4 Years Surviving Off-Grid In The Desert | Building A Sustainable Home

[@Naplesfrank154]

Hello from Naples. I know you’re probably getting tired from hearing this but I really need to thank you again for sharing your info about the keto diet. I am down 16 pounds now and it’s been just over two weeks, you truly saved my life. Now I will watch the video which I’m sure is great as usual.❤️❤️❤️

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Congratulations!

[@anthonyzornes8001]

Hello I heard about your success. Congratulations on the weight loss. Can you know share with me about the diet .my name is anthony

[@Naplesfrank154]

Hello @@anthonyzornes8001 The diet I am following is the Keto diet. Basically on the diet you cannot eat any grains, beans or sugar. You try to not eat any carbs at all. Some of my friends say that you can eat up to 70 grams of carbs per day, but I try to eliminate them totally. I’m Italian and for me, was pasta was a big part of my diet but I haven’t eaten pasta in over 2 months. I was also a heavy Coca Cola drinker but now I only drink Coke Zero or water with lemon. The diet is very easy to follow because there are always substitutions that you can turn to. There is a load of information online for the Keto Diet so not only will you learn how to get started but you will learn many recipes to keep you interested in the diet. Jim and Jess’s video really got me started on the diet and I am forever thankful to them. Give it a try and you too will see that it really works. The more fat that you eat the better the diet will work for you, that is what I noticed. Instead of using sugar and carbs to feed your cells, your body will start using the fat to fuel the building of its cells. Over the last 2 months or so my cholesterol has remained the same at 83 so I am convinced that this diet is a Godsend. To date I have lost 45 pounds. Good luck buddy.

[@kathrynrodlun8514]

I've watched you build this home. To make a house a home takes a patient heart. Really enjoy you guys. Thank you for showing us.

[@advancednutritioninc908]

I have been following you for a few years now. I commend you both - You all are doing a great job! You have accomplished a lot!! I built my own underground house in 1983 and 84 and I still live in it and love it!! And I have chickens, and a big garden. I am saying this because I realize what it takes to turn a piece of raw land into a homestead!!

[@kcbeerslinger]

I was raised in the Central San Joaquin Valley in California. Until they brought in reservoirs and canals it was a raw desert. A tree that works really well in that environment is a Mulberry tree. They have fruited and fruitless. Take little water and put out a very dense shade and grow fast. Also cheap to buy and easy to prune. I think these trees would be perfect out there. Also peaches and apricot, plum and almond plus pistachio all work well too. Grapes do especially good in the desert. Just my 2 centavos. Your my hero's.

[@claztube]

Nice '411' shared here. A southern hemisphere native commonly called, the China Berry tree is one fine shade tree that once established needs little irrigation. The berries are considered by some a nuisance but they don't have to so be if harvested in the bunches before they fall under foot. Uses for the berries are left to an imaginative crafts person such as the couple herein this vlog.😮 p.s. edit: I have to say for this couple unless they have a well and a runoff trough that could supply the water, the China Berry may not be a good choice.😮

[@jeffcook8501]

You guys Rock and will always be my favorite DirtBag couple. Your house is coming along beautifully. Love the windows. I can't wait to see when the time comes for you to move in. Keep looking and working to move forward and you'll be there before you know it.

[@timklassen421]

Thanks for the tour and you are right wells run at aprox 15 thousand dollars and up and no gaurentee on potability

[@czthor1]

You both should be proud of the results of your hard work, RV great choice simple and ready! I had a 12x60 mobile I lived off grid on land i purchased until i dug a water well and septic system & solar that i sell to the grid for my property taxes. Build it simple for the future so you dont have to do any work on it in the future, Landscaping, Great job on the home built water cistern. The Gov in Oregon and Washington state are tell us we cant capture our store water can you believe that!

[@h.s.5550]

It's good too see you guys doing what makes you happy, and learning along the way it's not easy putting yourself out there, thank you for sharing, with love Helga ❤ 🇩🇰

[@johnweidemann3148]

Thank you for your openness and sharing your beautiful Journey! Your work has helped so many people more than you can ever imagine.

[@texasfred9321]

Congratulations on your 4 year anniversary of off grid living. I’m so inspired by how far you folks have come on your own gas. Again congratulations "🛖🛖🛖🛖🛖🛖🛖🛖🛖 May the good lord continue to bless and take care of you folks.

