THE BIODYNAMIC BASICS
Biodynamic Farming developed out of eight lectures on agriculture given to farmers in Eastern Germany in 1924 by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian scientist and philosopher. These lectures were given in response to observations from farmers that the soil integrity was beginning to degrade following the introduction of chemical fertilizers at the turn of the century. Biodynamic farming rooted from this event and became the first system offering alternatives to chemical agriculture. This is is achieved through utilizing the natural processes that generate food on this planet. Viewing your farm Biodynamically promotes a more holistic approach to management practices that in the end create delicious, nutrient dense food at an exceedingly lower environmental cost.
Check Out Farmer D's blog all about Biodynamics!
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Plant of the Week:
Kale is King
Kale is full of nutrients especially carotenoids, a class of phytonutrients. Allow Kale to rest after slicing to preserve the benefits of eating it. It protects against cataracts, helps blood clot (vitamin k), fights cancer and one full cooked cup will supply you with your daily requirement of vitamin A (blocker of first or secondhand smoke.) Some varieties include: Winterbor Kale - slightly curled variety (curled varieties flavor improves with frost), Red Russian Kale - green and purple and best for eating raw, and Dinosaur Kale - has no ruffles and is more heat tolerant.
Try this Smoked Kale recipe from Atlanta's Top Chef runner up, Kevin Gillespie! |
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Chalkboard Talk:
School Garden tips from Farmer Ashley
Winter is in full swing and boy has it been cold. At least we have warm weather to look forward to! Don't wait until you'd rather be outside enjoying the sun to order your plants. Plan and order your plants this winter to have your garden going sooner! You wouldn't want to miss out on early tomatoes for your pizza or salsa gardens.
Get Started planning a Farmer D School Garden Today |
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Compost
Corner
(Keeping
It Hot! Farmer D's Compost Tips)
BIODYNAMIC COMPOST
Biodynamic compost is made using six basic medicinal plants: yarrow, chamomile, stinging nettle, oak, dandelion and valerian. These plants are fermented in the soil and some of them are enhanced with the addition of encasing made from animal organs. These medicinal herbs add nutrients like sulphur, potassium, nitrogen, calcium, silica and phosphorus in the form most easily absorbed by plants. Each plant compliments the other plants and serves a specific purpose. Yarrow replenishes potassium and sulphur, Chamomile aids calcium reactions, Stinging Nettles stabilize nitrogen and react with iron, Dandelion is involved in silica processes, Oak Bark is calcium rich and antifungal, and Valerian reacts with phosphorus and imparts heat to the composting pile.
Learn about Biodynamic Compost at NCAT » |
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Farmer D Organics Garden Center - Now with 2 Locations!
2154 Briarcliff Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329
4050 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Norcross, GA 30092
Opening Hours:
M-Sat: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sun: 11am - 4:30pm |
Call or email us for more information
(404) 325-0128
info@farmerd.com
Copyright © 2009 Farmer D Organics |
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