4 Things I Do In My Garden To Combat Drought

[@ears9506]

I have an add-on suggestion for your water cistern. Instead of letting you overflow run down your driveway, channel it ino a ditch filled with wood chips. The wood will capture and hold the water and automatically release it into the soil when needed. After a year or so, dig the ditch up for compost and refill with wood chips again: rinse and repeat.. Like you show, thank you for taking the time to make it. I have learned a lot

[@Gradechecker1]

I like your suggestion !!

[@adrianmedrano653]

Thanks so much for this video. we live in texas and gardening is very frustrating with our very hot climate.

[@briananders7358]

Don’t forget dense planting. Keeps the ground cool and reduces evaporation.

[@tk421dr]

installed a shade cloth this year and productivity jumped massively. hammered in some 8ft t-posts, attached a clothes line to each post and hung the shade cloth on it using carabiners. when may gray hits, i just slide it back like a giant shower curtain in the morning, and when the uv index is high i slide it back around noonish. this is my first year growing veggies, but i used to grow the devil lettuce in the back yard, well i still do-but i used to too, and from your advice i started using mulch. even though im growing in 7 and 15 gallon fabric grow bags, the amount of water i need has dropped easily by 30%. i still hand water, and before if i went away for the weekend, my plants were haggered and needed tlc for a week, ive gotten away without watering in 90f heat for 4 days and plants arnt even drooping. btw, just harvested my first 4 ears of corn, fully pollenated and no bugs grown in grow bags, so proud and using san diego seed co corn seeds. think my festive sweet corn was too close to my blue corn, cause its not blue at all lol. still tastes great.

[@haventli]

Great idea with the shade cloth, thanks for sharing. I've been thinking about how I'll put mine up so I can pull it out as needed and I really feel like I don't have to think about it anymore, you did it all for me!

[@tk421dr]

​@@haventli yo fellow weeb, saw ur hayao miyazaki play list, and i gotta approve. i bought a tool that makes hammering tposts into the ground easier, if ur in the sd, area message me, i work nights but on my days off ill try to come help.

[@myobmyob2215]

Could you please make a video of that set up for the rest of us trying to survive and grow food in the never ending drought heat? Thanks

[@randydeshane9991]

My garden is very small. I cover the whole thing with a 10X20 shade cloth, great stuff.

[@elainejohnson6488]

Great info! Agree the bigger the better when it comes to rain capturing containers. We play the game of having rain water when it is not needed and needing it when we don’t have it. The challenge/fun of gardening in the desert. Thanks!

[@donicamcarthur2500]

This was a great video with a bounty of rich information.

[@UlexiteTVStoneLexite]

We have mini split heat pumps in our house and the largest one pulls out at least a gallon of water a day that I can use to water plants. I am going to be getting some dehumidifiers and use those to collect water as well aside from the mini splits.

[@MountainGardenGirl]

Pollutants and Toxins!...roof can collect a lot of these after a drought and first wash off all goes right into the cistern. I have not found a solution for this but would love to hear what others chime in with. Great video...encouraging ideas.

[@edbeals1793]

Look into "first flush" systems for rain catchment tanks when you install your system. Essentially it is a pvc tube that goes in line before the tanks to collect the first of the rain from the roof. Hope this helps!

[@compiticny1445]

Great video/information. Always wondered why states that are drought prone don't help people and businesses put in rain collection systems whether rain barrels and/or cisterns. Would those solve the drought problem, probably not but it would help to stretch out the water supplies.

[@abraham3901]

Thank you. This was a great insight video for what id like to do next. I'll be entering my 3rd year transforming my backyard into lil food forest. Thank you,

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

Love it! Be sure to tag us on Instagram so we can see your space!

[@hiverealtyoc]

Thank you very much for posting this ! great solutions !

[@shanlynwebb]

I have two concrete tanks. The concrete keeps the water cool. We run our whole household off them both.

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

That's awesome!

[@723snoopy]

love this video & the garden kitty!

[@sherrylingenfelter8991]

🙋‍♀️ on putting out buckets. Lol

[@horta-mansan6972]

Thanks for the tips, I made my own water tank so you can determine the size yourself and so I don't lose water because I made it big enough so that I can catch all the rain water that falls. But I don't have a lid designed so that other animals such as frogs and birds can also use it in this heat here with the Mediterranean climate.

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

Love that!

[@TheRainHarvester]

How did you make it? Nice!

[@horta-mansan6972]

@@TheRainHarvester If you have an email I can send you some pictures of how it was made and how it works

[@horta-mansan6972]

@@TheRainHarvester I got this message you can delete it.