[@missdragonflies81]

You both are doing great, especially with just the two of you doing all this hard work alone. You are right where you need to be in the process.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Nice overview of your off-grid desert homestead! Happy anniversary! Are y'all keeping track of the cost of everything, and do you plan to share it at some point? 😊🏜️

[@0livelanette859]

❤️I'm enjoying watching you Guys, I'm a widow 78, I have lived in my own little trailer for 43 years now. LOL You are doing a wonderful job on your place! ❤️

[@seekerbee4494]

With focusing on your infrastructure first and living with it 4 years is a nice way of doing it. Before you move into your home, you'll have the sustainability factors mastered.

[@CarolynDeasonmusiclistener]

We are retired, old enough to be your grandparents. About to move to cheap land in TX desert but in a small house, off grid - gather rainwater, use solar. We've watched sev of your vids in 2 days. Very impressive, knowledgeable, hard working, positive attitude is what we like about you. Happy 4th yr anniversary. We would love to be a part of what you're doing. Seek your advice to improve our desert home. Thank you!

[@paull1954]

Hope to see you guys start moving into the dome and starting making it a home for you all.

[@Jaantoenen]

Great presentation. The Mom tree is bursting with life. So wonderful. If I ever build a geodome it will be of conduit like yours. Will you build an water fountain for the little ones? Lookin'good GreenDreamers.

[@Gema3637]

Are you doing better? I miss seeing you guys everyday like I use too

[@GaryD35205]

Love that you go your own way. If it works for you then that is all that matters. Great going.

[@patricknguyenbrewer2618]

You guy are so amazing people and deng smart too, I’m so impressed to listen to you two and I’m almost 50 years old, love and respect

[@yalonndag.7041]

I live in the California desert. Your videos truly help me to keep pushing forward. Keep up the great work! God bless.

[@andrewbowlgarte4738]

I live in a class b rv for 2 years now only 60 sqft , I'm off grid on my property in se nc , and all my life I have done all my work all alone , and still am , so never feel you 2 have not got enough done , imagine only 1 of you doing all you have done , you'll feel better , lol , keep at it you'll get all you want and more! Cheers!

[@kathrynrodlun8514]

Congrats on the first 4! Cant wait to see where the next 4 leads you.

[@bigmamma6946]

Epic journey loved it all every episode cheers thank you for sharing this wonderful story.

[@vandthebees9249]

I applaud you guys! I am “over the hill”, but would still love the challenge of transforming the desert into a small oasis that benefits the land, wildlife and living a more peaceful life. Hope you’re watching the “Greening the Desert” projects by Greg Lawton. So amazing what we can do when we work in harmony with nature.

[@irishnd98]

Guys this is simply the best video you have made. You guys have made it to the true youtube pros. Congrats.

[@mumpygumboo8554]

Look at how much is already done! Wow.... such a great oasis you're creating. So good to see young folks like yourselves putting that youthful energy into good things.

[@markwalton300]

Keep up the good work you guys proud of you guys not everybody can do it stay safe stay cool

[@gabestrobehn4698]

Enjoy your videos soo much inching my way to my dreams and watching people like you always gives me the boost I need know that others like minded beautiful people are out there ! I can do it !

[@PatricesProjects]

I miss the videos Jessica used to do featuring a specific plant or animal. Happy homestead anniversary. You 2 are a dynamic couple. You have learned and achieved so much in these past 4 years. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for homestead.

[@jackhenson2900]

I have been watching your channel for the last year. Congratulations on your 4 year anniversary .

[@gillyb333]

Brilliant video guys xxx

[@sarahloy830]

You have gotten so much done in 4 years. It's really fun the see all the permaculture principles put into play. I'm looking forward to all the rest.

[@chronicfatiguehermithiker3022]

Unbelievable.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️And still excited after 4yrs and all that work!🤯

[@racebanning6390]

GREAT THOROUGH UPDATE. NICE TO SEE ALL THE TRAVEL FROM HOUSE TO OFFGRID. WELL DONE AND I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO THE UPDATES AND TASKS. BE BLESSED, WELL ONE!!!

