For years we at lehmann natur have been gathering experience and expertise in all aspects of biodynamic cultivation and land management according to permaculture guidelines. Our vision is to help develop a world that has a healthy future and is farmed ecologically in a sustainable manner. That is why we pass our knowledge on to you.
Organic and biodynamic seeds were bred and propagated naturally, i.e. without chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Most of our biodynamic seeds are Demeter-certified. Demeter, as the oldest cultivation association with the strictest requirements for producers in Germany, sees itself as a holistic recycling economy that unites people, nature and animals.
Open-pollinated varieties, or what we call “open source” varieties, are much more robust than traditional hybrid seeds. Open-pollinated means that new seeds can be obtained from the plants, which is not the case with F1 hybrids. They are more resistant to climate changes and do not need synthetic fertilizers and pesticides because the seed adapts to the climate and soil conditions. In contrast to hybrid seeds, there is a large variety of open-pollinated seeds. Breeding is natural and without genetic engineering, as it is usual with hybrid varieties. Furthermore, the open-pollinated varieties form flowers and thus ensure the preservation and protection of bees and other beneficial insects.
In this way, you can gradually design your garden to be climate-friendly and close to nature with influences from permaculture.
Mulching provides the soil with a cover, i.e. an organic layer, which prevents the soil from drying out, reduces water evaporation and increases the capture of rainwater. Why not try mulching your bed with e.g. grass clippings!
A colorful garden delights many insects, especially wildbees. Plant a row of flowers in your bed to encourage bees and other beneficial insects.
Soil is a living organism. It is important to not damage the soil structure by rough plowing. Why don’t you try to gently plow your garden with a digging fork or similar?
Plants have friends too. These can be planted particularly well next to each other because they benefit from each other’s presence. Before sowing, it is best to check which plants can be placed next to each other and which are not suitable as neighbors.
Compost is the decomposition of natural garden and kitchen waste. Not only is it very easy to make, but your soil and plants will benefit immensely. It is well known that the fertility of the soil is increased, beneficial organisms are attracted and the water retention capacity of the soil is promoted due to compost.
Plants have a favorite place where they grow and thrive particularly well. Some may prefer to be pampered in full sun exposure, while others are happiest in the shade or partial shade. Pay attention to the needs of your plants and look for the best location.
The classification of crops into the three categories of low, medium and high nutrient demanding plants is based on the nutrient requirements of the respective culture.
Low nutrient demanding plants only have to be supplied with compost and are not very picky about it.
In addition, legumes such as i.e. peas or beans, add additional nitrogen into the soil, which is an important factor for plant growth.
Typical representatives: legumes, various flowers
Plants that fall into the medium feed category require compost.
In addition, depending on the plant species and only in special periods, they require a higher supply of nutrients in the form of organic fertilizer.
Typical representatives: beetroot, salads, peppers, some herbs
Plants that fall into the high demanding category require adequate fertilization and good bed preparation for successful cultivation.
Bedding preparation should begin in the fall.
Like the medium demanders, heavy demanders need organic fertilization in addition to compost. This can further get supplemented with stone flour, for example, to optimize the supply of trace elements.
During the growth period, the cultures should be regularly fertilized additionally with so-called “Brennessel Jauche” ( a high nutrient concentrate made out of nettles).
Typical representatives: tomatoes, melon, zucchini, eggplant
To help your garden as best as possible, you will find more tips and tricks here. These tips and tricks not only refer to the cultivation but also to pre-cultivation and preservation.
Open-pollinated seeds allow you to produce your own seeds. This ensures a more sustainable and ecological cultivation and is also very easy to implement as long as a few basic aspects are observed:
Seed production presupposes flowering and subsequently also fruit development. Therefore, seed production occurs in annual plants in the first year and biennial plants in the second year.
The seeds are obtained from the pulp of fruits and vegetables. The fruit is harvested for this as soon as it is ripe.
There are various ways of preserving the harvested food from your garden. On the one hand, this depends on the shelf life and taste you want to achieve, but on the other hand, it also depends on the specific suitability of the various types of fruit and vegetables, especially concerning with nutrient retention. Popular methods of preservation are, for example, drying, boiling or freezing.
Pre-cultivation is particularly useful if the conditions at the cultivation site are not optimal or for plant species that require long cultivation periods, e.g. pumpkins.
With the lead achieved in this way, the fruits manage to fully ripen by the time of the planned harvest (usually in autumn).
It is important that the young plants already have good root growth and at least two to three developed leaves when they are planted out.