10 Food Crops to GROW That You CAN'T BUY at the Supermarket

Here are 10 food crops you can grow at home that you can't usually get at the supermarket.
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Self Sufficient Me is based on our small 3-acre property/homestead in SE Queensland Australia about 45kms north of Brisbane - the climate is subtropical (similar to Florida). I started Self Sufficient Me in 2011 as a blog website project where I document and write about backyard food growing, self-sufficiency, and urban farming in general. I love sharing my foodie and DIY adventures online so come along with me and let's get into it! Cheers, Mark :)

[@jackbackband7733]

There's no airs and graces with this guy. He doesn't need to put any effort in to attract or impress. He's just naturally a sound bloke with a hell of a lot of knowledge for me and you. Don't change mate.

[@GashPlague]

Quite a joy to see this guy playing around in his garden like an excitable kid

[@saferabies]

I like straight up youtubers "Heres the info, here's what i like. Hope you like it."

[@rfdsdf1]

"Can you hear that thunda?" Me: You betta run you betta take cover...

[@mehere8038]

only if: living in the land down under

[@anafindlay4036]

LMAO 🤣🤣

[@SuperWhatapain]

Lol

[@greeneyedlady5580]

*covah

[@cfgore1]

I remember that..lol great song

[@edbeals1793]

The look on his face when he eats the dragonfruit has me convinced!

[@megatherium99]

I’ve watched hundreds of hours of KZbin videos on gardening and Mark is by far the most informative, practical, and entertaining. Thanks much to him, I’m growing dragonfruit and fingerlimes in Oklahoma. My first dragonfruit is maturing and I’m pretty sure it’s the same American Beauty variety he’s growing.

[@suzanneribas3746]

How can I get the seeds ?

[@hmcredfed1836]

@@suzanneribas3746 You got to open more loot boxes

[@brettkirk9411]

I've been loving his videos. We just got a house in Tulsa with a nice backyard, and I'm so ready to get started on what I've learned from Mark so far

[@alukuhito]

@@hmcredfed1836 What's a "loot box"?

[@looksirdroids9134]

Dunno why the hell you felt the need to say where you are from; it isn't relevant in the slightest and nobody cares.

[@bfreshsound]

I like how he got nearly a full meal, walking around his garden for 15 minutes. :) it's very encouraging for a new gardener.

[@akeesee11]

That is how I eat my lunch usually. How can you beat that?!

[@jawjagrrl]

I'm excited for you! So many things to try and the taste compared to the store... no comparison. Plus you know exactly how it's been grown.

[@shawnparadis1892]

But how does he do in the winter?

[@sarahbaldwin9112]

@@shawnparadis1892 his winters aren't snowy or anything, so he can still grow certain crops.

[@dekumutant]

​@@shawnparadis1892 he lives in a subtropical climate. South east queensland australia. Similar climate to florida

[@dolphinsupremacy]

I like how excited he gets every time he shows us a new fruit. He smiles like a happy little boy at Christmas and it makes me grin.

[@irenesteele8141]

Could I grow finger lime I'm in Washington State? And where could I find them?

[@shawnhunter7581]

He seems to be a very happy person.

[@kristinatidwell6563]

@@irenesteele8141 I'd ask your garden center but I'd think the answer might be no due to the heat of the atmosphere in Australia. Just verify if that's right.

[@jasonscott7803]

@@irenesteele8141 hi there anywhere you can grow the common citrus varieties you can grow finger limes, good luck and all the best.👍

[@SomeBuddy777]

I came for the lime caviar, stayed for the spider rehoming, knife swallowing and the gastroenterology lesson. I'll be trying my hand at putting in a garden this year and raising some homegrown fibre sources. Been feeling a little sluggish lately. I'm hoping it all works out okay. 🍆🍠🥗🍎🍍🍑 🍊🍇 🚽

[@elenabaca-vigil1747]

SMART CHOICE! DNT WORRY, IT WILL! G🍀🍀D LUCK!!!

[@dadhacks3084]

Bwuahahaha! 😂😂

[@OPIXdotWORLD]

agave fibre...also hemp...or linen...

[@ChaosBW]

10:55 I wish I could one day live like this and be this genuinely happy

[@iwabbit]

Just gonna leave this here. 0:36 Yacon 1:31 Egyptian Spinach 2:17 Finger Lime 4:02 Jerusalem Artichoke 5:14 Coloured Eggplant 6:03 Tamarillo 7:21 Dragon Fruit 8:46 Bitter Gourd 10:34 Aztec Corn 12:47 Cherry Guava

[@donnasingh9804]

Great idea!

[@shaylasmith3935]

Thank you!

[@lpmoron6258]

Thank you! I love lists!

[@phylisiadaley5995]

All heros don't wear capes 😂❤

[@cc83jc85]

Thank you, I’ve just started typing them into my mobile!!❤

[@lvs6775]

Mark is a true teacher. “Let me uproot this whole plant I’ve been growing just to show you the roots” 😆 love the passion and enthusiasm!

