A Journey into Natural Farming and the “Do-Nothing” Philosophy
At the end of March, we had the immense pleasure of welcoming Kutluhan Özdemir to Mas Dame de la Rose for a transformative Natural Farming Workshop. This experience was not just about farming techniques; it was an invitation to unlearn, to observe, and to reconnect with the rhythms of nature.
What is Natural Farming?
Natural farming is a way of working with nature rather than trying to control it. Based on the philosophy of Masanobu Fukuoka, it follows simple yet profound principles:
- No chemical fertilisers or pesticides
- No tilling of the soil
- Respect for and enhancement of biodiversity
- Minimal human intervention
This approach fosters soil regeneration and allows nature to express its inherent abundance.
The “Do-Nothing” Paradox
One of the most striking aspects of natural farming is the “do-nothing” philosophy. At first glance, this seems to mean refraining from ploughing, weeding, fertilising—even avoiding organic treatments.
Yet, as Fukuoka taught, “do-nothing” is not the same as neglect. It is about stepping back to truly understand what nature needs, rather than imposing our will upon it.
Our workshop images tell a story of gentle intervention: layering horse manure and straw to restore fertility, understanding how soil health is reflected in the plants that naturally grow, and learning that so-called “weeds” may actually be allies.
A New Perspective on Growth
Take our garlic field, for example. Traditionally, we might remove surrounding herbs to give the garlic more space. Yet Kutluhan invited us to trust the soil—to recognize that its fertility dictates what can thrive.
Removing plants disrupts the underground mycelium network, the lifeblood of a healthy ecosystem. Patience, observation, and trust become the new tools of cultivation.
Sowing Seeds, Spreading Life
One of the most joyful moments of the workshop was making seed balls—a simple yet powerful practice. Rolling clay, mixing in green manure seeds, shaping the balls with our hands. This small act carries deep wisdom: the clay protects the seeds, giving them time to grow when the conditions are right. Less force, more flow.
A Deeper Understanding
Through Kutluhan’s teachings, we felt the impact of human intervention in a new way. He spoke of trees and how they react when their branches are cut to increase yield. We could suddenly feel their stress. Many of us experienced a deep sense of responsibility for past choices made in ignorance.
Learning also to pause and observe.
The Path Forward
Natural farming is more than a set of techniques. It is an act of love—more seeds, more organic material, more trust, more surrender to nature’s wisdom.
It is an adventure of liberation, a practice of deep listening, a letting of our personal will and control into a surrendering to a “doing” which emerges through us in coherence with the earth and all life on it.
Looking forward to meet you soon in this fascinating ongoing adventure,
Kristin, Corinne and Veerle
