planting by the cosmic calendar: a biodynamic q&a with turtle tree

WHEN TO DO WHAT in the edible garden? One gardening and farming discipline, biodynamics, looks for clarity to a special calendar that in turn looks to the cosmos. Biodynamic seed farmer Lia Babitch of Turtle Tree Seed offers a 101 on planting (and tending and harvesting) by the planets, as depicted in the Stella Natura Biodynamic Planting Calendar.

Some background: The Stella Natura calendar has been published since 1978 by Camphill Village, Kimberton Hills, in Pennsylvania, and edited by Sherry Wildfeuer. Turtle Tree Seed, where Lia is co-manager, is located at another Camphill Village, in Copake, New York. Camphill Village is a biodynamic intentional community engaged in farming, gardening and handcrafting, that includes adults with developmental disabilities; a portion of each calendar sale goes to support Camphill.

The 40-page Stella Natura calendar includes astronomy basics, a constellation chart, and many philosophical articles—besides the calendar itself. But it’s not a “calendar” such as you might pencil in your dentist appointment or kids’ soccer practice on; it’s a reference guide and tool (that’s a page from a recent edition, above). How it works is explained in my Q&A with Lia Babitch.my q&a on planting by the planets, with lia babitch

Q. Though all the meaning and research behind the creation of the Stella Natura calendar may be a lot to grasp, and came from many years of research, the calendar actually makes gardening easier, you often remind me, Lia. How?

A. We find that at Turtle Tree, and also for many home and/or beginning gardeners we know, the structure of the calendar can make it easier to organize one’s time and to make sure nothing gets neglected.

Q. Yes: structure! We all need it at planting time,

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