[@reginaromsey]

Here in Portland, Oregon I can buy several different Egg Plant varieties in pretty much any of our larger Oriental (East Asian?) markets. The enormous Uwajimaya (I pronounce it Gwajamaya )and Fu Bon markets are only 2 of the 45 markets here that I have visited. All put the fresh food offerings at my American supermarkets to shame. )

[@Draaza]

@@reginaromsey If you go to a market in one of the more Asian and especially Indians suburbs you can get all the eggplants of the rainbow. In Dandenong, near Melbourne - which has a very Islamic population with a really interesting variety of ethnicities in nearby suburbs - the Dandenong Markets there have so many varieties of eggplant when they're in season, but it's definitely not something you'll find much variety in at regular supermarkets

[@millsmallorca9316]

I'm from the Philippines, bitter gourd or (ampalaya in Tagalog) is commonly found in our local markets, supermarkets and backyard. One of the easiest vegetable to grow. To remove some of the bitter taste, wash and chop them, then soak in water with dissolved rock salt. Keep it soaked for a about 10-15 minutes then drain well before cooking. Here's a simple recipe you may try, sauté onion, garlic, and tomatoes, add salt and pepper to taste. Then add the bitter gourd. Simmer for a few minutes until it's cooked but still crunchy. Add two bitten eggs, and mix together. Wait for the eggs to cook and then enjoy! Best served with fried fish and white rice.

[@sazji]

A Filipino housemate made pinakbet with bitter gourd. He used the smooth one that the Chinese markets sell. Bitter, but not intolerably so. I liked it once I got used to it!

[@scythescythe884]

that sounds amazing @~@

[@chrislangton6446]

I hope you have prevailed through the Typhoon. My brother was hit hard in Cebu

[@elenabaca-vigil1747]

THANX4TIP&RECIPE, PLAN ON TRYN...

[@comfortouch]

We call it 'bitter melon' here in the states. Both my local oriental markets carry it, along with many untraditional 'American' veggies and fruits, including durian and jackfruit.

[@cheyennerepp7291]

Mark has the heart of teacher! Love love your channel! I actually really appreciate seeing Mark eat the fruit on camera, I don't know if anyone else is like me, but sometimes I'm afraid to try new plant products without seeing someone else eat it first hahaha 😅

[@Cutecat689]

Me too! I had to see someone else eat Moringa seeds before I could try them 😂

[@gostboi42]

Why is he the only gardener that pops up in my recommendations that I want to watch. I don’t even have that much of a interest in gardening, but he makes it nice to watch and learn.

[@TheCelluloseKid]

Because he's the best.

[@AntidoteX2]

Because of his sincerity and enthusiasm.

[@andreasgeorgiou7752]

this is shyte

[@BigHippyBear]

It was the fish he buried. Im always reminded of the fish head lol.

[@Silverhineko]

This guy is so wholesome. I'm going to come back to this channel next time I'm feeling down. It would be impossible not to smile along to this gent.

[@wcskeleton1388]

First Last i dont care about your mom

[@nicoleh6519]

He's like the Bob Ross of gardening...

[@catey62]

I always love his videos as well, he just has the perfect personality for doing them. and so knowledgeable as well.

[@ThatsSoGayLIVEGayTV]

@@wcskeleton1388 go away and stay away with all your nastiness. You're an *$$, wcskeketon

[@borntodoit8744]

@Lethe.V agree...what a lovely man ...imagine if he was your dad or uncle ...the best hugs he gives ..and the memorable family dinners where he would fun interesting and inspiring I hope a tv series is based on his personality

[@mothbythesea]

I found a mandarin finger lime growing under a huge bush in our yard when we moved into our home with its overgrown garden and once we freed it, it exploded! I put them in every drink possible and ate them in salads or just plain with a bit of salt. Fingerlimes are awesome!!!

[@expandedlabs8526]

I haven’t seen those!!! May be propitiate and sell them! I have only seen the lime variety!!!!

[@brendaeq236]

Dragon fruit “skin” around the fruit can be dried for tea. Dragon fruit flowers can be used for soup broths too.

[@cassaundra.jewell]

You’re like the Steve Irwin of gardening. I love it! 😂❤️

[@Krisly7]

Thats a perfect description

[@twoheadedchicken7904]

"ah crikey look at that bush " bush: Dendrocnide moroides

[@ArtByEmilyHare]

Every time I watch I think the same thing!

[@Araielle]

Haha this was my first time seeing them & I felt he had the same vibe, too! Love it!

[@TonyDiCroce]

it's his enthusiasm... (and accent of course).

[@Setolyx]

I get so incredibly jealous watching you walk around popping home grown snacks into your mouth!!

[@onlyreallove17]

😁lol😁thats cool you say that!!! He is in paradise, is he not?!?! 💙💜💚💗 Yes!!! I am in LOVE with this!!! 😂🤣😂💙💜💚

[@ms.anonymousinformer242]

@@onlyreallove17 I am guessing he has done better than most people, during this covid plandemic and lockdown.

[@yattes1]

Someone give this man his own TV show...😍❤️

[@TBonerton]

Hr already has one that is accessible to a much wider audience. TV is dead.

[@garulusglandarius6126]

I’d prefer this channel, tv would change everything and the wholesome, genuine presentation would get commercialised. I love this channel exactly the way it and Mark are 👍🇦🇺🇬🇧

[@sharonbarton1888]

This is his own show!!

[@davidstudent7698]

nothing is taught on teevee only mind numbing nothing., that's why a channel like this is so important.