[@TheRainHarvester]

@@horta-mansan6972 thanks! I'm curious and i have some ideas using upcycled items. We can exchange ideas. I do a lot of repurposing on my channel.

[@stephaniehanuman-dale6279]

Do you have a pump for your water tanks? I have two water tanks, smaller than yours but my property is smaller ( tanks are about $1 per gallon where I am) I have raised beds so it can be difficult to get the water from the tanks when they are low. I❤️mulch and I do some chop and drop to keep soil covered.

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

These are just gravity fed, but pumps can definitely make sense

[@ninagerulski8832]

Have each of my rain barrels sitting on top of cinder blocks. Mine are stacked 2 high. Probably should be higher. That gives me more pressure

[@carolparrish194]

I know I need shade cloth but I don't know how to use it. Can you demonstrate how I can apply it? I would be very grateful. This summer was a disaster. I have a home garden.

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

One way is to make a tunnel like I did here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bl6Uaq2Ojq6dgKM You can also put t posts in each corner of a raised bed and drape it or something similar. It's lightweight so it can even be on plants a little bit if it's supported up with stakes for the most part

[@tjinnes]

Loved the video and have subscribed. One question though...why not use bigger tanks? We are harvest rainwater like yourselves and see all the benefits. The cheapest part of the system is extra tank volume, and it makes all the difference.

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

We have several others on the property, but this is the biggest. The only reasons really are cost & space. A bigger tank, though, is of course better.

[@tanyareynolds1960]

I'm new to your channel. Great video, very simply and concisely explained. Thank you

[@TheRainHarvester]

I added a video for diy sprinklers for rainwater (gravity fed, but they throw water pretty far). You might really like it!

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

Awesome thanks!

[@krisyallowega5487]

I like your style

[@nostaligicLust]

I am a new subscriber to this channel, but I was wondering something about the rainwater capture: are you concerned about the so-called "forever chemicals" (PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances apparently linked to causing cancer) found now in all the earth's rainwater, according to the University of Stockholm researchers in their paper published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology (2 August 2022)? Thank you for this informative video, and if you can shed any light on the PFAS presence in all rainwater and the concerns this may raise for all gardeners, it would be immensely appreciated.

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

I did see that, and it's definitely of some concern. Plants do offer a level of filtration, although I don't know all of the exact details about how much for these chemicals.

[@TheRainHarvester]

Tap water from city contains pharmaceuticals. City water is treated sewage.

[@dheerajchidambaranathan]

You forgot to mention 'Ollas' or terracotta pots in soil to let the roots suck up only what they need instead of watering at all! My eggplants thrive with this simple mechanism of having sealed 4" terracotta pots at the bottom and filling them once every 3-4 days or as needed. The roots circle around the pot as needed to suck as much water as they need. This also prevents root rot along with other leaf issues that arise from over watering not to mention the roots getting additional oxygen to grow. :)

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

Yes, another great strategy! I have a few in the garden and love them.

[@2023praise]

How do you make your soil good in raised beds? I keep adding amendments and mulch and shade cloth the past 2 years. My soil is always dry and when I water which is every day and then sometimes its over watering. I live in foothills of Ca where its always over 95 -100 all summer June thru Sept

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

Excellent question! I have a few videos about building soil. Let me know what you think! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaC6q3SObMqmZqM kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH7ToqJvmqqoobc kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6DPoomtotegp8U Joe's soil recipe is a commonly used resource as well - joegardener.com/podcast/raised-bed-gardening-pt-2/

[@lesszabo5651]

informative video, thanks!

Buy the rain system before buying the clothes, wow, truly gardener words!

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

Right?

@@SanDiegoSeedCompany indeed

[@jabblesowen4583]

Hi. I loved your vid. Do you recommend starting with seeds in ground or starts? Thanks!

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

It really depends on the crop. We start most seeds in trays, but some are easier to direct sow.

[@GardentheNorth]

Shmulch! 🍻 from Alberta 🇨🇦 Zone 3💕

[@Trailhound79]

In the great words of Dr. Boner, "Mulch America!"

[@nakedcompostingatnight7136]

more compost! Thank you!

[@eveslilith]

I have a 500 gallon cistern that was filled and sat for the past 10 years. Is the water still good?

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

That depends if you have treated it at all, if bugs or debris got in, etc. It should be fine for plants but maybe not drinking

[@savelinafilemoni8656]

Initially, do you need to water the mulch in the beginning or just lay out mulch? If watering or just mulching for how long before you plant?

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

You can just lay it out, and you can plant right away

[@Ded-Ede]

Do you use the collected rain water in your drip line irrigation system? You said you said city bills.

