management

Companion plants/ ecosystem management
Cover crops
Integrating Animals
Pest management

6. Gardening Actions

Bed preparation, Gardening calendar, Harvest: food storage and preparation, seed saving
Dealing with pests (weeds, insects, slugs)

Recommendations for specific vegetables

7. Examples from Winter Green Farm

The farm organism and fertility recycling
Compost preparation and application
Community education and involvement
Questions from the group

7. Glossary and Appendices

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Acknowledgments

I have summarized the class material from various resources -- I cannot claim originality. A number of fine authors provided the sources. When I started preparing for this class, I intended to use as a text Wolf Storl's Culture and Horticulture. This book is based on a class Wolf gave in Oregon -- I consider it to be the best introduction to the theory and practice of biodynamics. Highly recommended! As I assembled class material, I was repeatedly impressed by Wolf's thoughtfulness in covering all the bases. But I also wanted to include more recent writings on systems theory and more thorough explanations of the esoteric idea. For the later, I have been greatly assisted by Glen Atkinson of New Zealand. Glen has provided explanation for many of the difficult and esoteric ideas. Best of all, Glen generously offers his writings on-line at http://www.garudabd.org/Agriccourse/contents.html
A wonderful resource! Finally, I should mention that the basic source, Steiner's lectures, is available in a new translation by Malcom Gardner. Having struggled with the dense language of the previous translation, this book is a breath of fresh air. The lectures are on-line.

There are many, sometimes conflicting, interpretations of Steiner's ideas. Our intention is to provide an objective overview of the various authors. Any opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Oregon Biodynamic Group.

I welcome comments and suggestions from those in the biodynamic community for improving these class materials.