BioVedic Gardening
The Varcho Veda® certified organic and Biodynamic® garden is located on the Himalayan Institute’s 400- acre campus in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Here, a decade of research conducted with ancient and modern methodologies of horticulture resulted in the development of the BioVedic method of farming. BioVedic farming incorporates principles of organic and Biodynamic® farming, but goes beyond by viewing farming in a broader context. BioVedic farming sees the environment as a living system and seeks to utilize four mutually interdependent systems in the web of life—soil, plant and animal life, climate, and human societies—to achieve sustainable, high-quality agricultural cultivation. BioVedic farming promotes a harmonious ecosystem and the health and vitality of the plants and environment. BioVedic farming promotes a harmonious ecosystem and the health and vitality of the plants by incorporating the use of:
• Composting and cover crops
• Companion planting
• The attraction of beneficial insects and use of natural pest control solutions
• Special compost teas, and botanical and biodynamic preparations
• A planting and harvesting schedule based on Biodynamic and Vedic calenders, which track the positive influences of the
movement of stars and planets.
• Vedic mantras, which are recited during the entire process of gardening—planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting.
The Institute’s herbal apprenticeship program in Pennsylvania taught the BioVedic farming methodology to students from around the world. This program is now being brought to our Community Centers in Africa, where local communities will learn these techniques, offering greater productivity and income generation potential while preserving the environment. As part of this program, we will be launching large-scale plantation projects where the local farmers can participate in the cultivation of medicinal, aromatic, and energy crops.