How Much Water Did We Collect In Our Earthbag Cistern | Harvesting Rainwater Off-grid

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Thank you for watching! 🔶️Don't forget you can find us on Instagram here: instagram.com/greendreamproject 🔷️And Facebook here: facebook.com/greendreamproject1 🔶️Check out our Facebook group here: facebook.com/groups/greensteaders/

[@Melicoy]

PLANT MORE TREES trap the water in the ground !!!!

[@Melicoy]

Just Cut branches off trees that are already there stick them in the ground in a clump and keep watering. 1 in 10 will grow :)

[@Melicoy]

Cotton Wood

[@williamwoodham687]

Hey dude. On your PVC piping and all of the connections. You should use a purple primer before you use the bonding agent in your final connections that your happy with. And yes you should have striped away the paint. But, for your low pressure gravity purposes it may not be an issue for you as you already have PVC lines unglued. But, you may see leaks because of continuous temperature fluctuations being above ground. Keep up the good work. This is my first viewing.

[@readhistory2023]

Old settler's farming trick for you. When you harvest the first crop save the seeds for next year. The 2nd gen seeds will have semi adapted to the soil condtions and will grow larger. Repeat that cycle and by the 3rd gen the seeds will have almost fully adapted to the local soil conditions and will grow even larger and healthier than those straight from the store.

[@richardcompton2555]

I love you guys and do not wish to be a downer person, but, as a native of Arizona I know that you are enjoying in the growth of the desert flora and fauna. Just remember, the Monsoon will end and all of that green will dry out and become fuel for fire in the desert. I've seen fire sweep across vast areas of the deserts being fed by all the dried weeds and other plants. While the ground is soft you might think of clearing a defensible fire space around your place so when the rest of the desert drys out your place will be safer because you pulled out all the non-native weeds and other plants. Keep up the great work!

[@saltygreek3870]

SOME ADDITION ADVICE ,! Now that you have a ton of flowers, grass , weeds etc growing around the property go out every day or every other day and cut a bunch of grass and flowers and feed them to your chickens , they will eat bugs that are on the vegetation and even eat some of that vegetation, what doesn't get eaten will soon turn into mulch or manure ! It's a win win situation

[@TheEmbrio]

Maybe even dry some as "hay"

[@larryparish5984]

When you plumb an IBC tote always plumb it as if you are going to add another one & so on & so on. 👍😊

[@michaelvangundy226]

Those things are almost impossible to clean well. They need to be scrubbed at least twice a year and rinsed well. A well is alot easier.

[@rupe53]

@@michaelvangundy226 ... I suspect that even with a chlorinator system they would still need some periodic cleaning, mostly due to the added heat, which will make stuff grow inside. Might be wise to have a few spare containers in rotation just to slip in as they get cleaned and reinstalled. Even still, this would not be good for potable water. That should be another series of containers under a more stringent cleaning schedule.

[@mrromantimothy]

You got a better chance explaining Hamlet to a zoo monkey no joke

[@mrromantimothy]

@@rupe53 there is standing water left inside the pipes not only mosquitos but health hazards, from scum ,algae and waterborne disease,you cant help , this guy thinks its funny.doing everything the hard way over and over, the cistern is bulging along the bottom like I thought it would,, these people are worse than the shiny tinys.

[@rupe53]

@@mrromantimothy ... the water in the pipes wont draw any bugs but it will get skanky. That's why I mentioned those containers would NOT be good for potable water. (drinking water) The way I see it, they don't have a well researched plan so everything is by the seat of their pants. It's not a bad way but also not the easy way either. Hey, at least they have many months of water for the garden and flushing the toilet!

[@bobjob3632]

It warms my cold heart to see see farmers happy about the rain. The simple rain!

[@ToddLarsen]

That's amazing to see all that free water from nature, life sustaining water!

[@ourselfreliantlife]

We're happy we were able to collect so much.😁

[@derekd1510]

The rain videos are awesome. I want a play by play of every storm that dumps water in that cistern and how much fuller it gets each time! A cistern in the desert is MAGICAL and I can't wait to see what you guys are able to do with all that water over the course of the year once its full.

[@sandracimonetti5307]

It’s the rainy season- you have to jump while it is there. Looks great seeing everything greening up and blooming.

[@moisessantiago6074]

Guys I just want to let you know that watching your videos make me feel peaceful and appreciative of all we have to be thankful for . Thank you guys ❤️

[@PatricesProjects]

It's amazing how quickly the plants will grow in the desert during a good monsoon season. It looks like you are setting yourselves up well with multiple water catchment systems.

