The Best DVD to Learn Bio-Intensive Gardening as a Beginner
By: Lena Moss 🪴
Have you ever looked at your tiny backyard patch or balcony and thought, “Can I really grow food here?” I get that question all the time, and my answer is always a big YES—especially if you’ve got the right guidance. That’s where learning about bio-intensive gardening becomes a game changer. It’s the method I recommend for anyone starting out who’s short on space but big on dreams.
Today, I’m diving into what I believe is the best DVD to learn bio-intensive gardening as a beginner:
🎥 The New Garden Show #713 (Bio-Intensive Gardening) [America’s National Organic Gardening Series]
Trust me, if you’re new and wondering how to grow your own fresh veggies organically without needing a farm-sized plot, this video might be exactly what you’ve been searching for.
✅ Jump straight to it here:
🌿 What Is Bio-Intensive Gardening, and Why Should You Care?
Bio-intensive gardening is all about growing more food in less space, using natural methods that give love back to your soil and plants. It’s a method built around sustainability, soil health, and efficiency—a dream for apartment dwellers, suburban newbies, or even seasoned gardeners who want to boost their harvest.
I first dipped my hands into this method when I was living in a duplex with nothing but a 4×8 raised bed. Bio-intensive principles helped me grow more than I ever thought possible right outside my sliding glass door—kale, carrots, tomatoes, bees flitting nearby—it was magic on a patio.
And while there are dozens of books and blog posts out there, having a visual, step-by-step guide to walk you through things makes all the difference when you’re starting out.
🎥 Why “The New Garden Show #713” Is the Best DVD for Beginners
When I first picked up this DVD, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Was it going to be outdated? Overly scientific? Turns out—it’s down-to-earth, super instructional, and refreshingly visual. Here’s why it stands out:
✅ Designed with Beginners in Mind
No fluff, no jargon. The instructions are crystal clear, perfect if you’re learning the difference between compost and topsoil. It assumes you’re starting from zero, and builds you up from that honest place.
✅ Visual Learning = Real Results
If you’re a visual learner like me, watching the techniques in action—like double-digging beds, compost layering, and spacing intensive crops—is so much more helpful than reading a paragraph in a book.
It shows you HOW to do it, not just tell you why.
✅ Organic From the Ground Up
This isn’t just about planting lettuce. It’s grounded in organic principles—no chemicals, no shortcuts. Great if you’re also focused on sustainability and feeding your family food you trust.
👥 Who Should Watch This DVD?
Honestly? Almost everyone who dreams of turning their home space into a sustainable garden plot. But it’s especially for:
- First-time gardeners who don’t know where to start
- Apartment or condo dwellers with limited space
- People trying to minimize their grocery bills
- Busy parents looking for simple organic methods
- Anyone intimidated by “textbook gardening methods”
Even if you’ve never planted so much as a basil leaf, this DVD starts where you are.
👉 If that sounds like you, watch this now:
🌎 Nicole’s Story: A Real-Life Example
Let me tell you about my neighbor Nicole.
She’s a full-time nurse and mom of two who lives in a duplex down the street from me. She grabbed this DVD after I raved about it, thinking it might be a simple place to learn the basics.
Fast-forward three months—she had veggies bursting from reclaimed containers and a tiny 3×6 bed she built next to her fence. Her kids started helping her harvest greens after dinner and even got excited about radish sandwiches (no kidding).
Nicole described the learning process as “surprisingly calming” thanks to the clear visuals and easy explanations. She told me:
“I would’ve never figured this out from Instagram tips alone. This DVD connected the dots.”
🔎 How This DVD Compares to Other Popular Gardening Resources
There are tons of books and videos out there on gardening—I’ve probably tried half of them. So how does this stack up? Here’s how it compares to three alternatives:
| Product | Format | Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| This DVD | Video | Bio-intensive organic methods | Beginners who want easy visuals |
| Grow Biointensive Book | Book | In-depth intensive gardening | Intermediate to advanced gardeners |
| Back to Eden DVD | Video | Wood mulch/permaculture | Faith-based viewers interested in natural growing methods |
| Square Foot Gardening | Book | Gridded layout gardening | DIYers focused on structure and charts |
Of all these, The New Garden Show #713 is best for those just starting out—especially visual learners craving clear, actionable guidance rather than walls of info.
Explore it yourself with this link:
🛠️ What Will You Learn in This DVD?
Let’s break down the kind of practical, real-world techniques covered in this visual guide:
- How to cultivate healthy soil using compost and double-digging
- Planting strategies that maximize space and minimize weeds
- Techniques for succession planting for year-round harvests
- How to start organic mini-farming at home—without buying pricey gear
- Composting basics made easy
- Why crop rotation and polyculture matter for healthy gardens
Nearly every topic is demonstrated step-by-step. So you’re not just being told what to do—you’re shown every little detail.
These are the foundations of organic gardening methods proven to work—and supported by respected bodies like the National Gardening Association.
Bio-intensive gardening can turn even small spaces into food-producing powerhouses.
⭐️ Real User Reviews Back It Up
“This DVD broke everything down so simply. My garden is flourishing this year—I’m amazed.” — ★★★★☆
“Visuals are clear and incredibly helpful. I rewatch it every spring as a refresher.” — ★★★★★
“Wish it was longer with more advanced content, but unbeatable for beginners.” — ★★★★☆
While some viewers wanted even deeper dives, most felt it was the right speed and tone for newbies or visual learners.
🧰 Pros and Cons (from a real gardener like me)
Pros:
- Super approachable for total beginners
- Compact learning—you can watch and apply in one weekend
- Organic, no-nonsense methods
- Fits small space and urban growing very well
- Part of a trusted national gardening series
Cons:
- Not super in-depth for advanced gardeners
- Doesn’t come with printed reference materials
- Streaming or online access would be nice (currently DVD-only)
Still, for those looking to get started without overwhelming themselves—I genuinely haven’t found a better visual introduction.
👉 Check if it’s still available here:
🏡 Perfect For Your Growing Space
Whether you’ve got:
- A balcony with sunlight
- A small suburban yard
- A community garden plot
- Or just some patio containers
…the strategies in the DVD are meant for real gardeners in real-life spaces.
I tested many methods in my 4×8 raised beds and saw richer, more productive soil and higher harvests than ever before—all from applying tips I watched on this exact DVD.
Even if it’s your very first growing season, this video will give you the tools (and confidence) to make something bloom.
Final Thoughts: Watch It, Then Grow It
If you’re ready to start a garden you’re proud of, get your hands dirty, and feed your family fresh with confidence—watching this DVD is a simple but powerful first step.
Don’t waste another season scrolling through half-answers on forums and Instagram reels 🪴
I recommend The New Garden Show #713 for every beginner gardener, and I start every spring by watching it again myself.
It’s never too late, and no space is too small to grow something amazing.
Happy growing! 🌱
—Lena Moss
@IndoorOutdoorLena | Urban Garden Coach & Plant Mama