The Biodynamic Orchard Book

This book brings together the best advice for cultivating fruit trees, berries, and shrubs, using biodynamic methods with the aim of harvesting healthy fruit free of pesticides.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, a pioneer of biodynamics in North America, discusses the principles of tree biology before describing the measures that can be taken to develop a pest-free orchard without the use of chemicals. He discusses soil preparation, the selection of trees for planting, issues of transplanting and pruning, the application of pastes, green cover crops, and pest control, before describing the key biodynamic preparations and how to spray them with greatest effectiveness.

Michael Maltas ran fruit tree experiments on his biodynamic farm in Missouri for four years. The results are recorded in a highly practical annual spraying schedule for orchards, which is reproduced in this book. A month-by-month calendar gives information on specific methods and controls, based on Maltas's extensive experience.

This is an invaluable book with practical advice on all aspects of planning and maintaining a healthy orchard.

This volume combines a thoroughly revised and updated edition of Biodynamic Treatment of Fruit Trees, Berries and Shrubs by Ehrenfried Pfeiffer and Orchard Pest Management and Spray Schedule by Michael Maltas. Published in association with the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer (1899-1961) was born in Munich. He visited the USA several times in the 1930s, was awarded a doctorate for his groundbreaking Sensitive Crystallisation theory as a blood test for detecting cancer, and emigrated there in 1940. He pioneered biodynamic agriculture in the USA and helped found the Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association. He died in Spring Valley, New York. Michael Maltas was born in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) in 1950. He studied science at Cape Town University, and then biodynamics at Emerson College in the UK. He moved to the USA and managed a biodynamic dairy farm in Missouri where he set up experiments to measure the effects of biodynamics on fruit trees. He later worked at the Fetzer vineyards in California. He still designs biodynamic gardens, and lives in Ukiah, California.