Garden Biodynamically, II
© Geoffrey Ian Miller
Cover crops are central to soil management. Breaking down a green cover in the soil increased humus and nitrogen fixation beneficial to all plants. Many growers spray the microbial inoculant BD Field Spray (retail name) onto the cover crop before its incorporation. A mixture of microorganisms in the inoculant increases decomposition rate, decreasing the time until planting.
Companion planting is a form of crop rotation used in BD. Two plant species beneficial to one another planted in close proximity control pests or increases plant yields. Companion planting increases biodiversity in the garden's ecosystem.Liquid manures and herbal teas are complementary in BD. Make liquid manures by fermenting an assortment of herb plants jointly with fish or seaweed extracts. Make herbal teas from only one fermented herb plant. Many reasons necessitate using these fermented products. Biological and dynamic processes in the garden include soluble nutrients, aids plant growth and disease prevention, supports earthly and cosmic forces.
Liquid extracts also aid the microbial life in the soil, roots (rhizosphere) and leaves (phyllosphere). Liquid manure and herbal teas aid the phyllosphere as cover crops aid the rhizosphere. Beneficial microbes aid in competing against disease-causing microbes. Biological extract's foliage sprayed may cause an entire plant response called induced resistance.
Horsetail Tea is made from horsetail (Equisetum arvense), a silica-rich plant. Use horsetail as a mild fungus disease preventative and not a curative. When fresh plants are not available, cover dried plants with water and ferment for ten days in the sun.
Stinging Nettle Tea is made from complete stinging nettle plants (Urtica dioica) at any growth stage. Combine 1.25kg of fresh plants per 5 litres of water. Allow to ferment for ten days. Filter and use as a tea. Recommended dilution rates are 1:10 to 1:20. Combine BD preparations 502, 503, 505, 506 and 507 before soaking.
Chamomile Tea is made from its chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flowers dried in the sun. Use also fresh flowers in the short time they are available. Add a cup of compressed flowers to 4.5 litres of hot water. Stir well, let cool and then spray the filtered contents. Chamomile is high in calcium, potassium and sulphur and ideal for leafy crops, flowers and vegetables.
Comfrey Tea can be made by filling a barrel or large bucket with fresh leaves and then filling to the top with water. Allow to steep for 1-2 week, then filter and dilute in half with water before use. Comfrey is high in nutrients good for fruiting and seed crops.
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