[@ME-tj6gh]

You two are as great a gem as the dessert blooming in the rain! What an inspiration you are to all those out there facing adversity and loss in their lives. Thank you so much for sharing your journey! Mike

[@Jamesvandaele]

I came for the video, but stayed for the comment section. What a great group of intelligent and nice people here!

[@carmenmariacortesmarin2664]

In a desert, videos about rain, are a blessing. We enjoy them.

[@SpringRiverHollar]

Wow , your garden is looking good . Your grape vine looks healthy and hydrated. Everything is so green ...Happy Watering

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Thanks Sherry!

[@christineherrmann205]

Love seeing Jess talk about her happy space. My garden is my happy space, too. That's an amazing amount of water, and I love that you're talking about enriching your soil. Greening the desert is going to become hella important as we progress through more climate change. You guys are rock stars.

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

Water is life water is mother 🙏

[@kenwoodfl]

A desert as lush as that after just one season! That’s amazing. I love that your garden is your happy space! No one thinks your crazy for checking on your water bro, keep on keeping on! I think you guys are smart to collect as much water as you can now. It may not be as plentiful next season. Much love, keep that energy up!

[@junnielaine4208]

Great for the rain. It’s exciting to see it come and you were able to collect so much!

[@lianneashby9550]

It's important to harvest whatever is in season. Now is water season❣good luck and best wishes 💗

[@LG-gw6xw]

I loved the green when you panned across the landscape. I love this rain!!! Wish I had bought the rain barrels two weeks ago like I had planned.

[@BEAdventurePartners]

6500 gallons of water! Wow!! Your sandbag cistern is pretty much a cenote in the middle of the dessert! Wait till you get a few more feet in there! How cool is that?!? If you are going to filter it anyways for drinking... You may as well take a dip every now and then... Keep being awesome & blazing the trail! We appreciate it! Erin + Brian

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Lol! Maybe we will try taking a dip sometime. 😁

[@barbaragoodman1789]

We lived in Arizona a few years ago, best memories is the smell of rain, so fresh and alive !!! Love all your videos!🎋🌳

[@honeybadgerisme]

inr? Driving through the Navajo Reservation at the top of New Mexico once--right after a heavy rain--it looked purple & lavender! Best part was watching the horses play with each other in the coolness!

[@donnaslecz7600]

Good Job, you two are the hardest working homesteaders I have seen. I am so happy you were able to collect so much water at once...god bless

[@trianglehaus1758]

Thornless honey locust is a great tree. The leaves are small, great for compost and the tree itself is a nitrogen fixer. They grow just about anywhere under any conditions or soil quality. The pith inside of the seed pods can be used as a sugar alternative. The branches that shed in the fall (Thin and flexible) are great for wattle and daub or for weaving.

[@hollybarnes2346]

They can be weedy. Their seedlings tend to reverting to having thorns which are wicked.

[@aron8949]

I’d plant the regular honey locust. More resilient and faster growing. Use it for wind breaks.

[@kellywallin2641]

Been waiting for this video! Sending love to you three.

[@erichuggins09]

I can't wait till that cistern fills. You will be able to grow all that you need and want.. That thing is huge. Awesome job guys.

[@guenbarnes1659]

I can’t tell if a lot of those greens growing from all the rain are goosefoot or lambs quarter or both but they’re both edible and very nutritious… I like to sauté them up with onions garlic eggs and see salt

[@kenlane9402]

Hi y'all .. the rain here in Arizona has been great. More than we've had for many years now. So nice to have it so green, and flowers everywhere. Sweet

[@michaelvangundy226]

We are at the peak, or bottom, of a solar minimum. From here the next 11 years gets hotter. There are other cycles like tilt goes every 44 years I think. Point being the weather cycles and no 2 areas react the same. Except for the sun.

[@kenlane9402]

@@michaelvangundy226 our weather is being manipulated. Nothing going on is natural.

[@danleehill]

You two are so cool, may God bless you both.

[@fredk4136]

With all the rain, the land scape is greening up and looking gorgeous. Thanks for the video.

[@morgansncadventures4003]

Could you possibly mark the ladder in the cistern every so many feet so you would know the actual depth without actually having to measure it? You two are so inspiring. Much love.....

[@jonothandoeser]

Good idea!

[@bensouthwell1339]

@@jonothandoeser my thoughts too...as on a ship (plimsole line)

[@michaelvangundy226]

The rungs are a foot apart.

[@katewizer2736]

@@michaelvangundy226 that would make it easy to measure, as long as you know the complete number of rungs on it.

[@michaelvangundy226]

@@katewizer2736 Black marker the top rung then just count backwards.

