What changes when we stop approaching the land only as something to manage, and begin approaching it as something we can learn from?

Biodynamics begins with the possibility that a farm or garden is more than a collection of soil, plants, animals, and water. It is a living whole, shaped by relationships, rhythms, histories, and forces that may not reveal themselves at first glance.

This weekend is an invitation to look again.

Together, we will explore soil, compost, plants, water, movement, and form through the practical tools of biodynamics. No prior experience is necessary.

Curiosity and imagination is enough.

Weekend Overview

Over two days, our work will move between classroom inquiry and direct experience in the field, covering core biodynamic practices and concepts including circular soil chromatography, compost preparations, water phenomenology, and the biodynamic planting calendar. See more details at the program webpage. 

Saturday, November 14th (9AM - 4:30PM)

Morning: Seeing the Farm Anew

• Introduction to biodynamics and qualitative observation
• Discovering celestial rhythms and the biodynamic planting calendar
• Preparing soil samples and making circular soil chromatograms
• Hanging the chromatograms to develop and dry overnight

Afternoon: Water Phenomenology with Jennifer Greene

• An extended, experiential exploration of water
• Movement, rhythm, flow, and form
• Participatory water experiments and shared observation

Sunday, November 15th (9AM-4:30PM)

Morning: The Biodynamic Preparations

• Meeting the six biodynamic compost preparations
• Introduction to the biodynamic spray preparations
• Preparing and stirring BD500 horn manure

Afternoon: Bringing It to the Land

• Applying BD500 horn manure at the Horn Farm
• Revealing and studying our completed soil chromatograms
• Shared observations, conversation, and reflection
• Time for questions and discussion

Payment & Logistics

This program offers sliding scale tuition. When registering, you will select the cost tier that best aligns with your financial flexibility. 

Sliding Scale: $240 – $330

• Standard Cost: $285
• Reduced Cost: $240
  • At 85% of the standard rate, the reduced cost is meant for folks with financial constraints who need assistance to join the program.
• Pay-It-Forward: $330
  • At 115% of the standard rate, pay-it-forward helps us offset the cost of supporting reduced rate registrations. This option is encouraged for folks with financial means who would like to support access for other participants.

Registration Options

Students who are not available for the entire weekend can still join Jennifer Greene’s session on Water Phenomenology as spaces allow.  

This standalone session is $65 and takes place Saturday, November 14th from 1PM to 4:30PM.

When registering, you will have the option to enroll in the full weekend or this independent session. 

Registration Deadlines

Registrations close on Wednesday, November 11th.

In order to participate in soil chromatography exercises using your own soil samples, make sure to register by Sunday, November 1st. Anyone who registers by this date will receive an email with instructions on how to prepare soil samples at home. 

Students do not need to supply their own soil samples to participate in chromatrography. As a default, prepared soil samples from the Horn Farm will be available for everyone.

Learn More:

For full program details, visit the Beginning Biodynamics webpage: hornfarmcenter.org/biodynamics-weekend/