The inspiring story behind famed gardener

Retired soldier Mark Valencia is well known to many gardeners for his hugely popular gardening videos under the name Self Sufficient Me (@Selfsufficientme ), where his knowledge and sense of adventure seem boundless. Subscribe 🔔 ab.co/GA-subscribe
But his path to reaching this point is even more fascinating.
He and his wife Nina, also a serving soldier, moved to a 3-acre property about an hour’s drive from Brisbane with the dream of one day leaving the military and leading a quieter life.
With two young children and both highly busy careers, something had to give, so Mark decided to give full-time parenting a go.
He says the first five or six years were really hard, surviving on one wage, so he set to growing as much food as he could. Most of the block was cleared lawn with an acre of scrub, so his first task was setting up a chicken coop and putting in garden beds and fruit trees. Now those trees are mature and he’s learnt a lot about growing food, so it’s much easier.
As well as suffering a badly broken arm in an army parachuting accident, both he and Nina suffer from PDST from their time in the military. Now he has learnt to appreciate every moment in the day, and he credits much of his mental health recovery from being in the garden and the satisfaction of growing his own food.
Nina said she got sick of hearing him telling the same garden stories again and again, and said he should record his advice online, so he started a KZbin channel.
“My first 100 videos were awful - I was being too much of an army instructor and not myself,” he reflects. The turning point came when he just talked off the cuff about his favourite lemon tree. The number of viewers quickly shot up and his KZbin channel took off from there: he now has about 2.2 million subscribers on KZbin and 1.2 million on Facebook. “I have to pinch myself,” he says.
Filmed on Kabi Kabi Country in Bellmere, Qld
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Gardening Australia is an ABC TV program providing gardening know-how and inspiration. Presented by Australia's leading horticultural experts, Gardening Australia is a valuable resource to all gardeners through the television program, the magazine, books, DVDs and extensive online content.
Watch more: iview.abc.net.au/programs/gard...
Facebook: / gardeningaustralia
Instagram: / gardeningaustralia
Web: www.abc.net.au/gardening
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This is an official Australian Broadcasting Corporation KZbin channel. Contributions may be removed if they violate ABC's Online Conditions of Use www.abc.net.au/conditions.htm (Section 3).

[@Selfsufficientme]

It's so lovely to read all these wonderful comments and feedback. Thanks to everyone for their kind words of support and also to the Gardening Australia Team for inviting me on their My Garden Path segment. Cheers :)

[@camwatson6996]

Been watching you for many many years, Mark. Thank you for inspiring me - I'm a certified horticulturalist now and I do it for a living

[@GardeningAustralia]

We’re so glad you’ve seen the amazing response! Thanks again for sharing your story 🌱

[@laurieslifeessentials]

I love you and watching your channel! This was so cool! I had a lemon tree that I grew from seed and was searching on KZbin for advise. That is where I first came across that lemon tree video you mentioned! I've been watching you ever since!

[@haleymacklin]

Bloody love your channel Mark, your honest, authentic approach to being infront of the camera is a breath of fresh air. Keep it up! Big love from Northern NSW

[@AnEcologistPlays]

Mark, you are an absolute legend! Your videos have brought me so much joy, and set me on my journey of gardening more in tune with nature. Really enjoy everything you do: thanks for being such an inspiration! Love, from the southern tip of Africa!

[@mothbythesea]

So happy to see him featured here, he's an absolute legend!!! ❤

[@wazza9089]

Agreed, he has the best array of Dad jokes on youtube. Its not even close As a fellow dad who thinks he is pretty good in that category (my kids will disagree) i love the big guy!!

[@StickyCatPaws07]

Agreed! Love his KZbin channel! Has great advice and ideas. He is a legend.

[@thirstygerry]

Totally agree, he’s a treasure!

[@trishbowring726]

Agreed! Mark is an inspirational garden and self sufficiency superstar!

