We have planned our seasons sowing using the Thun biodynamic sowing calendar. Many seeds are already in trays in the hot box & the polytunnel. Whilst we aim to sow using the advice of the calendar, if the weather is wrong, or we’ve got too much on then the dates will shift. We have to work within our practical limits!
The biodynamic sowing calendar takes into account a number of aspects of moon & planetary influences on different parts of the developing plant. This originates from a time when our consciousness was less individualistic. A time when we lived much more closely as a part of our natural surroundings & were possibly more aware of our group / tribe needs than our own personal needs.
It is well known that the moon has a big influence upon life forms on earth. This is largely through the water element within us, animals & plants. As the moon travels around the earth it passes through a different constellation every 2, 3 or 4 days. These constellations historically have been recognised as having different characteristics which can be related to fire, earth, air & water. Studies in Germany for over 40 years have looked at how these influences effect plant growth. It is largely accepted within biodynamics that as the moon passes through various constellations it wil have beneficial effects on different parts of plants as follow;
Fire – Fruit
Earth – Root
Air – Flower
Water – Leaf
So we aim to sow for example potatoes, carrots & parsnips on a root day. Or peppers, tomatoes & aubergines on a fruit day.
However, theres alot more to it than that! There are other considerations to take into account;
- Ascending / descending moon
- Perigee / apogee moon
- Planetary oppositions & conjunctions
Personally I find it a really useful tool for planning the seasons growing. I’m more interested in getting a feel of how the moon & planets are moving & keeping this in mind as we go about our daily tasks. I’m not really stuck on getting things done on the ‘perfect day’. Theres already so many different activities to co-ordinate through the early season. I find it a great awareness building exercise thats brings another richness to the work of growing.