Nestled in the lush, tropical landscape of Bellmere lies a backyard farm that has reached millions of people around the world.
Mark Valencia, the man behind (and in front of) the camera, has built a global community teaching people how to grow their own produce and how to take practical steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
Mark’s early years were shaped by helping his grandfather in his vegetable garden and hunting rabbits and pigeons for food on the farm. At 18, he joined the army in search of adventure, which he found throughout his 21-year military career. But it was after retiring in 2008 to become a full-time dad that Mark began transforming the family’s small acreage into a thriving backyard farm.
“I created Self Sufficient Me in August 2011 after my wife Nina suggested that I collate my knowledge and put it online for family and friends to access, primarily to save myself from repeating my ‘how-tos’ at length at every social gathering,” Mark said. “Instead, I could refer people to my website for recipes and how to grow things.”
What started as a practical way to share knowledge and save money quickly evolved into something much bigger. By sharing his gardening tips online, Mark built a loyal, worldwide audience eager to learn how to grow their own food.
Mark’s YouTube channel, which at one point was the number one gardening channel in the world, has garnered him praise for inspiring people to get out in the garden.
Mark said the feedback he has received from his viewers has been amazing.
“The feedback from people genuinely happy that I have given them ideas or taught them something valuable that they can apply in their own backyards,” Mark said.
“Also, I have had numerous messages and emails from people over the years saying how gardening has helped change their life for the better or, in some cases, saved their life. How amazing!”
A New Chapter: Mark’s First Book Blooms
After 14 years of sharing his gardening knowledge through videos, Mark is now turning the page – literally. His latest project marks an exciting new chapter: the release of his first book.
“I have just published my first book, My Top 100 Food Crops to Grow at Home, which people can now pre-order online from Booktopia, with a book signing in Sydney to start it off formally,” Mark said.
“I’m really happy with the book and I hope others will be too. It took two years from pen to paper to finally having a real copy in my hand.”
Pre-order a copy of Mark’s book.
To follow Mark’s gardening journey, visit his YouTube channel Selfsufficient Me or his website.
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