[@elenabaca-vigil1747]

YES, PLZ! SO KNOWLEDGABLE& INTERESTIN+MORE!

[@cristiaolson7327]

For my fellow Americans: the tiny guava is commonly called a "cattley guava" if you go looking to buy it here in the states. It comes in both "strawberry guava" and "lemon guava" varieties, and there are several nurseries in Florida and California that produce plants for sale. The lemon ones are delicious too, btw.

[@claudiabiancadarocha5059]

Hi, do you know of a catalogue that sells it to Utah? What about the other plants, are they available too? Thanks in advance.

[@cristiaolson7327]

@@claudiabiancadarocha5059 I get my fruiting shrubs on Ebay mostly. The plants are usually fairly small in order to make it easy/inexpensive to ship, but the cost is generally also fairly low. Wellspring Gardens in Florida (this is where I got my Cattley guavas) and Gray Gardens in California are two of my favorites, but there are a lot of other sellers with good ratings who also ship throughout the country that I have purchased from. You can also order a really wide selection from the Fast Growing Trees website, but you will pay considerably more (they do, however, offer much larger sizes). If you are in Utah though, you will definitely need to keep your guavas potted, as they can't tolerate temperatures below around 30°F, so you'll have to have a greenhouse or at least bring the pot into the house in a sunny window in winter. Fortunately, guavas can be pruned small enough to stay in a 5-10 gallon pot forever as long as you remember to fertilize periodically. I live in southern California, and my house is in USDA Zone 10a, so I have the luxury of being able to grow tropical fruits in my yard year-round.

[@claudiabiancadarocha5059]

@@cristiaolson7327 thank you so much for these great info/ tips! I hope you will always be blessed with a great garden!

[@NANGSGARAGE]

11:00 So he set up the camera, ran out and then ran back in? 😂 Love your dedication man 👍

[@Selfsufficientme]

Yes that's right and got double wet lol... Thanks mate :)

[@kimberlyturner820]

Lol

[@NANGSGARAGE]

lol good stuff man 🏆

[@EllieHeard]

That's kind of how these videos work. Setting and resetting cameras in order to film action...

[@antoniorobles3498]

@@Selfsufficientme your dedication is inspiring and honestly STRAIGHT up just a JOY TO LEARN AND WATCH !!!!

[@mishajones2805]

This guy is such an engaging teacher. He has such a joyous attitude proudly showing what he's grown and teaching about each one. Really wish I'd had someone like him as a teacher in school.

[@salmahmohamed6048]

8:45 Bitter gourd is highly regarded as a medicinal vegetable (most bitter veggies have various medicinal properties). In Malaysia, it's eaten widely and is known to benefit those with diabetes. You should keep at least one plant, you can also use a little bit of it and add it to a green smoothie for a boost. Mix it with green apples, kale, cucumber in a green smoothie.

[@grandmothermoon2490]

I love your positive nature, you're such a fresh breath of air, thank you for sharing your knowledge, your authenticity, and your beautiful soul with us all...🌹

[@notmyworld44]

This gentleman, with his beard and engaging smile, bears an amazing resemblance to a dear friend of mine who passed away here in the States about 3 years ago. Add to that this fellow's charmingly musical Aussie accent, and I really hang onto everything he says. Sir, I just want you to know you are a blessing.

[@ecocambra8355]

He kinda looks like Alex Jones too lol

[@brianlittle6318]

@@ecocambra8355 He is the anti-Alex Jones...

[@monicamayer977]

Thank you, I am looking for types of foods that stay in the garden and reproduce, having them more as a forever kinda crop

[@casualacquaintance1100]

@@ecocambra8355 lol

[@gomezaddams6470]

@@monicamayer977 the Jerusalem artichoke is one of those and I think they grow everywhere because they were grown in Seattle the first time I saw them and they will take over an area! You definitely want to plant them where you don't mind them just going and going and going or you have to treat them like bamboo and make it so they can't bypass. But they're very good steamed like potatoes. And like he said Bus left in the ground until you need them. They're a little bit like fava Bean some people don't have the digestive enzymes. I have all sorts of problems and I don't have a problem with them raw I haven't had them steam since I was a little kid so I don't remember I just started getting back into them

[@Leavemealone57]

If everyone had you as their dad the world would be absolutely perfect. Man that smile when you showed off that Aztec corn was beautiful. 💕

[@trilliarobinson7862]

Jerusalem artichokes are brilliant roasted, and also make a lovely creamy soup. The flowers have a chocolatey scent, and pick well. If you have animals, sheep and goats also love the tubers, and these make a great addition to their winter food. However, be warned that once you have these beauties, they love to stay and spread, so probably best like Mark had them, in an enclosed bed.

[@kateblack6406]

I love fartichokes! Such an easy grow and loads of food for a small area. I dry mine and powder to make a flour which I mostly use to bulk out meatballs or meatloaf instead of breadcrumbs. As a curried pickle they're amazing too!

[@delso-wk9sq]

I have heard that the explosive nature diminishes if you don't harvest any until after a few frosts, something about the starch converting to sugar or vice versa. They are the last thing I harvest and usually a few at a time to throw in a stew towards the end or raw on a veggie plate and I have never heard about the gas until recently. Pickled sounds great! or maybe fermented spiced up? I hope mine come back this year as I didn't dig any up this year.

