Books

Biodynamics works with the earthly substance and the cosmic forces.  The antipodean Astro Calendar is an introduction for working with the rhythms of sun. moon, planets and constellations.  Working with these cosmic forces makes agriculture more interesting and, when successfully applied, increase yields and quality.

Norrie Pearce provides a succinct introduction to the biodynamic preparations and practical applications.

Biodynamic Gardening: for health and taste – discover how the rhythms of the moon, sun, stars and planets influence your garden, creating ideal periods in which to sow, weed and harvest plants.  Through straightforward advice and illustrations, Hilary Wright’s practical guide shows how even the novice gardener can use biodynamic techniques to produce a healthy, abundant garden.

This book is written as an introduction to gardening in its wider aspects, linking it to historical, philosophical and cosmological contexts – when one takes a shovel to hand to turn the soil; life permeates it in manifold forms: cosmic cycles of sun and moon warm it, cicculate water through it lure out of it the season’s vegetation, and man shapes it according to his thinking and willing [and] according to his cultural traditions . . .  All that is gardening!

This great little book contains everything you’ve ever wanted to know about composting, and it’s well illustrated too.  The topics covered include: general principles of composting; ingredients and methods for composting; evaluating compost quality; a glossary of technical terms for compost and soil, and a related bibliography.

This is a practical guide for anyone who wants to garden or farm in true harmony with the forces of nature.  The book offers accessible tips on: favourable times for planting, harvesting and growing; ways of combating pests and diseases; building soil fertility – crop changes and rotation; and, how planets and stars affect plant growth.  (128 pages)

This book is for the beginner; concepts and ideas gleaned from Rudolf Steiner’s agriculture lectures and applied over decades by Peter Proctor in New Zealand offer clear and practical insight for the contemporary farmer and gardener.

Virtually every subject which needs to be considered by herb growers is covered somewhere in the 500-plus pages.  The essence of twenty years of hands-on experience is instilled in this definitive book on herb production.