In contrast to conventional agricultural practices, which can deplete the earth of its micro-organisms, nutrition and structure, Biodynamic farming enlivens the soil. Based on holism, Biodynamics takes into consideration all components of the garden and how they relate to one another.

What is Biodynamic Agriculture?

Biodynamic Agriculture is a method, developed by Dr. Rudolf Steiner in 1924, regards the garden as a more or less closed system. Most of the seeds, compost and potting compost are self-produced. Gardeners use specific Biodynamic preparations which help orientate the plants to the soil and the atmosphere and also help the compost to decompose better. Good compost helps the resistance of the plants to pests and disease.

Exploring the WALA garden

Since the 1950’s, WALA Heilmittel has set one goal for its gardeners - to cultivate the highest quality medicinal plants. Their mission begins with the soil. The WALA gardeners apply a personal consciousness and observation in order to establish a unique relationship with the plants, the soil and their surroundings.

The garden in Southern Germany operates as a complete and unified system, with plants, animals and people working together without the use of synthetic chemical influences. Crop rotation, composting and the integrated management of soil, crop and pests are used to keep the garden self-sustained and healthy. Today they grow more than 150 different medicinal plants used in the manufacture of medicines and skin care products, on an area of more than 4.5 hectares, home to Kingfishers, Dragonflies, Toads and Fire salamanders amid the beehives, lily ponds, meadows and woods.

Composting in the WALA Herb Garden

The earth is the most important organ for the growth and the health of the medicinal plants. The regular addition of compost and other procedures such as the application of Biodynamic preparations increase the fertility of the soil and enhance the vital processes in the earth. In order to produce good compost a lot of preparatory work is necessary.

In the WALA gardens there are altogether about 50 composts. Most of them are mixed composts, that is they contain all the plant residues occurring in the garden, e.g. grass clippings, prunings etc. In addition, while preparing the compost heap, layers of cow mature from the nearby Demeter farm ‘Sonnenhof’ in Bad Boll are added.

Twice yearly, in Spring and Autumn, all the composts are turned by hand with pitchforks. This is done to promote the decomposition and maturing processes in the compost heaps. Turning also allows the gardeners to look inside the heaps. They can see how richly the compost is permeated with worms and other creatures, observe its colour, smell and check its moisture. The turning allows the gardener to experience, with his or her own being, the heaviness or lightness of the earth in the compost heap. After turning, the compost preparations are added. These contain Yarrow, Dandelion and Chamomile flowers, Oak bark, green shoots of the Stinging Nettle and the juice from Valerian flowers.

Seed Quality

The quality of the seeds is an important factor. Most of the seeds are harvested from the WALA garden. This is done from early Summer through to the Autumn. It is important to find the optimum harvesting time to ensure good germinating capacity of the seed the following year. After harvesting, the seeds are stored in a dry place to mature further.

Seed Baths

The seed baths also have a positive influence on the vitality and growth of the plants. The seeds are placed in the luke-warm seed bath for 10-15 minutes in cloth bags. The baths are prepared with some of the Biodynamic compost preparations already mentioned with the addition of other herbs such as Valerian, for example, which stimulates the germination phase and the warmth processes of the plants. Oak bark and Chamomile preparations prevent fungal infections while the horn manure preparation stimulates the growth of the roots. When they have been dried, they are ready for sowing.

Potting Soils

The selection of suitable potting soils is an important prerequisite for successful plant rearing. As the most important organ, they are responsible for the growth and health of the plants. For our potting soils we therefore use selected and best composts from our own production. These have usually been turned twice a year by hand. They are also treated with the Biodynamic compost preparations prepared in the WALA garden using such medicinal plants as; Valerian, Stinging Nettle, Oak, Chamomile, Dandelion and Yarrow.

The addition of these preparations enhances the vital forces and processes in the soil and plants. In addition they increase the vitality of the plants and the soil and their resistance to disease and pests.

The WALA Garden today grows more than 150 different medicinal plants used in the manufacture of WALA Medicines and Dr.Hauschka Skin Care.

Written by Ray Thatcher & Catrin Cohnen