[@jasontoolan3816]

Well played Dream Team. Let’s get them a free tractor to help transform there land to show, It Can Be Done! Fellow desert liver here.

[@duwomaiishgabrielle9498]

You two are amazing! I love your story and relationship! Great partnership

[@MichaelMaddog3584]

Congrats on four years! You have made so very much progress. Imagine where the next four years will take you. Plant more trees sooner rather than later!

[@JamesCouch777]

You guys have done so much since you have been there. We started watching you before you sold your house and moved to the RV park. What a journey 🌵🏜️🌞

[@offgridrooster]

Love the tour. It's amazing how with time, proper planning, creativity and awareness to the environment you can accomplish anything. Again fantastic progress. Can't wait to see what's next. ☮️🙏☯️

[@lcostantino7931]

Fantastic. Nice improvement... Been watching....

[@valeriesjeans]

Great to see four years in a nut shell! Keep up the good work!

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello 👋 how are you doing?

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Wow Jim and Jess I am totally envious of that beautiful Desert Willow. That thing has gotten huge! I have one now and am learning the hard way they LOVE lots of water. Hopefully I can nurture mine along to be a success as well.

[@carringtonherrington4025]

You guys are awesome… such an inspiration.. thanks for sharing this.

[@Mamasmovietime]

It's looking awesome. You have accomplished so much in four years and it's showing. Love the lifestyle you are living.

[@barbarashikongo286]

Love going on this journey with you guys. Congratulations on 4 years there, much has been achieved. Looking forward to you moving in to your house. Cheering you on from New Zealand.

[@michaelstanley4698]

Spray foam insulation inside your earthbag home might be an option, as many layers would be light weight. Speeding up the process would give you both more time for green house buildings, as that is also necessary to grow more veggies, etc. First time viewer, and I'm impressed! Thank the Lord for every thing (1Thes.5:18).

[@suzanneethier1450]

woiw its emazing you guys

[@MJ-ge6jz]

A Little extra work? UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR!

[@grandmasewhappyhomestead187]

Happy 4th anniversary on your home! It has been an amazing journey to watch you build your home. All that you have done on your property is amazing. You're teaching so many the awareness. I am amazed at everything you do. Your patience and determination speaks loudly. So excited to see all the things I had step-by-step you'll get there. Be so blessed

[@CUATDSNY]

You guys are an inspiration to many! I have enjoyed watching your progress! It’s Amazing, you guys are Roses in the Desert!

[@dianacarolryan7284]

Congratulations on 4 years. Your lives are such an inspiration!

[@christineherrmann205]

I was dubious about the plan to den like foxes in the underground portion, but the constant temperature is a HUGE draw for sleeping. I live in a Cape, and it was nearly 90F today. In MAY. In _Upstate NY._ Which, WTH?!? It's still, at 9 pm, 75F up here. With two fans running, I'm still sort of dreading to sleep tonight. DEN LIKE FOXES! RAWR!

[@dennisreeves632]

Been watching since you just had a hole in the ground. Really looking forward to seeing how you finish off the inside. Stay the course. Looking great. PS: need some fruit trees on that grey water feed.

[@thetexianpatriot2201]

Great video guys. It was good to catch up on all of the past projects. The future is looking bright!

[@Stephen_567]

It's amazing how much people can do when they are not limited by codes. Would be interesting to know cost of all this.

[@melodiecruz595]

Happy 4 Year Off Grid Anniversary from Maricopa, AZ. 🥳🥳🥳

[@kitaro9336]

I raise blue scale quail and for a second I thought mine woke up in the middle of the night but it was your video!!!!! I’m so jealous! You have them out in nature. What a dream. I hope to make it out to the desert by the end of the year. You guys are such an inspiration.

[@townsville69]

A mix of desert hardy trees planted around the perimeter of the property is a great idea. It slows down the wind, creates it's own mini environment, great for birds and bugs and you can use them for fire wood and lumber.