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

Great question! We have a hose spigot attached to the barrel so we mostly use it for trees, ornamentals, and things not on drip. We can also do areas that are on drip and not run the irrigation that day, but it takes more time

[@ThePresentMoment23]

So leave the irrigation on everyday? What does overwatering look like?

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

Not necessarily. I know some gardeners who will do just once or twice per week for 30 or even 60 minutes. It depends on your soil, plants, mulch, etc. Your soil should be moist, but it doesn't need to be soaked all the time. That can lead to root rot.

[@JameyReads]

“Oh sh-mulch!” 😂

[@daisyblooms4813]

hahah I do say "oh shmultch!" a lot

[@jumprope04]

Thanks so much for this! Beginner in residential area, Tx panhandle. First small bed last year with xeriscape plants, soil amendments, mulch. Wow, just magical! Totally sold! Started prepping 4 new beds this year when drought and extreme heat hit. 100 degrees and dusty for days on end. We’re not deterred! Inspired by your success and methods, and soaking up your encouragement. Mahalo!

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

That's great to hear! You can do it! Sounds like mulch is already helping a lot. May need to add some shade cloth too.

[@jumprope04]

@@SanDiegoSeedCompany Awww, thanks so much Brijette for cheering us on! Yes, mulch is working for sure. And yes, I want to add shade cloths next year - thanks for the tips on that! Mahalo Xx

[@ShootingtheSoil]

haha, love the shirt, where can I get one?!

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

Right here :) sandiegoseedcompany.com/product/tools-and-merchandise/straight-outta-compost-t-shirt-blue/

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

1200 sq ft roof will give 62 gallons per inch of rain.

[@sherylchapman4168]

Hi all- I like your videos because they are quite helpful. I, too live in Southern California,Zone 9b. Question for you? I am growing dwarf lemon and dwarf lime trees in pots. Because the watering in our area is limited to one day a week, I comply with that restriction. The pots are set up on drip irrigation and I run the system for 7 minutes early on Saturday morning, then an hour later, i will run it for another 7 minutes. The reasoning behind it is to minimize the amount of water running out of the bottom of the pot and give the roots time to fully absorb the water. Is this a sufficient amount of water for them? Is watering this way more efficient or am I delusional? They are one year old trees, and I have removed all the blossoms and fruit so they can focus their growth. In year 2, I am hoping to grow some fruit, but because of the drought, should I let them grow all the fruit they want or try to grow fewer fruits (take some off) so they can live?

[@saltybunbun]

Why don't you use an Olla? It'll help keep your tree "watered" as it needs.

[@tk421dr]

bless you Sheryl! thank you for being so water responsible! if you are growing in a pot, the general rule of thumb is to have 20% run off, this helps flush out accumulated salts and make sure the soil is fully saturated with water, i almost never follow this rule. if ur growing in a container, is bottom watering an option? u can also much the top of the pot, i like using cedar wood chips because it has anti fungal/anti mildew properties. using a tray or a container that the plant sits in and absorbs the water is a massive way to get the most in our situation. i grow in 7 gallon fabric grow bags and use a 14 inch tray under, 2-3 times a week i fill that tray on my tomatoes, heavy eaters, and they are happy. now filling that tray by hand is like 10-14 seconds, this is why bottom watering is boss. that said, about once every 6 weeks i will hevaly water from the top to help flush salts, only because i use a lot of fertilizer. again, thanks for being so water conscious. lastly if u look at the water restrictions, growing food isnt a real issue, its water run off and waste. edit: btw i live in escondido, its stupid hot here, please learn from my mistakes.

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

These are great tips, Sheryl. You can continue to thin in the next year, but pay attention to your plants too. They will let you know if they need more water or are okay.

[@alfonsozamora4390]

Too. I have talking

[@aklosismedia4735]

OH *mulch* !

[@rhysdavis5726]

Did you say 30 minutes every day?!

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

Yes which is definitely more than most. I know some gardeners do well with even once per week (a very deep water), but this is our business so we invest in our produce a lot

[@pascalxus]

"I will buy a cistern before I buy new clothes". Marry me!

[@jamesrichey]

"Oh, mulch! I forgot to water!"

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

Gotta keep it kid-friendly :D

[@robertkat]

Next up, how do gardening in a flood.

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

We might have to with news of a megaflood!

[@jeffclark7702]

Mulch!!.....lol

[@x_lonewolf_x]

as rain water is no longer that safe any more because of all the toxins in the air ; what measures do yo use to filter , treat , purify , etc. your water ???

[@SanDiegoSeedCompany]

It's less safe for drinking, but it's still a good option to water plants, especially trees or ornamentals