Biodynamic seedling mix with Farmer Mike Reiso

Never buy seedling mix again! Whether you are a giddy gardener or a full-time farmer, buying seedling mix is something we could all do without. What better way to follow up my film 'Biodynamic Compost with the late Jack McAndrew than with his apprentice Mike Reiso. Found on YouTube as Ranch Reiso. Mike or "Reiso' as he's known by many is a passionate educator and biodynamic farmer, helping out farms throughout Malibu. He is well-loved and respected for his affinity with nature and her cycles. Educating children in the homeschooling program and leading a free compost-making volunteers program on the Malibu Fig Ranch. A passionate but humble teacher. What I love about this video is he grounds biodynamics in some very logical reason and science. Some might find the teachings of Rudolph Steiner kind of 'out there', wherever 'there' is. But he recommends giving these methods a try to decided for yourself.

Here are the ingredients.

We used 1 inch chicken wire to contain the pile.
A box of kelp meal
A box of oyster shell meal
A bag of vermiculite
River bottom sand that we gathered
4 tarps full of Oak leaves
Compost- Ideally biodyamic.For this blend we use the compost from my bioreactor, so it's not technically biodyamic compost.
Biodynamic compost starter

Method: Part 1
1. First you build your layers.
2. 2 inches of oak leaves spritzed with the biodyamic compost starter.
3. 2 inches of the compost.
4. Spraying each layer with water, so it's the consitency of a damp sponge.
5. Repeat the layers until your container is full and leave for a year.


Method: Part 2
1. Screen the broken down leaf/compost pile with a 1/4 inch screen.
2. Then put this screened compost through a 1/8 inch screen.
3. Return any large pieces to the pile.
4. Add 10% of kelp meal, oyster shell meal and vermiculite.
5. Mix throughly.
6. You mix is now ready to use.

Happy planting! Let me know if you try this methods. How it worked.

I value feedback on both the videos and the farming methods. If you are reading this, then the chances are you and I are much aligned. Curious people exploring methods and better ways to garden and farm. My film making is experimental, just like my gardening, I'm working out what works and what doesn't. So I really value your feedback!!!Throw me a comment if there is anything I can do to improve these videos. Hit the like button if you enjoyed it, positive feedback makes my day! If you try this methods let me know how it goes!

Happy planting!
Amy
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