[@melissamoonfire4323]

Happy 4 year anniversary ❤ 🐶🌵🌻

[@floswason8776]

Just saw this video unbelievable in a desert area you have water storage solar power building a great house and to cap it off growing chickens and trees you are amazing and such great work ethics l look forward to seeing more of your videos Hod bless you both 🙏

[@paulaklimczak947]

you guys did an amazing job already

[@Jerry-ko9pi]

Need to go ahead and router out that opening for the stairs. You can keep a plywood piece on top with a hinge so that you can open and close it any time and not worry about falling down an opening. Looks great! If I would do anything like this, a water roof would be one of the first items, just like you guys did. Rain and sunshine are free.

[@theoracle5265]

👏👏👏👏👏 I'm so happy for you both, God's richest blessings to you!

[@jacoventer3219]

Hi guys you Rock!!!! I just love what your doing 😍 I'm in the Philippines and living next to the sea, this also creating problems with water wells been salty. As you I'm also harvesting water from my roof. I have a little garden here an has been doing many little experiments. One of is rased beds. Seeing what your doing got me thinking. You have nice land space and could follow the contour of your land , digging tranches about a foot or even foot and a half deep. Filling it half way with rock's with bags on the rocks and then your soil, compost and moulge on top of that. On the lower contour side you leave a small burn or hump to stop water from flowing away and rather goin in to the ground. That creates a great opportunity for growing trees srubs and other plant life. This you start close to your house about 6 to 8 feet away , even the chicken and the garden. What I found is quite hardy and grow fast packet with all sorts of helt benefits for you and your animals is moringa, go read up on that. I would plant it about 6foot apart in the contour tranches. By doing that you create shade and food and the ground can then take up more water. In-between the moringa plant turmeric and ginger you can grow beens, cucumber, pumpkin, into the moringa . Moringa from seed to about 6 to 8 feet hige will take from 8 months to a year. That's when you cut it 6 feet high and see how it's making a bush within 2 years you will be able to harvest every day from it if you plant 10 pieces and that's the time to plant the other things under it . Just my one shitoshi I love what your doing, and try not to miss a video. You Rock

[@danandkiko]

These folks are doing it right. It's interesting how what seems to be the future of living on earth is not crazy tech, but old world technology from a modern perspective.

[@practicalman45]

Very nice summary of your homestead. Well done video! I've been watching a couple years and learned new things about how you're doing it. Tesla battery solar storage? Way Cool!

[@davec9244]

love it when a plan comes together! good job ALL stay safe

[@mikeb3603]

Wow! Super impressive. A very hard working couple. Kudos!

[@MrBrucester]

It’s amazing all you have done,just the two of you. Your homestead is looking beautiful! Catchment water is the way to go. By not drilling a well you will be saving the underground water table “aquifer”. You two have come a long way in the past 4 years. Thank for posting I love your videos and know it must take a lot of time record and then edit them. “

[@debraharrington8514]

How exciting for you guys! Awesome life project. I wanted an eathship house. Unfortunately we own our house and are both in our sixties. I don't see it happening now. What a beautiful dream to live! Give lessons for those who want to live the dream if you can. So many want to be good land stewards but don't know how. You are doing God's work, keep it up!

[@njione]

Hello I'm in yucca az been off grid for 18 yrs doing permaculture for 3 yrs and already huge difference. I was also on the show love off the grid

[@desertedenblooms]

ITS amazing what the two of you have accomplished in 4 years. Specially working in the heat. Of course Cruz helped alot too ...be blessed!

[@BuckJones1909]

Both of you are inspiring! We too are in Arizona, but the North West section. We are adopting several steps you have taken. Thank you so very much for sharing your journey, as it is very much appreciated. So many decisions with so many options and borrowing a little been there done that is crucial! Thank you!

[@karengrammond8338]

Hello from the Mojave Desert in California. We get very little rain but plenty of sunshine. I look forward to seeing your 40 acre property develop and your home completed. You can grow a food garden in the desert, it's just a bit harder.

[@jannavozar2634]

Love all your videos! Can't wait to see more earthworks and planting. With the torrential rains that can happen earthworks can help protect your home and save and sink water. Great 👍 job!