[@cherylbee9899]

🤣

[@matthewfairley4101]

People are rarely bothered by the smell of their own farts. So what’s the problem unless someone near you also eats artichokes.

[@georgcorfu]

I really like this man. He is gentle and explains everything nicely.

[@boldgirl1172]

I agree with you. People like him are designed from Heaven, he could teach anything and you will understand it

[@eduardochavacano]

He seem like a very nice person. I meet such people and they mostly have farms. Id be more like the Poison Ivy.

[@smileyboi9386]

And he looks like Russell Crowe

[@Coecoebrown]

Yacon Egyptian spinach Finger lime Jerusalem artichokes Colored Egglants Tamarillo Mystic dragonfruit Bitter gourds Aztec corn Cherry Guava

[@hoperules8874]

Coecoebrown Thank you!

[@heprynnrobertson8806]

Coecoebrown Thank you

[@fwemp]

The eggplant one says "egglant." Can you please fix it? Thanks, by the way!

[@AUTIS-LONE-WOLF_SCHIZO]

Coecoebrown Lol Egglants

[@maldonadohernandezjohanalb5891]

.

[@arozandpeanut]

I have a tree tomato (tamarillo) and fejoia (pineapple guava)... love them, so easy to grow. We chop chillies and add water to spray on them for pests. Works a treat because in the early days the bugs loved to eat the tree tomato. Love your vids!!

[@aleishawatson8908]

As an Aussie Girl, you are a classic fella! Looking forward to watching more of your content, loving the heat hardy plants, always great when you mention that they are good with the heat like the spinach! Thank you for what you do and you are so much fun to watch!

[@BleedingSoul4]

Nice to see Russell Crowe explore his garden side.

[@mohammadamanghauri]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@BleedingSoul4]

@@Tangy123 I didnt know, I never see it in the comments.

[@graphene1487]

@@Tangy123 nice one!

[@carriechow1503]

Is he really Russell Crowe??? He does look like him or vice versa

[@luciatheron1621]

Let the dragon fruit split before you pick it. Its so much sweeter in my opinion. Intrestingly the split is dry so the fruit is not spoilt but dont wait too long. Regards from Cape Town.

[@bluennbregaint7214]

Egyptian artichoke called topinambours in France are a very ancient veg that is actually coming back (in France at least) we find them quite easily in supermarkets here. They are absolutely delicious, have them in the garden too. You did not mention the fact that they multiply underground if you leave a few in place, even more than potatoes do!! Great video, had a few good laughs, thank you.

[@wendyjomendy]

Can I go camp in your yard with a yurt?😂 You have the garden of Eden!

[@anushkaghosh4610]

I'm from Bengal, India and bitter gourd is a fairly regular part of our diet, we like to fry them crispy and then put in a few spices, and they taste amazing.(We'll even add something blander like potato to complement it) Bitter is a taste too, and I think it can be enjoyed if cooked the right way. It's called Uchche in Bengali, and yes they're very easy to grow, we grow them every season. Loved this video, it was really informative and found many new things. ❤️

[@nafismubashir2479]

korola not uchche o aloo panchha na

[@martisbvk]

He did say Bengal. It’s called Karela in the south.

[@nafismubashir2479]

@@martisbvk still in bangali it is korola

[@michaelbyrne8238]

They are typically always available in Indian grocers in the states.

[@KimberlyBarkdoll]

Bitter Melon is supposed to be good for diabetes as well.

[@AndoresuPeresu]

Tamarillo: Here in colombia we call those tree tomato. "Tomate de arbol" in spanish. It is one of the best juices you can prepare. Have digestive system wounds, even in your mouth, eat it and those heal faster.

[@jennymullins593]

Thanks for the health info on this fruit/veg Andres

[@theYTwatcher200]

Here in Ecuador we call them "tomatillos" (just few people know them as tomate de árbol). And yes, the juice we make from them is delicious, my brother does not like it but I find it exquisite

[@goldengryphon]

@@theYTwatcher200 I thought Tomatillos were a completely different plant? We grow them here, in Texas, but they come in green only in the stores. You can find them in purple in home gardens, but I haven't seen a lot of people growing them. They are used mostly in Mexican/Tex-Mex food as a green salsa base, or cooked into sauces for "green " enchiladas.

[@AndoresuPeresu]

@@goldengryphon i think those are different, as many fruits have very different names in each country of Latin america. Lulo for example is a really nice fruit here in colombia, but its poop in chile. Or, pimenton, pimiento and morrones rojos: all basically the same thing

[@goldengryphon]

@@AndoresuPeresu I used to study edible plants (hobby, really. always fun to be able to scrounge up snacks), so I know all about "local" names for plants. There's a reason scientific nomenclature is so useful. Yeah, I can have a rousing discussion with someone over "Bull's Blood" lilies, and only later come to realize they were talking about a specie of beet, or some locally grown pepper. Pimento peppers are a fun one. (There's some cross over with that confusion.) In Hungary, there are similar peppers called by similar names that are turned into various flavors of the powdered 'paprika' used for making paprikash. I find it fun to be able to study a plant's history and all the "common" names that get tacked to it. Thank you for your explanation. It did help a lot (especially since I'm planning my seed purchases and ran into Tomatillos, Tomatoes, Tomarillos, Litchi Tomatoes, Husk Tomatillos/tomatos, Huckleberries, Vine Pear, Melon Pear, and something that looks like a pepper, but comes husked like a tomatillo). I'm giving up and heading for bed. It'll be better in the morning. Hope your weekend went well!

