I Have a Confession to Make. It Was ALL About the MONEY

In this video, I make a confession about why I started a food garden and how this evolved into raised bed gardening. Also, I talk about Memorial Day in the USA and what it means to me.

For Australian freeze dryer purchase info use the same link above and then contact Harvest Right directly.

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 :)

*Disclaimer: Some links to products in this description and comments sections are affiliated, meaning, I receive a small commission if you follow these links and then purchase an item. I will always declare in a video if the video is sponsored and so far since starting my channel in 2011, I am yet to do a sponsored video.

#raisedbeds #garden #gardening

[leagreenall]

You are sort of a hero of mine. I was a single dad that raised my son by myself, whilst I also had (and still do) severe chronic depression. My son has gone, and I'm left with no focus and I find little to no meaning in this world. I am on a disability pension. I struggle with managing my depression and when the cycle gets bad, I struggle to survive....

I was evicted from my home of 11 years in QLD due to the owner selling, and I was left with the reality I couldn't afford most rents.... so I moved to Tasmania for a sea-change in hope of trying to get some focus and 'live'. I moved to a place where rent is cheap, and I wanted to grow my own food in case the world and economy turns to hell in a hand basket, so I can at least eat, and maybe give excess food to the small community here... so I discovered your channel. And I have learnt so much, but alas you are in sub-tropics, I'm in sub-antarctic weather... so trying to adapt. I am forever failing in my attempts to be motivated and keep some sort of routine as fatigue and my affliction dominates my life.... but I am getting there.

I have Siberian tomatoes showing promise, and after your videos on the essential veges to grow, I am trying to set up an indoor gardening place to grow onions, cabbage, potatoes, carrots... and of course my chilis, coriander, mint and basil.

I know you don't know me, but to be truthful before I found your channel, I had planned not to be around.... but your openness, honesty, cheerfulness, your adaptability, learning, and your own history has given me a modicum of umph to give it a go, and when I struggle and fail, then I at least get to watch your videos and think, I can give it another go.... I was more of a brown thumb, but learning to change it to green.

Thanks mate. I appreciate and respect you for what you do, and what you unknowingly have done for me :)

[BaggaBnez]

To me it seems like it wasn’t all about the money. Some of It was about having time to spend with your family and enjoying the life you’ve been given. You just made the best of it. Keep doing you man 👍

[johnryan]

Your family's decision years ago not only helped you, it helped the whole world. Thanks for it all.

[MrBgarrido]

Mark you are an absolute legend mate. 10/10 as a human being. Kind, humble, random dad jokes, profound insights ... could this channel be any better?

[catracampolieto]

I tried in 2020 to grow veggies. Failure. That fall, with help, built raised beds. Fall through spring I watched YouTube videos, read information. I felt like I was back in school. 2021 was fantastic. This will be my 4th year gardening. I'm addicted to gardening. I save money, I get such a peacefulness. I will be gardening til I die.

[verdikulk]

I also have a confession to make: I follow you because I want to be more independent from the state and society...

[epicgardening]

💯 Appreciate you as always, Mark! Bummed we couldn't meet up this month in Oz, but it'll happen soon :) - cheers and appreciate your service. You're EPIC. - Kevin

[GeckoHiker]

We did something similar over twenty-five years ago in the states. We bought cheap land and my husband retired from the US Army. I kept working as a traveling software engineer until working from home became a thing. I believe I invented it. 😉

Now we are semi-retired, debt-free, and running our homestead as an agricultural business. Free-range eggs, goat milk, mushrooms, vegetables, and the free time to volunteer in support of our community. The "two-income" days are a distant nightmare. I'm just glad I could stay home with our babies and feed them naturally as long as we could financially manage it. I am saddened over the pressures that young families face today. You guys made a decision that works for you and it helps the world! Greetings from Missouri!

[melanieallen]

Thankyou to everybody for their service..Am very greatful!!

[adamhippiebeard]

Thanks for serving even in a different country. We still live in one world, one love, mother earth keeps spinning. Peace, Love, Harmony, and Everything for the good of Family.

[LizZorab]

Loved this video Mark! So nice to see some of the story about how you've got to where you are now.

[dandiesel]

Enjoyed listening to your back story mate. Life can be difficult and we all come across difficult decisions and hardships that require sacrifices and efforts that are normally unimaginable. Don't be sorry for making money, we all need it.

[prunabluepepper]

The benefits of gardening for PTSD are immense! it helps to focus, calm down and create. Creating something, of having plants grow of nourishing is soothing and gives perspective.
Gardening soothes PTSD with serenity. As a soldier you combat governments, people, or ideas - even kill - to protect the land on which you now grow food. As a cop you protect the community that can now profit from the garden. As EMS you rush to the aid of those who do the gardening. It all comes together, the whole struggle that caused the PTSD was not senseless. The sunshine helps with Vitamin D and serotonin, you get more oxytocin from caring for crops or animals, the hard work allows you to sleep better. It is so beneficial.

[cakedreamer]

Thank you for acknowledging Memorial Day! That’s so kind of you…this is indeed, a special day of remembrance for us.

[jabojr]

Thank you for you and your wife's service, you helped just as much.

[michaelbyrnee]

Mark, your channel is like an oasis in the middle of internet wasteland! I really appreciate getting some of your back story, and I cannot express my appreciation enough for your mention of Memorial Day. Your care and concern always seem to shine through - today more than ever!

[mordsythe]

My wife is the breadwinner of the home and I too “retired” so that I could raise my kids and look after the home.
They are 26 and 24 and both have their own homes and careers.
A lot of people (men mainly) can’t or won’t allow their egos to be a home keeper.

Well played mate. Love the channel.
Keep up the good work

[italianasc]

So nice to hear the back story of how you and Nina got where you are today. And big thanks for kind words about the USA and our fallen but not forgotten service men and women. Giving thanks to you and Nina for the service to your country, too.

[d.b.sorensen]

Thanx mate i was 7 yrs USNavy and am now retired and raised bed gardening for fun and groceries your SSME videos are watched by me often ! Thanks a million for your service too!

[McDowallManor]

Good for you mate. Yeah, I figured it before starting. The same for me. "If you can't increase your income, then decrease your costs." I suffer anxiety/depression disorder. The garden saved me, and I lost 20kg. Fresh fruit and veg costs are going nuts. $8 for a cabbage. If you can find a lettuce, good luck. And, most of all, thank you and Nina for your service. Sincerely.