A Biodynamic Manual: Practical Instructions for Farmers and Gardeners

I feel conflicted about leaving a 3 star review for a book with much valuable information, but I feel the description of this book is misleading. This book is very interesting, and makes me appreciate farmers working this way even more than I had -- but this is by no means a book for ordinary, or even extraordinary, home gardeners. This book is pretty much entirely an outline of biodynamic preparations and treatments, sort of an extremely specific list. Many of these preparations are totally unrealistic for even a very dedicated home gardener. There is almost no overview or explanation of environmental or cosmic rhythms, nor help in using a planting calendar like Maria Thun's. There is nothing about preparing a living soil, sowing and transplanting, rotating crops, companion planting, composting, or planning your garden/small farm in any way. This book could really only be useful to a person who already has an established garden or farm, understands biodynamics on a fairly deep level, and is wanting a manual on specific preparations and treatments. In that way, the title of the book must be taken at its most literal, and the description should not make it seem like an approachable primer for gardeners interested in biodynamics. (The closest I've found to such a book is How to Grow More Vegetables (7th Ed) by John Jeavons. I love this book but am looking for one more focused on understanding cosmic rhythms and the Maria Thun calendar. I'm trying Biodynamic Gardening by Monty Waldin next, and hoping it will be the book I've been looking for!)

Great information. It takes Maria Thun's Biodynamic Almanac to the next level of practical application for those seeking to do the biodynamic approach. It brings clarity to some of the more vague discussion of preparations in other books regarding biodynamics. The cover was different; black with Garlic Bulbs on it. It matters nonetheless to me but worth mentioning.

There is plenty of general information about biodynamics readily available including what to do, why and when. However there is very little information about the specifics of how to do it. This manual changes that. I have been practicing biodynamics for 5 1/2 years, and this manual deepen my understanding is helping me improve the earth.

Excellent book on the practical use of biodynamics. Numerous photos and illustrations compliment the text, making subject matter less complex. Having read a previous version, the additional content is welcomed and appreciated. Print type is bold and large, layout is pleasing, making it easier for older eyes. May be more informative if read with a cosmic rhythms calendar on hand to consult for reference. I would recommend this book and its author.

Crackpot ideas that happen to work through trial and error dues to the science behind them that the author failed to realize half the time - mistaking science for his own made up mysticism.That being said... interesting and works.

Really good information but useful to a mass farmer not a home gardener. The resources needed to really do what they suggest are not available on a small-scale garden.

If you are looking for alternative planting ways,even if it is just for flowers, this is the more cosmic, organic way to go...

great book! very helpful

Very good book needs thought, not just when and how to plant

I have been dipping into this book and is full of useful information that will improve my garden and orchard for the future

Brilliant book. Inspiring and easy to understand.