[@rpendragon5365]

I grew up eating wild corn and the first time I ate sweet corn I thought they added to sugar to it, blew my mind and I guess I still prefer the unsweet corn.

[@dpsingh1922]

Hi dear i want seeds

[@harryrimmer6830]

Another food that you will not find in the supermarket is Salsify (also called Oyster Plant - from its distinctive taste). Salsify is a member of the dandelion family and is a root vegetable, about the size and shape of a medium carrot or parsnip. It has a particularly long growing season (100-120 days), and does not store well. It was always a part of my family's holiday table (served in a white cream sauce) at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

[@arianasalas6420]

I love how he moved the spider off of the dragon fruit 💜

[@EllieReagan]

You’re such an encouragement, both in the garden and as a person. Thank you :-)

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thank you Ellie :)

[@dystopiagear6999]

Yes, the positive attitude and having fun is very important! Gardening can have very sobering implications, especially when considering surviving through tough times, but if it's a deadly-serious chore every day.... blech. Being out in the fresh air among the plants and birds and bees is supposed to be uplifting :)

[@eileen2906]

@@Selfsufficientme hello I'm Eileen frm England and I'd love it if you could help me out and send me some of your lovely seeds. Xx

[@juanitagrace64jg]

@@eileen2906 I'm sure he gets his seeds organically grown and non hybrid so one can save the seeds for subsequent gardens. They can be purchased from a good non hybrid gardening seed catalog like Native Seeds Search or from Rodale's Organic Gardening Catalog ( by the magazine named Organic Gardening. They carry seeds for all different climates, seasons, and soils.

[@eileen2906]

@@juanitagrace64jg thank you so much for the info Ellie and bless you

[@spenceroliphant2665]

Best gardening channel on KZbin

[@Anne--Marie]

It was lovely to see the rain. Right now, November 2023, Sarasota Florida is down 22 inches on rainfall. We are now in our dry season, which is frightening. Seeing your rainfall lifted my spirits. G'day

[@absb.5978]

The bitter gourd is one of my favorite things to eat. Sautéd with some smoked chicken and served with some rice... It makes me a very happy lady!

[@titosirj6262]

Abigayle B. I eat it like a salad with onions. I add salt by the way.

[@brianshissler3263]

I like your name. Old school and classy.

[@Arkryal]

For those in cooler regions, here are some alternatives: Seabuckthorne - Very tart berries, great for juicing, but you may want to dilute or sweeten. Conelian Cherry - Not a true cherry, but a dogwood with cherry-like fruit. Very productive and disease resistant. Good King Henry - Perennial spinach substitute, young shoots can be eaten like asparagus, and the seeds can be used as a grain. Mayhaw - Like a sweet crab-apple, but fruit ripens very early in the summer when few other plants are setting fruit. Japanese Knotweed - The shoots are eaten like asparagus, very healthy. This plant gets a bad reputation because it grows almost out of control, like a bamboo in form and size, but as pernicious as mint. Banned in many areas, but fine for contained growth. Fiddle-heads - This can refer to a number of ferns, commonly ostrich fern. The young shoots are steamed and make for a good side dish. Ramps - A wild onion/garlic like plant (not actually related to onions and garlic, but used similarly). Grows great in shady areas where other plants struggle. Stinging Nettle - Steaming removes the stingers (they dissolve in hot water) rendering it safe to eat. This is one of the best tasting and most nutritious greens you can grow. Grows with almost no effort (similar to mint in spreading habit). Great for keeping humans from pilfering from your garden, if they don't know how to handle it, the stings are unpleasant. Elderberry - Very tasty, grows very easily, attractive plant. Can eat the berries and the flowers. It is also the primary ingredient in most over the counter flu medications. NOT effective against colds, despite what many claim (they probably cant tell the difference between a cold and flu, or there's a placebo effect, etc). But it does work against the flu specifically, the compound sambucol in elderberry attaches to the same protein receptors on the cells lining your esophagus that the virus attaches to, effectively blocking it. So it's a prophylactic treatment to take during flu season, not a treatment if you already have flu. There have been false claims lately that elderberry works against CoVid-19. Those claims are bullshit, anyone who tells you that should be slapped repeatedly about the face. The virus hasn't been studied long enough to test this, publish results, do any peer review, and while the virus is relatively unstudied, elderberry and sambucol are well studied pharmaceutical staples. There is no known action in these compounds that even suggest effectiveness against CoVid-19. Elderberry should be in every garden for it's various health benefits, but it's not magic, and there is lots of false information about it.Grow it, use it, but do so realistic expectations. Autumn Olive - Another "invasive" with many restrictions. It's actually not all that invasive. The plant doesn't spread all that quickly and is easily controlled. The ecological damage it's caused in North America were because the US Government planted millions of them during the construction of the Interstate road network to help stabilize hillsides. Humans physically replaced native vegetation with it, it did not spread on its own. That is still a problem, but a couple of these in your back yard is of no consequence ecologically. The fruit, though very small, is sweet and very tart. Extremely nutritious. Medlar - fruit ripens very late in winter (well after first snowfall), making it one of the few fruit crops you can harvest at it's peak in the dead of winter. The bletted fruit is soft, tastes like apple, but has a texture like a ripe banana. Sorrel - A peennial green. Young leaves are tender like lettuce, older leaves are a bit tougher and can be cooked like spinnach. It often has a lemony flavor. Bee Balm - The blooms are used for tea, the leaves contain a lot of thymol, they same compound that gives thyme it's flavor, and can be used similarly. Thyme however is best when dried to make the flavors more potant, while bee balm is better used fresh, and has a much more tender leaf, making it preferable for adding a thyme flavor to salads, or for tender, quickly cooked dishes like fish. Very attractive plant, spreads like crazy, attracts lots of hummingbirds.

