5 Tips How to Grow a Ton of Vegetables

In this video, I give you my 5 top tips on how to grow a ton of vegetables at home in your own food garden.

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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 :)

[stephenowen]

Another great video!
We moved out of town on 2002 motivated by bad neighbors and 9/11.
We are very thankful we did. We are self isolating on 16 forested acres, all fenced, shop space, 2 big gardens and a small orchard, around a mile of walking trails.
The virus is not being taken seriously by people in our State.
Sorry, off topic.

We love your videos, you are teaching very important things at a very serious time.
Thanks again

[phoebedoesit]

Whenever I'm really stressed and anxious I find myself gravitating towards this page, his voice just soothes me lol.

[stellaqaustralia]

Mark seems like such a good natured fella… so Nature is good back to him. True blue! 🇦🇺👍

[loritanner]

Last year I put in a bunch of raised beds. We built ones sorta like yours. When I had my veggies growing. I would find those tiny green frogs in my kale, chard, lettuces, spinach. They ate all the bugs that would normally eat on all the leaves. I would be careful not to disturb them. When I had to harvest the whole bed I would find the little frogs and move them to another bed of veggies. They were really great pesticides. 🐸🐸🐸 ribbet!

[pamelaroden]

I got the whole family to help me put in my new Birdie beds and fill them and plant them this last weekend. And now they look great and are ready for the harvest to come. We all enjoyed the time together, the laughter and good food.

[duckyluver]

To answer your question about people living in cities thinking about moving out: I live in the suburbs just outside a large city, and I'm so so glad that we couldn't afford to move to the city a few years ago when we bought a house. We were originally really sad that we couldn't afford the multi-million dollar condos in the city, when we left the rental world, but now we're so happy to be in a townhouse with a yard and a large deck because I have quite an extensive container veggie garden going on the south-facing deck and a great shade-garden in the north yard to add to the habitat for animals :) We'll never move back in.

[caterjunes]

I've learned that I'll work way longer and harder in the garden than I ever will just doing "exercise." Gardening is my favorite form of physical activity. It's interesting, engages my brain (lots of creative problem-solving!), gives me a great work-out, and benefits our household in so many ways. When my friends were complaining about not being able to get to the gym during lockdown, I just grabbed my tools and headed out into my urban garden. As you said in a previous vid, Mark, it wasn't that different for you in lockdown. I experienced that, too. And I also agree that when you're in the garden, the time just flies!

[adoxartist]

1. Sunlight - Six hours or more. 8-10 hours is better, especially in cooler climates.
2. Soil - Good soil is grown. Regularly adding organic matter, compost, and manure keeps good soil growing.
3. Ecosystem - Grow to attract beneficial bugs and critters to keep damaging pests and disease in check.
4. Growing Space - Less clear on this one. I think: it takes some space but not as much as you might think; and arrange your spaces to work for you. ?
5. Effort - It takes steady effort. No slacking. You can do it! 💪

[garden_geek]

You are such an inspiration, Mark. Two years ago I built 2ft tall raised beds because I was so impressed with yours. Best decision ever! It’s soooo easy to tend to the plants in those beds, and it’s easy for my 4 year old to help. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve taught me over the years.

[craig-alicious]

You deserve your own tv show mate. I reckon youd knock 'home and away' off that prime time spot.

[paulchesson]

Hello, Enjoyed seeing the family (wife and children ) and everyone pitching in. Mark, I'm 66 years old and a veteran also. (U.S.M.C) and I am a subscriber. Mark, I've got MANY health issues. I now do small pocket spaces, all over the place, I.E. tomatoes here, cucumbers there, potatoes over there, all in ground and not in raised beds. everything from seed and heirloom if I can find it. Love, the channel.

[jameswitte]

Greetings from the other side of the world ... Washington State USA ... I love the timing difference between us ... Watching you gives me ideas that I have 6 months to prepare for ...

[ilostabet]

My wife and I found your channel a couple of months ago and have learned a lot already. Our objective has been for a few years to move to the countryside and become as self sufficient as possible, but property is really expensive in our country, even out in the bush. Your videos have provided great inspiration nonetheless, especially when sometimes we feel, like now, trapped in the city forever. One last note, my wife calls you, endearingly, uncle Valencia. Thanks again for the good content and inspiration.

[Flyforawhiteguy]

This is my number 1 YouTube page that I watch. Why dont we all share and make this man and his family well off, just as how he has taught us?

[camperspecial]

I just want to say how much I have come to appreciate your Channel. Your attitude towards your property, your effort, and the value of growing your own fruits and veggies matches my own. You have come to be a constant source of inspiration for me move forward despite my physical limitations. New York may be different climatically from Australia but the principles of stewardship, gardening and permaculture remain constant. Thank you friend.

[johnfisher]

In 2005 I was hit by a VBIED in Iraq. 2 years later we bought a few acres of chest-high brambles and weeds in France. Over the last 13years, our garden has been my consellor, my physical therapist and (although I'm not religious) my spiritual guide. Your videos have been my educator, allowing me the knowledge to keep making small victories. Growing, tending and eating one's own fruit and vegetables is just the best therapy for PTSD. Thank you for your efforts, I genuinely can't watch any civvies' channels!

[offgridsweden]

Awesome video man. Have been working the whole weekend in the garden. Have an amazing Sunday, Andreas 🇸🇪

[jtlegionnaire]

Awesome video. You mention dedicating a lot of time. Could you do a video on a daily garden maintenance day for those who work full time? I’m sorry if you’ve already made one but it be really helpful.

[danicabonine]

You are such a delight. Thank you for spreading sunshine and knowledge with us, Mark!

[lukel]

I love that you gave us Americans the measurements in yards. I appreciate you and all the little things you do!