Applied Biodynamics — Issue 007 (Spring 1994)

Issue 007 (Spring 1994) is strongly practice-centered. It combines (1) a structured seed-soak reference with explicit handling cautions, (2) a multi-grower survey documenting spring use of preparations under operational constraints, (3) a stepwise recipe for the Evergreen Elm “Selke Biodynamic Cherry Tomato” hill system using Pfeiffer’s Biodynamic Compost Starter, (4) a set of practical observations framed explicitly as preliminary anecdotes requiring further testing, and (5) a concise explanatory handout describing biodynamic agriculture for public-facing communication. Across articles, the issue repeatedly distinguishes documented procedure and observation from proof claims, and includes standardized, repeatable steps that can be replicated or challenged.

“Seed Soaks with the Biodynamic Preparations” by Hugh Courtney introduces seed baths/soaks as a technique intended to improve establishment, especially for purchased seed from chemically managed systems. Two observable benefits are asserted as commonly noticeable where seed baths are used diligently: higher germination rates and greater fruit set, with legumes cited as an especially visible example (page 1). The article explicitly notes that available English-language sources are secondary and that original European research had not yet been translated, with a stated intention to remedy this limitation (page 1). The method section provides a practical protocol: BD #500 is stirred for the usual one hour; BD #507 is stirred 10–20 minutes depending on “stirring time authority”; compost preparations #502–506 can be made more “user friendly” by stirring vigorously up to 5 minutes in one to two pints of water and letting stand 20–24 hours, with a brief re-stir immediately before use (page 8). Soaking times are generally 10–15 minutes, with longer soaks cautioned against for peas/beans because seed coats can slough off and germination be lost; treated seed is dried and ideally planted within 24–48 hours (page 8). A major deliverable is the Seed Soaks With Biodynamic Preparations table listing specific crops and recommended preparations, including a “thumb rule” mapping legumes/brassicas to #503, lettuce crops to #505, and most fruit crops to #507, while highlighting exceptions and unknowns (pages 8–9). The table includes a notable composite suggestion for some crops (e.g., beets/carrots) using a Barrel Compost/water/whole milk soak with a standing period before brief re-stirring (page 9).

“Spring in the Biodynamic Garden” by Hugh Courtney reports results from recorded conversations with 11 biodynamic growers across multiple U.S. regions. The survey emphasizes that growers share commitment largely because of “quality obtained,” while time and financial limitations restrict full implementation of preparations (page 3). The article then documents distinct spring practices by named growers, preserving operational variables: timing windows (mid-February through early March, April/May, etc.), frequency of BD #500 applications, adding Barrel Compost or BD #507 during the last 20 minutes of BD #500 stirring in certain situations, and targeted BD #508 use for damping-off or expected fungal pressure (page 4). Several specific, repeatable techniques are described, including: fall composting and hairy vetch cover cropping on tomato beds with spring mowing and direct planting into residue using a bulb planter to reduce weeds (page 4); applying BD #508 to soil at first visible spring growth in high-moisture creek-adjacent sites (page 4); and explicit chamomile-tea damping-off formulas and misting method (page 4). The article also documents sequential spraying use by at least one grower as a recurring seasonal tool, including the order and seasonal timing, and notes practical bed/traffic management (grass paths at tractor wheel width) to reduce compaction and enable timely operations between showers (page 5). The survey functions as a comparative methods inventory rather than a proof document.

“Biodynamic Agriculture” (James Marquardt) appears as a public-facing handout responding to the question “What is biodynamics all about?” It locates biodynamics historically in Rudolf Steiner’s 1924 agriculture lectures and frames biodynamics as fertilizing soil and plants using specific herbal preparations used to inoculate compost, plus spray preparations including horn manure, horn silica, and horsetail (page 6). The handout contrasts a substance-only model (N-P-K; grams of nutrients) with an emphasis on assimilated “forces” in plant growth and nutrition, while also acknowledging that this requires rethinking within prevailing scientific paradigms (page 6). Its function in the issue is organizational and explanatory rather than instructional.