[@feltlikeitbydebs]

I have followed Mark for some time now and always have a smile to take out to the veggie patch with me. Thanks for sharing Mark.

[@judym5388]

I’ve been watching Mark for years. Love him. Thanks for showcasing him. He’s a special fella. 🌻

[@GardeningAustralia]

Totally agree! We’re glad we got the chance to feature him.

[@Bnpearce76]

What a great ambassador for sustainability, gardening and positive mental health! Thanks for your service Mark , and thanks to your wife also ❤

[@user-rf2vk8zp2u]

Killing wasps with wasps killer from the grocery store is sustainability?

[@chrismckell5353]

​@@user-rf2vk8zp2uDo you troll every channel?

[@bronsonperich9430]

​@@user-rf2vk8zp2ubecause your videos are better right?

[@ginac9008]

So wonderful to see Mark getting recognition on television. Mark, is the reason that I have started studying Horticulture this year. I have learned so much by viewing his channel, that I have implemented in my own garden. He would make a wonderful presenter on Gardening Australia even if it was a guest appearance every now and then.

[@GardeningAustralia]

Thanks for the awesome feedback!

[@craftykez]

Absolutely I'd definitely go back and watch Gardening Australia if Mark was on. He's brilliant!

[@ThePrimeMinisterOfTheBlock]

@@GardeningAustralia yeh I have to second this suggestion, give the man a go

[@HelenMcAllister-yk3bx]

Agreed!

[@nicolaj3294]

Love Mark, he's a legend, hope he's on show. He should be a guest presenter.

[@Koryn_Arcus]

Absolutely!

[@whatbringsmepeace]

YES please! I'd start watching commercial TV again to see Mark.

[@user-rf2vk8zp2u]

Definitely not.

[@HelenMcAllister-yk3bx]

Agreed!

[@karend6987]

I've said for years he should be a guest presenter- like Hannah Maloney!

[@davidj4266]

I enjoy listening to Mark. He has the voice, the temperament, and the persistence, to be an excellent presenter and gardener. Thanks Mark, I appreciate you.

[@freespirit2194]

Been following Mark for some years now. Would love to see him as a regular on Gardening Australia.

[@GardeningAustralia]

Thank you! We’ll pass on the feedback!

[@Ineluki_Myonrashi]

@@GardeningAustralia YES! Would love if you added Mark into your rotation of presenters.

[@HelenMcAllister-yk3bx]

Agreed

[@blairdenholm4167]

He's not woke enough for the ABC. Stay independent, Mark!

[@freespirit2194]

@@blairdenholm4167 Yes I agree with you that he should stay independent. But an annual or biannual appearance would be great. I could have worded it better. Thank you for pointing that out. Much love and blessings :)

[@avsclarke]

This feature needed to happen. Good work, Gardening Australia. Mark, I appreciate ya mate. 👍 Also, thank you for your service!

[@daniellegraham4412]

Mark is such a genuine person; he makes me smile just watching him. I found him on KZbin a while back, and always look forward to his tips and videos. Thanks for featuring him, Gardening Australia!

[@georgetuider654]

Who is that young guy in the pictures!? Mark's channel is one of my favorites. Hearing his story of being a towed jumper blows me away. Keeping his head on straight after getting free of the aircraft and landing without further injury, then going through recovery and re-inventing himself is a testimony of his grit, optimism and sense of humor. Those qualities certainly convey through the camera.

[@hollywobbl370]

Mark is an Australian treasure ❤ I've loved his content for years now, and it makes me so incredibly happy and excited to grow food.

[@Muffy.from-Oz]

Mark is really a no nonsense down to earth presenter. His advice is real and doesn't require some expensive fertilizer not available in Australia. About time he was featured for his "mate next door" attitude. Muffy from Oz (Australia)

[@aussiejoe4404]

I have always wondered why he hasn't been featured. He really should be a permanent part of the show! Reminds me of the good old days of Peter Cundall, and Pete's Patch in Tassie

[@NoName-ds5uq]

I wish every veteran with PTSD had such a positive outcome! Respect! It’s important to note that many veterans with PTSD have not been so successful. It’s a painful affliction, and Mark has made a magnificent comeback from that!