[@skie6282]

As someone next to canada, thank you! Fiddleheads grow wild around me

[@dgbennet]

Thanks, I came to the comments to say I was planting some Sea Buckthorn (and elderberry). Interesting to hear Japanese knot weed is edible, but seriously be careful with it. It is illegal to allow it to spread, and it can stop your house from being sold if it is planted in your garden.

[@eljenison7312]

Joseph Miller thank you! Some I knew others, not so much. 😊

[@hailgiratinathetruegod7564]

Iam quite sure that the japanese knotweed is by being one of the *WORST* invasive species a terrible idea

[@shugies]

Joseph Miller cool list!

[@hege4318]

Here in Norway we have dragon fruit like those in all the large supermarket's, but they costs 8-9 USD per fruit, so I rarely buy them. Same with papaya, at 10 USD per 1 large one. I wish to grow lots of fruits and veggies myself 😊 the challenge is that here in Norway we can even get hail/snow in June, so I grow everything indoors 😅

[@nyekijudit6272]

I read an article about a Swedish family who built a greenhouse around their house and they produced a lot of vegetables all year round.

[@debrasaints3809]

“Hold that up! See if it can get cooked”. So funny! Thank you for your entertaining and informative videos!

[@Getorix]

Damn dude half a million views. I remember when you were getting like 10% of that. Your passion is quite infectious. And you are a great teacher. Glad you enjoy this so much, because it's a joy to watch.

[@BJMGuy]

I love how silly and wholesome this man is. Plus all of the (Aztec) corny jokes

[@oggopia]

Yeah, he reminds me a bit of Jörg Sprave - they've got the same, kinda goofy enthusiasm that makes watching their videos so enjoyable.

[@baileybb4]

This guy is just wonderful. So inspiring and really makes me want to become more self sufficient and learn a lot about gardening.

[@BostonBB]

There's a type of cherry tomato that I've planted once and comes back every year. I doubt I could kill it if I tried. It's called Everglades and I believe it is native to Florida but has adapted readily to Missouri and the fruit come in larger every year. Extremely productive and bees love it.

[@jkmaster2011]

Dude I love how passionate you are ! And the Aztec corn scene had me smiling ear to ear

[@Oh-ou4lp]

I see what you did there:P

[@diverzionschmerzion1667]

Corny

[@katewizer2736]

I plan to make a go at growing heirloom corn. I have 3varieties in mind. If I do all 3, I will have to plan them each far from the others to prevent cross pollination.

[@riotarbo1762]

Yes. Liked your dad pun there. I’m growing glass gem corn this year, along with a few others on the property. Eager to try a unique variety.

[@pinky2502]

Mark I love what you're doing with the "10" list but I wish you include the taste and possible uses for the strange fruits and veggies a lot of us don't see ever.

[@Pzycho391]

I'm in the process of growing my own dragon fruits because they're so expensive, here in Sweden they can cost about 40 Australian dollars per kilogram, with the cheapest I've seen being around 10 Aud per kilogram, but also because they are rarely seen in the stores. I have both white fleshed ones and red fleshed ones going Update: they died. I forgot them outside one night earlier this spring and they all froze. Dang fever making me too tired to remember 😑 But i have gotten a little greenhouse now so we're starting over 🤞

[@nyekijudit6272]

How do you protect them from the winter frost? Do you grow them inside?

[@Pzycho391]

@@nyekijudit6272 yeah, I moved them inside now while they're still small. Later they'll be moved out to a greenhouse when it's finished being built. Right now they're next to the furnace, been all warm and cozy all winter. We'll see if they make through the winter though, the dogs liked a fertilizer I used and started to dig in the pots

[@maryt8184]

I looked up Tamarillo, and I think we get a bit too cold for it. But Mulberry trees grow well here, and you would never see those fruits in the store. They are too fragile for commercial growers, but for the home gardener they are wonderful.

[@justko2909]

Damn he has a whole bunch of fruits in his garden!!!

[@ReggaetonRosa]

This made me smile so much especially when I saw him running! Big personality, never change darling!

[@theAnntman]

Yep. He got me laughing too. Such an informative and funny guy. Loved him. Haha.

[@lvs6775]

“It’s a relay. Here! Take it!” 🤣

[@screamingopossum7809]

"Here I come" Oh this wholesome man.

[@deenajohnson1489]

Thank you for showing such kindness to the spider and sharing your happy enthusiasm for growing beautiful food! The video was a joy to watch!

