Best Gardening Documentaries

Wayne Taylor
Written By Wayne Taylor

Gardening is a rewarding activity that not only helps you beautify your surroundings but also nourishes your mind and soul. From traditional gardening methods to modern hydroponic and vertical farming techniques, there are numerous ways to grow plants and vegetables. While reading about gardening can be informative, watching documentaries can provide a more immersive experience.

The Magic of Mushrooms: Fantastic Fungi

Mushrooms are fascinating organisms that have been used for various purposes for centuries, from food to medicine. Fantastic Fungi is a documentary that explores the world of mushrooms and showcases their unique abilities. The film covers topics such as the role of mushrooms in sustainable agriculture and their potential to combat pollution.

Key Takeaways

  • Mushrooms have medicinal properties and can be used to treat various ailments.
  • They can also help in the fight against climate change by breaking down pollutants.
  • The mycelium network of mushrooms can be used to create sustainable building materials.

Growing Food in Small Spaces: Growing Cities

Urban gardening is a popular trend that allows people to grow fresh produce in small spaces. Growing Cities is a documentary that follows two friends as they travel across America to explore urban farming. The film showcases the challenges and benefits of urban gardening, and how it can bring people together.

Key Takeaways

  • Urban gardening can help combat food insecurity in cities.
  • It can also promote community building and social interaction.
  • The documentary showcases various urban farming methods such as aquaponics and rooftop gardening.

The Future of Agriculture: The Need to Grow

The Need to Grow is a documentary that highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture and the challenges facing our food systems. The film showcases innovative solutions such as vertical farming and regenerative agriculture that can help feed our growing population while preserving the environment.

Key Takeaways

  • The current industrial agriculture system is not sustainable and harms the environment.
  • Regenerative agriculture can restore the health of the soil and create a more resilient food system.
  • Vertical farming can help produce fresh produce in urban areas and reduce transportation costs.

Hydroponic Farming: Living with the Land

Hydroponic farming is a soil-less method of growing plants that has gained popularity in recent years. Living with the Land is a documentary that showcases the hydroponic farming techniques used at Disney World’s Epcot Center. The film highlights the potential of hydroponic farming to produce large amounts of fresh produce in a small space.

Key Takeaways

  • Hydroponic farming can save water and nutrients compared to traditional farming methods.
  • It can be used to grow produce year-round in controlled environments.
  • The documentary showcases various hydroponic techniques such as nutrient film technique and deep water culture.

The Art of Bonsai: The World of Bonsai

Bonsai is a Japanese art form that involves growing miniature trees in pots. The World of Bonsai is a documentary that explores the history and techniques of bonsai. The film showcases the patience and skill required to create beautiful bonsai trees.

Key Takeaways

  • Bonsai requires a lot of patience and care to maintain.
  • The art form has a rich history and tradition in Japan.
  • The documentary showcases various bonsai techniques such as pruning and wiring.

Gardening documentaries can provide a unique perspective on the world of gardening and showcase innovative techniques and solutions. From the fascinating world of mushrooms to the art of bonsai, there are numerous documentaries that can inspire and educate gardeners of all levels.