[@TheKrispyfort]

My gardening therapy started with the PTSD potatoes 🥔🙂 Mark and Self-Sufficient Me has been my #1 go-to for the past three (3) years for Aussie gardening info. I'm grateful his wife diverted his know-how to the web and he thought of KZbin 🙂 I try to stay Self-Sufficient in at least one thing and to see the Earth through Her eyes. Thank you Nina and Mark 🙏

[@Naturalstatefrontier]

Mark is a legend. He's one of my fave KZbinrs and a kindred spirit. Grow, sustain, enjoy.

[@kevtheargonut]

Mark is a beacon of positivity and inspiration, a rare find on KZbin and deserves to bring his brilliant attitude and capabilities to a wider audience. Well done for featuring him, he inspires many of us - to the extent that I have retired early and moved 2000 kilometres from the south of England to the edge of Europe’s biggest desert and will put some of the more exotic growing he shows into practice to help my financial survival.

[@TheKrispyfort]

IF Gardening Australia were to have Mark as a regular guest presenter I'd love it if his segments were like his recent video of how gardening is good for your health beyond the veggies. My favourite vid of his thus far 👍

[@ceannairereibiliunach8133]

Why would he want to come down in the world? being self sufficient means doing it on your own not part of a large outdated media outlet.

[@TheKrispyfort]

@@ceannairereibiliunach8133 I guarantee that there's nothing you have achieved in the entirety of your existence that you have performed completely unassisted

[@TheKrispyfort]

@@ceannairereibiliunach8133 Being a guest presenter on Gardening Australia wouldn't be about going up nor down in the world. It's about extending the opportunities for other people, who would identify with Mark & Nina's personal stories, to see themselves represented and get ideas and support about how to once again get into it in Life following knock you on ya bum adversity. It's not about personal glory. It's about community success.

[@joshuarumble9467]

Never would I have thought to take gardening seriously until Mark has taught me soo many helpful shortcuts.

[@amyz9170]

I've been waiting for Mark to be featured on Gardening Australia!! My life is complete

[@GardeningAustralia]

Aw, so glad we could fulfil this wish! Thanks for great feedback!

[@jaymeelk9380]

Mark has taught me so much, even from a different climate, but his tips, lessons, and positivity are gifts to the world, thanks mate.

[@deeoh3708]

He's doing all of us the biggest favour by teaching how to grow your own food!! Thanks Mark!

[@charitytanel8107]

Thanks Nina, for sticking at it through all the hard times, glad its turning round for you & your family.

[@amypaine9084]

Was a nice surprise having him pop up on Gardening Australia! A fantastic youtuber on a fantastic show.

[@flymypretties20]

So awesome to hear the story behind the legend that is Mark! Thanks Gardening Australia for showcasing him. Let's hope it gets Mark even more followers that he so truly deserves!

[@shotgunbettygaming]

OMGOONESS!! I LOVE THIS!!! I've been watching Mark for YEARS, it's so great y'all spotlighted him, he's a great guy with a lot of great information!

[@malcolmbingham7313]

Glad he's getting the recognition he deserves he's a local ledged and an inspiration to many, love his story great work Gardening Australia.

[@racheljames9187]

Yay! My two most loved gardening shows coming together! This was a lovely surprise :P

[@GardeningAustralia]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@OrganicSouthAustralia]

I was just thinking last week why don't u do an episode self sufficient me, I must be able to read the future!

[@sandgroperwookiee65]

Winning Lotto numbers for Saturday then please & thank you OSA! 😁🙃 🌏✌️

[@perrycunningham6625]

Been following him for a couple of years now since I started my own vegie garden. Absolutely right about the mental health benefits of gardening.