[@gloriaa5060]

THUMBS up to this video!!!! You go guy's. Do what you do and be positive and POSITIVE!!! 👍👍👍👍👍🌹🌹🎉🎆

[@markcourtad5100]

I've never seen something like this. I also live in Arizona and am dreaming of a small homestead... maybe a little higher elevation than Phoenix to beat the extreme heat. Your home looks very nice. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@gc1914]

Great news!! Congratulation!! Looking better all the time! 😊🌷

[@craigmccredie3282]

G'day Jim& Jessica, have you considered putting a roof on the chook garden & building swales to grow a food forest, love your channel 👍🇦🇺

[@linacabrera863]

Hi. I think when you move to your new house. You won't need to much the AC.May God continue blessing you .🥰🥰🥰

[@soulshine8531]

Love this build and your patience vision and creativity. I love the earth bag homes.

[@micahwatson9017]

I would say your video title is false...you have THRIVED for 4 years in the desert! Amazing guys!

[@hopegap9508]

Wow 4 years!! Thanks for letting us come along on your journey! You both have worked so hard to get the structures done and more to do always. Great video on your progress! Great decision to work on your garden as the shortages in this country are coming and will help you be even more sustainable.

[@pianogal853]

Absolutely the way I'd build there. Great job!! I just moved to AZ and it's a whole new climate!

[@karencoghlan9334]

I've been wondering when you would be starting on the inside of the house. It must be much more comfortable inside than outside, with the cooling factor of the earth bags.

[@gypsykevandev]

You guys have done a great job there in SE Arizona. We are neighbors as we have 40 acres just NE of Douglas that we will retire on and enjoy. I have to say that I am really impressed with your fortitude and perseverance working on your dream. I grew up in the SW Texas desert and love the tranquility and peace. Keep it up my friends. Perhaps we will come visit you the next time we are on our land. Wrapping up the city life portion of it now. Best of luck and Cheers!

[@turboturtle5575]

Happy Desert 4ourth !! Looking good, stay hydrated & HAPPY !! @smitman👍👍💤💯❤

[@danclark4998]

Very good overview!! This is one of the Best videos I’ve watched with people in SE AZ homesteading. Thanks!!!

[@beattheman9290]

Don't sweat, SWEAT, the small stuff - YOU GUYS ARE ON THE WAY !!!!!!

[@rss608]

We started our project in 2000. completed our house in 2008, completed the project with solar in 2018. I chose to go with the well rather than rain catch. My cost analysis showed that the water cost would be about the same even at 415 feet deep over 20 years. now we are in the black!! we have found that the garden idea is very pricey, pushes the cost of food up very high, so chose to purchase local. We save about 20% by not having a garden or hot house. I do no outside watering. Steel house with fully insulated 12" thick walls, 14" ceiling. No propane. 100% electric. Great video, keep it up. long term is the biggest challenge, but a trip to the big city renews it each time... homeless can't survive in the desert but we can!!!!

[@jerryenebak204]

Thanks for sharing the overview with what's going on in the desert. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do to protect the outside so it's more durable. Also how your going to finish the inside.

[@cre2919]

Thank for sharing it wonderful to see things coming together God bless

[@PsychicIsaacs]

I live in semi-arid North Central Victoria, Australia, and everyone around here has roof catchments for their domestic water supply. I have 10,000 gallons of storage in the form of two poly tanks. I also have solar electric and an adobe mudbrick house. The house is cool in Summer and warm in Winter. I don't have an aircon and don't really need it. A lot of rural people in Australia don't have aircons because they practically all live off-grid and as you know, aircons are really hungry with electricity. Even if their houses are hot, they just tough it out or spend their afternoons on the verandah (porch). A lot of urban and suburban people have air conditioning, though. I also have what you call a "mulch pit" for my greywater and it waters an olive tree and an arrowroot/mugwort/mint patch, also the olive tree helps to shade a chicken pen. You have a beautiful property. God Bless!

[@authorcharlieboring]

Remember that life is the journey, not the end goal. Enjoy the journey.

[@greglewis8041]

Love your guys attitude and your desire and commitment to be different.😍

[@leroyessel2010]

So amazing to watch your progress that many dream about.

[@diatribe1194]

YOU TWO ARE MY HEROES!!

[@carolwright7503]

Wonderful to get to see how thought out your place is, hope to follow you into the future on KZbin.

[@EvanCNavarro]

"What do we got growing on in here?" 20:41 You, my punny friend, just earned yourself a new subscriber. A lot of clever ideas here, especially with rainwater catching vs. well building. Thanks for the entertainment! Best of luck.

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Thank you!