“Practical Observations” by Hugh Courtney explicitly labels its content as “interesting anecdotes,” not conclusions, and states that several observations might warrant rigorous scientific evaluation only after additional confirming reports (page 7). Two detailed observational sequences are presented. One describes “dry land” tomato watering-in using a stirred “potion” of water with Barrel Compost (Thun recipe), #(X)500, and BD #507, stirred 20 minutes and applied at roughly ½ gallon per plant; a second batch omitted #507, enabling an inadvertent comparison (page 7). The next-morning observation describes dead flea beetle carcasses on the #507-treated group and sluggish-but-living beetles on the non-#507 group, followed by beetle decline in both groups days later; the text explicitly warns that timing may have coincided with the insects’ natural cycle and that no absolute conclusions can be drawn (page 7). Another observation concerns a combined #504/#505 “watering-in medicine” stirred 20 minutes in 6 gallons of water and applied to restore leaf growth on Selke cherry tomatoes that had experienced leaf loss after repeated BD #501/#507 applications; subsequent frost events reportedly spared the treated Selke plant relative to the untreated context, and later ad hoc replications indicated treated plants withstood freeze better than untreated ones, while still avoiding absolute conclusions and calling for further experiments and reader reports (pages 7–8).

“The Selke Biodynamic Cherry Tomato and Evergreen Elm Recipe for Planting Using B.D. Compost Starter” by L. A. Rotheraine delivers a step-by-step planting system developed in a horticultural therapy context. The method begins with constructing a large “tomato hill” by excavating an 18-inch-deep hole 20–36 inches wide, then building a mound at least 2–3 feet above ground level (after shrinkage at planting, at least 20 inches high and at least 12 inches wide at the top) using alternating layers of organic refuse and soil (or a mixed approach combining 60–70% organic refuse/manure with 30–40% finished compost or soil) (page 10). The procedure includes explicit practical cautions: fencing if animals dig; chlorinated water de-chlorination by standing in sunlight 1–2 hours; activation of Pfeiffer Foundation Biodynamic Compost Starter by moistening to “coffee grounds” consistency and resting 12–24 hours in a warm, dark, dry place; then making a “tonic” in 4–5 gallons unchlorinated water and stirring in a BD #500/#501 manner with repeated vortex reversals (about seven) for 1–2 minutes, with re-stirring if the mixture sits (page 10). Application is specified: poke about a dozen holes at varied depths, saturate the hill with 3–5 gallons tonic, bury ½ to ¾ of the tomato plant, water roots with ~¼ gallon tonic, mulch, and maintain moisture with unchlorinated water saturated with dandelions; strong operational prohibitions are also given (e.g., avoid watering leaves; do not remove suckers; keep the hill consistently moist, up to five gallons/day in dry weather) (page 11 excerpted on page 2 image text block). The recipe presents a repeatable, high-input system and explicitly ties performance to large organic-matter inputs and consistent moisture management.

Articles

• Seed Soaks with the Biodynamic Preparations (H. Courtney) 
• Spring in the Biodynamic Garden (H. Courtney)  
• Biodynamic Agriculture (J. Marquardt)
• Practical Observations  (H. Courtney)  
• The Selke Biodynamic Cherry Tomato and Evergreen Elm Recipe for Planting Using B.D. Compost Starter (L. Rotheraine)  

Key Topics Covered

• Seed soak protocol with stirring times standing times soaking durations and planting window
• Crop-to-preparation seed soak table including thumb rules exceptions and unknowns
• Milk and Barrel Compost composite seed soak entries in the seed soak table
• Multi-grower spring survey documenting BD 500 BD 508 Barrel Compost and calendar constraints
• Cover crop residue tomato planting using hairy vetch mowing and direct transplant technique
• Chamomile tea damping-off prevention formula for seedling flats
• Sequential spraying schedules reported as a recurring seasonal practice by a surveyed grower
• Practical observation comparing #507-included versus #507-omitted watering-in batches for flea beetles
• Frost tolerance observations linked to combined #504/#505 watering-in treatment
• Evergreen Elm Selke cherry tomato hill construction and Compost Starter tonic activation and application steps

Citation

Applied Bio-Dynamics, Issue 007, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Bio-Dynamics, Spring 1994.