[@wallyosmond9204]

I love how much of a dork you are. Keep those jokes coming. They get me every time.

[@someguy43210]

You can't buy tomatoes at the supermarket. Before you correct me, the taste of the tomatoes at the supermarket doesn't qualify as what a real tomato should taste like.

[@hapmaplapflapgap]

Even just comparing canned tomatoes to the 'fresh' tomatoes is a huge difference in the super market. I really cant wait till I can compare my homegrown tomatoes to the supermarkt ones this summer. Althought I don't think mine will look as good as Mike's

[@nayiru5877]

I hate tomatoes in general and I agree lol.

[@Mrpurple75]

I feel the same way about cheese

[@audiodragon1976]

I miss my grandparents tomatoes, they were huge and tasted so sweet, made the best tomato and mayo sandwiches.

[@keetrandling4530]

Agreed! Nothing beats a ripe tomato, fresh from the garden and warm from the sun, with just a bit of salt, or as a sandwich with nothing more than some mayo on your bread. Supermarket tomatoes are usually picked green, and artificially ripened - sad.

[@fravineas]

i really liked how you treated the spider

[@notwithoutmyfather9855]

He's a real gardener.U have to be friends with the lil insects that help u out.

[@navidfarkhondehpay1142]

@@notwithoutmyfather9855 exactly! spiders are friends :) spider mites on the other hand....

[@oats7924]

I would have murdered that spider.

[@isaacwillson8617]

The spider is just trying to help garden.

[@vinlago]

Yes! Spiders, frogs and - my favorite - lizards are very beneficial in moderating pests in the garden.

[@gabrielleslodowski3150]

I live in Germany and have recently discovered you. Probably not the weather here to grow the special things you show...but I love your contribution and loads of good tips, even for my little German garden. Thanks Marc.

[@AhNee]

In the US we see many of these in the stores, especially in areas with a high Asian population. I have all 3 main types of dragon fruit, the pink with white flesh, red with red flesh, and yellow with white flesh, which is my favourite to eat. You should try Cherokee glass gem corn. GORGEOUS!

[@reneeacosta4420]

This smell deceitful.... -From my experience in the U.S. I've seen an occasional dragon fruit, maybe the tamarillo max... everything else you'd have to self grow.

[@shawnhunter7581]

I miss corn, but monsanto has destroyed it.

[@forced2makethisbloodyaccou355]

Cheers to the comments section! We help and support one another, just like we should! I saved some rose bushes from the trash. The flowers are red, slightly bitter but make an excellent ingredient to salads and is a tasty snack. The rose hips are an excellent source of vitamin C and are excellent in tea.

[@brissygirl4997]

If your interested Turkish Food Recipes has a good recipe for rose jam. It's in english so you don't need to worry about subtitles or anything, and Aysenur does a good job explaining each step.

[@forced2makethisbloodyaccou355]

@@brissygirl4997 I'm always in the market for new versions of classic favorites!

[@Selfsufficientme]

That's a great use of a highly ornamental flowering plant! Cheers :)

[@synapse49]

Roses are red. The petals are bitter. Rose hip tea makes you healthy. And the Turks make rose jam even sweeta.

[@babyroot3479]

Another great video. The look of joy on your face when you cut the fruit or peel back the corn husks. Let's me know I'm with "my people". 😍

[@lisabird6256]

My family is from Australia, I could listen to you all day! I live in Texas I feel like our climate is similar

[@nyekijudit6272]

Last year I was very successful in gardening. I had lots of vegetables. I was new to swiss chard, so it was such a positive thing that it produced very well. I could even harvest the last bits in late October. I covered them during the night so they could still grow a little during the daytime and be safe from the frost. Thus I could put 2 more bags of swiss chard in the freezer.

[@emmaapplegate1970]

You have a veritable garden of Eden! And your plants are growing so beautifully, especially that ruby dragon fruit....looks so luscious. Thanks for the inspiration. :))

[@jeanetterequintin9055]

"how do i put delicately, makes you faartt", hilarious!

[@jeanetteschulthe1andOnly]

doesn't get more "delicate" than that...lol.

[@funus4628]

11:00 now that's a man who is enthusiastic about showing you his aztec corn

[@ryanlove8242]

Dude you're awesome! I love how much fun you have and the fact that you don't give a damn what other people think about it. It's very encouraging as well as inspiring to see what's growin on. Cheers from Aromas California!

[@mariareyna6044]

Hi Mike. I live half a mile from the Mexico border in South Texas. We still retain a strong sense of Mexican heritage, customs and cuisine in the area. You can find guava, Dragon fruit, pomegranates and cactus pears in most local food stores. I had to go to an Asian store to find sour melon though. I hear it has high medicinal properties. I really enjoy watching your videos. Hope to see Australia one day. Keep growing and be safe.

[@noncompliant209cali]

I'm not even into gardening I just left a like because he seems like such a nice guy

[@yaunceyd9682]

I'm from stockton also.

[@venderstrat]

I like the 'This is Australia' reference with the thunderstorm coming. Gangajang!

[@trebis1]

You are the BEST Mark. followed you for years now.. And I will never grow tired of your knowledge of Nature. You bless this world with your channel. Thank you.

