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Online Course

Class 1. Introduction and history
What is different about BD?
Fundamentals of Organic Farming: soil structure and microbiology
Atmospheric factors: light and warmth

Class 2. Dynamic Growth — the BD difference
Growth gestures of plants
Polarity of natural forces

Class 3. Ripening and Change
Growth and Maturity
Cosmic Influences
Lunar cycles, zodiac cycles

Class 4. The BD Materials
Field sprays
Compost preparations
Other applications: teas, tree paste
Compost: ingredients, process

Class 5. Ecosystem Management
Companion plants/ ecosystem management
Cover crops
Integrating Animals
Pest management

Class 6. Gardening Actions
Bed preparation, Gardening calendar,
Harvest: food storage and preparation, seed saving
Dealing with pests (weeds, insects, slugs)
Recommendations for specific vegetables

Class 7. Examples from Winter Green Farm
The farm organism and fertility recycling
Compost preparation and application
Community education and involvement

Class #1
Class #2
Class #3
Class #4
Class #5
Class #6
Class #7
Three Fold Form
Sheaths
Soul Life
Planets and Life Forces in the Compost Preparations

Acknowledgments from Dave:
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. A wonderful resource! Finally, I should mention that the basic source, Steiner’s lectures, is available online at Steiner books.

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. 

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