[@sheenagoodchild6164]

I'm one of those 2 million subscribers and just love Mark's down to earth content. Great to see him featured on GA

[@jani5969]

Great to see Mark here, I've been a fan of Marks for years!!! 😊

[@anniecochrane3359]

Mark is one of my most favourite people to listen to on his You tube channel. Hearing his family story has been a real treat, seeing how he and Nina have come from the stress of military life to this beautiful life. Mark being himself, and freely sharing his joy in the garden. There is nothing better than being free to be you! So many of us gardeners know how essential being immersed in our gardens is for our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. And the wellbeing of our planet Thank you!!!

[@Nightowl-72]

Well done Mark and well deserved! You are a legend, and we all appreciate you and your inspiring and positive videos 👍

[@deborahlee8135]

Yay! Mark is a legend, so happy to see him on national TV. You could even have him as a guest presenter perhaps? 😉

[@GardeningAustralia]

Thanks for the lovely feedback! We’ll pass it on!

[@user-rf2vk8zp2u]

​@GardeningAustralia Please don't.

[@stevecarter913]

Well done Mark. I made a comment on one of your videos many years ago that you should be on Gardening Australia.. and here you are. But I still think you should be a presenter.

[@blairdenholm4167]

More people watch Mark than watch Gardening Australia. True fact.

[@johnsonjohnson4725]

I found Mark during covid lockdown - what an inspiration. I love his joy!

[@LordFraggle]

Mark is an amazing human being, I have learnt a heck of a lot from him over the years!

[@VladAuTravel]

He is on KZbin for so long and only now Gardening Australia decided to film him..? kind of bad... this guy is so famous on youtube.

[@vincenzo3292]

Greetings, former paratrooper from the US. I love my garden, it is my outlet. Always trying to propagate different trees and shrubs. Enjoy your channel.

[@melissadede493]

Mark loved your channel for years. Your Australian content and humour is so good to see.

[@paulworthington8666]

Very nice to hear your story, Mark. I think your channel is really great. I'm a retirement novice gardener in a very different climate zone from yours, in south Germany. Cold winters, dodgy springs, warm to hot summers. So a lot of what you do so well can't be done here. But we can grow great tomatoes outdoors, strawberries, pumpkins, peas, peppers, potatoes, sunflowers ( which, left standing over winter, provide great seeds for the birds, especially the goldfinches), peas. Many of your tips have been inspiring, especially on preparing the soil in raised beds. And growing tomatoes. Even the things we can't do here are really great to hear about. A bit like reading adventure stories about warmer places far away. But you carry the thing with your personlity as well as your skills. Obviously a great bloke who tells it like it is, like on the genius of governments. So thanks for all the great shows mate. As they say in my native Lancashire, you're a good un.Ta.

[@leelastarsky]

Been a fan of Self Sufficient Me for years! Interesting to hear Mark's story! Gardening is the BEST therapy!❤

[@KnackFarmer-theanswerismeat]

Mark is definitely a keeper! He's just naf enough, with loads of experience, to draw in a wide audience -- love his work! ❤❤

[@darryldessa6444]

Out of thousands of gardening channels on youtube I have only subscribed to 4 of them, Mark's channel being one of them.

[@night0wl213]

Who are the other 3? If you don't mind me asking.

[@Scotchmist13]

Nice to see Mark from' 'Self Sufficient Me' being featured on the show.

[@leeannemacarthur46]

So love Mark and self sufficient me ❤

[@bradliston8990]

I've been watching Mark for a few years now, he's an absolute hero to me.

[@abilitylemur112]

So happy Mark is getting the attention he deserves. Been watching him for years and learnt a lot!

[@GardeningAustralia]

He's so great, we're so happy he came on our show!

[@maccart67]

We love Mark, a legend and great teacher. 🌻

[@sambowles9746]

I’ve been watching SelfSufficientMe content for many years. It’s great to now understand the back story. Mark, you’re a legend. Congrats on living the dream, and keep it up!

