At the heart of every thriving garden is a gardener who never stops learning, and for over 40 years, that gardener has been me. I’m Tony O’Neill, founder of Simplify Gardening, best-selling, award-winning author, YouTube educator, and lifelong student of the soil.
My journey began in childhood, planting alongside my grandfather, where I first discovered the quiet magic of sowing a seed and watching it grow. That early spark led me through horticultural college and ultimately into a life spent not only growing food, but helping others do the same with clarity, confidence, and joy.
What started as a personal passion has grown into a movement. My YouTube channel, Simplify Gardening, now reaches over 455,000 subscribers, with more than 1.4 million monthly views. Through hundreds of practical videos, I aim to make gardening understandable, effective, and deeply rewarding, whether you’re planting your first seed or managing a full garden plot.
But recognition hasn’t only come from my audience.
In 2025, I was honoured with the GardenComm Silver Laurel Media Award for my No. 1 best-selling book, Simplify Vegetable Gardening. This prestigious award, judged blindly by horticultural media professionals, recognises the very best in garden communication. Winning in the General Readership Book category was both humbling and validating, and it’s a reflection of the trust you’ve placed in my work.
In 2021, I was also proud to receive Ezoic’s Publisher of the Year Award, recognising the educational impact of the Simplify Gardening website and its role in helping millions grow better gardens around the world.
Tony’s gardening expertise has reached far beyond his sphere, carving a significant presence in the digital realm. His YouTube channel, Simplify Gardening, resonates with over 455,000 subscribers and enjoys an estimated 1.4 million monthly views, offering a cornucopia of practical advice and in-depth explorations into the art and science of gardening.
Complementing his YouTube platform, Tony’s influence permeates various social media outlets, where he engages with a vibrant community of gardening enthusiasts, offering insights, sharing tips, and providing an occasional glimpse into his garden.
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1312Beyond the screen, I’m equally committed to making a difference on the ground—literally. I’ve supported school garden projects, including personally restoring a vandalised polytunnel for Neatherd High School in Norfolk, and regularly work with local schools like Llancaeach Junior School, giving students hands-on experience in gardening.
Whether I’m filming a composting tutorial, building a demonstration garden, or rolling up my sleeves in the rain to help a student replant corn, my goal has never changed: to simplify gardening so more people can enjoy the life-changing power of growing their food.
Tony’s role went beyond physical assistance, rallying support from companies that generously contributed to the school’s recovery. Their collaboration not only resulted in replanting the corn and the project’s salvage but symbolized the strength and resilience of a community united in their love for gardening. Check out the video below.
Gardening has taught me patience, resilience, and the value of small daily efforts. It’s why I say, in everything I do,
“You reap what you sow.”
Want to learn more about Simplify Gardening?
Visit our About Us page or check the Press Page for stats, brand info, and collaboration opportunities.
