Biodynamic composting is regarded by many to be the ultimate method of composting. Starting with conventional farm-sourced materials plus the addition of biodynamic preps and minerals it usually requires turning once. It is then covered and left to ‘do its own thing’ while heat and the fermentation process along with the worms ‘ clean’ up the materials producing a compost rich in a broad spectrum of microbes and plant available minerals.

This course will show how to build compost in static piles, in cowpat pits, and then how to prepare the sprays and to broadcast them by hand. Watch and listen as Hamish starts from scratch and invites participants to build the compost pile with him.

Hamish McKay, a biodynamics educator, gave a brief insight into the wonders of biodynamics and its practical contribution to farming. He pointed out that for little output biodynamic preparations could be made or purchased and these were used by both farmers and gardeners with outstanding results.

Biodynamics has much in common with other organic approaches – it emphasizes the use of manures and composts and excludes the use of synthetic (artificial) fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides on soil and plants. Methods unique to the biodynamic approach include its treatment of animals, crops, and soil as a single system, an emphasis from its beginnings on local production and distribution systems, its use of traditional and development of new local breeds and varieties.