[@TJH615]

Followed his journey for years. Save the world !

[@tonyr7393]

Top man.

[@paulcleary7437]

Watching him for years, absolutely the best 😊

[@fledermauseimglockenturm7655]

Big burly handsome lad who despite being into raised garden beds is really down to earth. Love that he'll share his successes, failures and discuss the practicalities. Exploring methods that are economical and achievable; accessible and adaptable to a broad range of people and situations. Too often, gardening shows (and the ABC in general) pander to the conceit of wealthy middle class suburbanites and tree changers and so have little practical value to the average person. As a general rule, if property prices in your area are much below a million the ABC might talk about you but rarely if ever, directly to you.

[@emmatayler7657]

Legend.

[@daleireland]

He’s a legend

[@davidbrown418]

Been watching Mark for years now from Canada, ex-military myself I love his channel.

[@emmawilliamson4324]

Without a doubt the best gardening advice/channel on KZbin. So informative and genuine. Especially for Australian climate and lingo. Have been watching him for years and have learnt and implemented so many things. Big thanks to GA for shinning a light on this national treasure.

[@alex-age]

COOL!!!!

[@marksass5193]

I found this channel when covid started in march 2020. It gave me so much joy and motivation, it probably kept me sane during that time!!! i will always remember that and be forever grateful!

[@bojimbooth]

My wife and I love your videos. Incredible story. I'm glad I never jumped out of perfectly good airplanes.

[@kls541]

Ben watching Mark for maybe 5 years or more & he’s an absolutely legend. Have learned so much from him, but also enjoy his daggy dad jokes.

[@DoubleSupercool]

Been watching him for years. Top bloke.

[@emmagregory6596]

Love Mark! You just can't help but smile when you watch his videos!

[@farmerboy2194]

Mark you are the Pinacle of an Aussie battler. Well done mate and glad you are helping yourself and others as well. Keep smiling 🤟🤟🤟

[@Growtowardsjoy]

From a fellow garden lover in the subtropics of Queensland, "Thank you" for continuing to inspire and educate".

[@kcashut]

He is adorbs! Watched so long he feels like a friend.

[@sylviamcauley8454]

Love this man. His knowledge and positive attitude is adorable

[@elishia6312]

Been following Mark for a while on KZbin, an awesome Aussie right there. Good onya Mark keep being you!

[@I_report_scammers_spammers]

As an ex-paratrooper, I gasped with horror at the static line wrapping around his wrist, and heard "if you become a towed parachutist, every effort will be made to retrieve you back inside the aircraft" recitation on prejump, and *literally curled up in the fetal position wincing* at the landing strip. 😭😭😭😭😭

[@charlieparker5977]

The WEF would like to have a word with you Mark. Apparently we can't garden without damaging the environment according to their "research". Cheers Mark!!

[@theadventuresofzoomandbettie]

the WEF on their own website says "It is not only a sustainable method to grow your own 'healthy food', but also it is an innovative approach towards environmentally friendly urban lifestyle." Don't believe everything you read in the dark corners of the internet.

[@TheKrispyfort]

If that's true then we better ban farming ASAP - the biggest gardens of all 😱

[@TheKrispyfort]

@@Ni-dk7ni Seriously?! I thought I was being obviously sarcastic and no-one in their right mind would possibly agree with such a thing. I think I might want to review the Net for information about this.

[@theadventuresofzoomandbettie]

@@Ni-dk7ni my point was they have plenty of real things to worry about rather than just making up things. Making up all the extra stuff is what makes the general public not believe when you start talking about the actual real problems.

[@blairdenholm4167]

Well done, Mark. Absolute bloody legend and true to your convictions.

