Biodynamic Agriculture aims to be a human service towards healing the earth. It is a type of organic agriculture that strives to create a diverse and balanced 'farm organism' that provides for itself. The soil is enlivened and replenished through the use of special homeopatic medicines used in compost making and directly on the earth or plants. Food taken from such enlivened soil helps our health, thinking, and learning.
Join a fun and renewing series of workshops geared towards gardeners and farmers of all levels. Through lectures, movement, sharing, imagination, and hands-on learning, many of Tal's former participants have found replenishment in the series. Workshops will be held in or near the Twin Cities metro area.
Questions? Come to a Free Intro to Biodynamics and then consider taking some workshops listed below. All classes meet at 4315 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, 55410 (except orchard class meets at the Elm Tree Farm in Afton, MN):
Cost is a sliding scale from $30-$60 per workshop, and includes printable online materials. A hard copy of materials is also available for $45. While taking the full series is encouraged, it is possible to take individual classes. For more information contact Tal Simchoni at morningdewgardening@gmail.com or 612-500-2574
Jan 27 Garden Planning and Basic Biodynamic Concepts
Time: 9:30-2:00
Sharing: bring a dish for a Potluck lunch
After a brief review of Biodynamic principles, we will look at the cycle of the year, plant families, crop rotation and companion planting.
Feb 17 Cosmic Rhythms and Planting Calendars
Time: 9:30-2:00
Sharing: bring a dish for a Potluck lunch
We will look at cosmic influences, especially moon rhythms and how they affect plants. We'll also learn how to use a biodynamic planting calendar. This inspiring class utilizes movement and lecture to form a foundation for an important piece of biodynamic theory.
March 3 Biodynamic Preparations
Location: 4315 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Time: 9:30-2:00
Sharing: bring a dish for a potluck lunch
After this workshop you will gain a deeper understanding of the biodynamic spray and compost preparations. Activities will include making horsetail tea to prevent fungus and more visioning work for your garden
March 17 Biodynamic Orchard Management and Care
Location to be announced
Time: 1-5 pm
Sharing: bring a light snack to share if you wish
In this class we will learn how to make and apply the biodynamic tree paste. This tonic protects woody plants from pests and disease, and provides nourishment. Biodynamic methods for orchard care and some basic pruning techniques will also be covered.
April 28 Biodynamic Composting and Stirring of Horn Manure
Time: 1-7 pm
Sharing: bring a dish to share for potluck supper
Composting is at the heart of biodynamics. When using biodynamic compost healing forces infuse and restore the soil. We will build a compost pile together and learn how to inoculate it with compost preparations. We will round out the series by stirring and applying the horn manure preparation. You will have the opportunity to bring some home with you for your garden.
Tal Simchoni has been practicing Biodynamic agriculture since 2000. He has previously managed a 2 acre biodynamic vegetable garden. In 2012 Tal founded Morning Dew Gardening in order to promote native plants, rain gardens, and edible gardens. Visit morningdewgardening.com. Family life with children brings him much laughter and activity