[@Sun-soilproductions]

He is so cute when running w the corn while it rains lol

[@MichaelCGatesMusic]

I was anticipating, "mosquitos, thunder..." and then "this is, thunder, down under!" Moving to 13 acres soon. I can't wait to get busy. Your videos are great. Like hanging out with a good friend.

[@JelloNonay]

I’m moving upstate NY in a week from the city and this has quickly become one of my favorite channels. Can’t wait to rewatch a lot of these videos as I start my gardening journey again

[@DMTRVK]

This man is so joyful! Makes you wanna smile along with him. “Made it, yeah” at the end 🎉

[@CanadianHeather]

“Cuz it my head it’s going pop pop pop like coco pops only healthier” 😂

[@elizabetharcher8762]

I heard pop rocks, the candy

[@thevazquezcuatro8760]

Now the song is in my head lol.

[@virginiatolles1664]

Heat, humidity, mosquitos. That sounds like South Louisiana to me! LOL There's nothing like the sound of a summer rain.

[@DickWigglin]

11:00 I just love these parts in the vid when your personality shines through.

[@janebutz5375]

I am a new viewer and love your style. Even though I am halfway around the world from you, I am learning a lot. I loved the episode where you filled the beds with your kookaburra sidekick! Since I am a birder and not native, I would love it if you could identify the birds calling in the background. I am happy to look them up . All the best from New Jersey, USA.

[@TimersAndMore]

The Finger Limes looks delicious, this is something i need to try at home. Thanks for sharing these 10 vegetables and fruits.

[@joannecarroll5504]

They look great & they're popular in all the fancy restaurants, but I really don't like them. I'm a big fan of citrus & I guess I had too much of an expectation that they would be similar to regular varieties of limes.

[@wheredidileavemycell]

I grew up on bitter gourds..my FIlipino parents swear they cure everything lol

[@emilchandran546]

I love bitter gourd. You do sometimes find them here in Australia though. Pay a high price if you can find them. They are delicious just slinger and fried like chips. Yum!

[@RadenWA]

They say the bitter taste makes sure that mosquitos doesn't want to bite and drink your blood, idk if that's true or not XD

[@paulaburatto629]

Actually it's said it really helps with glicemy for diabetics!

[@Dowlphin]

A holistic diet embraces all tastes. India likes to put them all together. In Daosim they are attributed to different symptom complexes. Bitter is - somewhat ironically - good for the heart. Maybe that it is the most unpopular taste in some cultures is an expression of what ails them.

[@belladonnascorner7240]

A relative prepared that for me and i hated it ever since. It was bitter and salty.

[@mikeei954]

This Aussie legend learnt so much and have gotten so excited about growing and eating fruit and veg from him he deserves a bl__dy trophy!!

[@sreykimsear]

I am seriously thinking of moving from Boston, MA to Texas where I can actually live off my land. Growing your own food is the ultimate dream of mine. Add in chicken coop and I will be all set and yes a stream or river for fish.

[@SinghTheMaster]

That's my man! His happy face makes my day every time I watch his videos.

[@vanhoe0]

7:55 My father grow this red flesh pitaya on our backyard. I think of it as a "ice-cream fruit" because I like to eat it cold, just cut the fruit in half and scoop the contents out straight into my mouth.

[@c.mareeharris4615]

I absolutely love to see people ENJOY growing & eating their food. ORGANIC BLISS!

[@lolly_bread]

Well done Mark. My fave on that list (by far) is Tamarillo. I grow them and love the fact that I'm not paying $1-1.50 each at the store now. I did lose one (of the 2) small trees due to high wind last year coz the leaves are so big they tear - twas devastating. I pasted the seeds from a few Tamarillo's onto paper towel a while ago til they dried, plopped them in some soil trays last month and now I have about 30 small 4-6" seedlings on the go at the moment. If I get several plants out of that lot I'll be super happy. I gourmandize on them with a spoon, and also make relish. I might try roasting some this time (like I often do with tomatoes).

[@gillianlemire5927]

I just have to say, you are one of the most charming fellows I've ever seen! And THANK YOU for all of your work promoting food independence!!! Much love from Oregon, USA.

[@TheCelluloseKid]

I agree whole heatedly and live in Oregon as well, and will be trying several of these foods.

[@myheartisinthemountains2660]

Subtitle "nearly swallowed my hand" I cracked up! 🤣🤣

[@tashearlgrey]

I have visions of lightning hitting that ladder and turning the Aztec corn into popcorn! LOL

[@ItzRetz]

You're like the Steve Irwin of plants, I love it

[@heathwannemacher3345]

I really just want to see an airael view of his property. I feel like its huge and just flush with veg and fruit all about. Lucky man. Love all his vids as well

[@zaubergarden6900]

I love this man.

[@michaelcolors]

Thanks so much for sharing! I like that you overcame your own taste limitation to recommend bitter melon. From my work with the Chinese 5 Elements, I know that each person has their own unique body chemistry, as well as their own unique comfort foods/addictions. And the honest truth is that each person's body chemistry is different, and therefore we really cannot recommend or discount any food for another person for nutrition or healing purposes UNTIL we actually know what another person's body chemistry is. Blessings to all!

[@just-becool8822]

I love this guy. He cracks me up too. “How should I put this delicately ... “😅