[@angelomanzara6600]

Mark is a great inspiration. As another Vet who has PTSD, gardening is outstanding way to get and keep grounded. I really see how it works in the winter where we can't garden here in Canada. I can't wait for the next video from Self Sufficient Me

[@anapaulacrawford5837]

Glad to see him here making the mark of greatness! I have been one of his followers from his beginnings! What a legacy 👏🏻 👏🏻☺️

[@melissanoonan3301]

Love this bloke, such a true blue Aussie - have been watching him on YT for a while now. He's a bloody legend!

[@FrankTrask95]

Go mark!!!!!! Shout outs from California USA

[@rhysdehaan]

About time he's on the show! Legend

[@christymartin9404]

Love Mark & Self-Sufficient Me 👍👍

[@HLBear]

Even in upstate New York, US, he inspires us!! Very nice, thank you. ❤😊

[@nicolavedovelli621]

Yay ! Love Mark ! Been watching him for years, Now “ let’s get into it “ 😊

[@CrochetwithClare]

I have always loved Mark's videos and channel, after watching this, I love and appreciate him even more!

[@clubgus07]

Mark is a legend inspirational stuff, Gardening is cure for problems in one life one can go out into the garden all day and be satisfied.

[@sandgroperwookiee65]

2 favourite channels/shows...am looking forward to this 👍👍 🌏

[@GardeningAustralia]

Thanks so much, we hope you enjoy! It was great to have the opportunity to collaborate with Mark.

[@NarrowRoadLiving]

Very inspirational

[@melanielinkous8746]

Dude! You're famous 😆 That's cool.

[@kevdimo6459]

I’m proud to say that I’m a KZbin subscriber to Marks channel. It’s great to have an Aussie channel to learn from. Well done Mark on your success. 👍🏼

[@thekitchenoccultist]

I started watching Mark when I moved here from the US. My Aussie husband and I started to garden 5 years ago and he's been a big help! So so happy to see him and his awesome Missus featured on our other favourite channel here.

[@kiwichocaholic]

I have been watching Mark on his KZbin channel since the beginning of Covid when I decided to do more with my vege garden. He has been such an inspiration! I find the pleasure of watching things grow and harvesting to be a great break from the madness of work and the crazy world we are living in today.

[@chapativsmcd]

I was hooked a year ago because of his great sense of humour

[@bronsonperich9430]

And he's a world champion cane toad chucker! Love your videos Mark. Thank you for your service.

[@terrafallow]

Congrats Mark! You've certainly made it once you've featured on Gardening Australia!

[@GardeningAustralia]

He’s a legend! We’re the ones who are lucky to have him!

[@TheKrispyfort]

​@@GardeningAustralia I agree 🙂

[@carolmayer9789]

So glad Gardening Australia featured Mark! I've been watching him since 2018 on gootube. Always has inspiring content, and he's one of the reason I converted my backyard into a a food forest.❤

[@hoselink]

Mark is the best! What a great feature on his amazing story!

[@RoyHolder]

That's my mate Mark, been watching him since nearly day dot! Cheers Mark!

[@j.l.emerson592]

Hey Mark, I've been watching your channel for maybe 3 years now. I like your style of presenting info. As a brother/sister in arms, I want to support someone who served their country for the greater good of all. I am American, but I feel that I can claim the brother/sister in arms status with you, kinda like a "brother from a different mother." I served in the US military for 24 years. I wasn't aware that your wife also served. That is doubly awesome! That's quite a sacrifice on both your parts. This world needs more people like your family. Stay strong & keep on growing!

[@dawnbowie352]

Been learning from and enjoying Mark's KZbin channel for years now. His content is so relatable and inspiring, and my Indiana USA garden has benefited greatly from his uplifting personality. So glad to see you introducing him to your audience. Mark is a true gardening treasure and a simple joy of a fellow human being. ❤

[@racepics]

I agree with the mental health aspect. As the last surviving member of my family I have had some pretty dark times. Gardening gives my head a break. It doesn't really matter if I eat what I grow or give it away. Its the process of seeing it go from seed to food is what creates the good images that chase the bad ones away.