[@Nerffy]

your parents love showered over your homestead. god bless you guys

[@albertadams6843]

I was just thinking; if that Ford RV is still in running condition, you might be able to unbolt the RV body and use the remaining as a truck. You would have to build a flat bed body for it but then you would have a truck and a large one at that.

[@ex-engineer6657]

I made a flatbed on a 1963 dodge 5 ton out of redwood in 1985. Its working well in South Baja California Mexico. They get less rain than you. Took me 2 weekends with basic hand tools. Too bad you couldn't get the times off the F150.

[@Jay-pc6jx]

I thought that to, right on!

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Unfortunately, it's in pretty rough shape. We were lucky we got it here.😁

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

Thanks for another great upload guys 🙏

[@bobjoatmon1993]

Water IS life! I don't mind the multiple videos about water collection because that water shows your future success. When you have surplus resources there's less stress on your life and your partnership. It's good to see the two of you reaping the products of your hard work and I celebrate your success vicariously.

[@geritobey2559]

You can sautéed the pigweed like spinach. It has alot of nutrients and a light flavor. It is a staple in Jamaican diet called “calaloo”

[@jodygrant1255]

I love the rain videos and I appreciate the time taken to share your life with us.

[@EarthCreature.]

That's a lot of water. You guys are so rich 😊

[@rebeccaiya8731]

So glad things are coming your way on the water.last year I lost my stepmom & my dad also.I’m in Az to handle their estate.I figured I’m about 250 miles from you all.. blessings

[@Jay-pc6jx]

When you see it from my perspective only twice a week through the computer screen the transformation of all the greenery is awesome! So glad you guys got all that h20 total win. Good job Jim! Can't wait to see you use all that water to grow many plants. Might get me one of those shirts to. Take care now.

[@ourselfreliantlife]

We love how green things have gotten. 😀

[@saintracheljarodm.holy-kay2560]

Well being able too collect all that water is a good thing indeed. Take care until next time and God bless amen.

[@jasontoolan3816]

Loving it! Here in Phoenix we are enjoying the same amazing rains. Great to see ur ways of saving this ever more rare commodity, fresh water. Now all you need is massive amounts of compost material to transform the Dirt into soil. Amagine what a large lawnmower could gather right. Also promoting those grasses over weeds by seeding and mowing or using a syh works.

[@RichardSmith-um4js]

Love your laid-back style and how you approach each new thing. Always enjoy your videos.

[@73honda350]

We used to live in Cochise county and it's amazing how lush the high desert can become during an active monsoon season. I've seen grasses over 6' tall in Sept.

[@hofhouder4090]

I discovered your channel last night at 10 pm and went on watching until 3 am this morning, so you definitely have got my attention 🙂 Love what you guys are doing, building your own paradise within that arid, but wonderful environment! I live in quite a wet climate, so I'm amazed to see how you handle that. And you make a great team: super-positive Jim, balanced by the rather dry remarks of Jessica ;-) You're great! Keep it up!

[@grannyprepper1181]

Prepper nurse1 mentioned your channel. We live in northwest Arizona in Kingman. I like watching people from AZ to get ideas. Like what I see so far.

[@bobbybaldeagle702]

I like seeing how much water y'all get stored up after the rains!!!

[@paulybequickbenimble874]

You Folks are a insperational you people's have a awesome motivation , I will learn everyday from your shows 💯👍...

[@CBsGreenhouseandGarden]

Catching that water is awesome! Garden is looking good. Albert has an great idea. Stay safe my friends!

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Hey CB! We always appreciate you watching, but if you need to give KZbin a break and focus on healing we completely understand. Hope you're doing well.

[@CBsGreenhouseandGarden]

You trying to get rid of me? LOL..

[@damonswanson3156]

Wow! It looks absolutely beautiful!😎

[@frenchysandi]

The desert is green. Wow. Pretty flowers too.

[@Chickentendaz]

OMG! Guys, your pad is Gorgeous. When you look outside it looks like you live in a beautiful meadow of grass with all the green. It’s so cute it outlines your property all with walkways. You guys look happy with green around. Crew too. LIFE! 🥳

[@deldaggett982]

Come on Jim put a few more blocks on that cart lol

[@janettaylor3182]

Best thing to do is save water the more the better and it's not a worry and the dessert is all in bloom looking pretty....certainly poured down out there hope everything is okay for you both loved the picture of the dogs head soon got it done wish I could...I did do drawing at school and was good but didn't keep it up my prayers to you both ❤

[@timklassen421]

I make a living from water when you dont have water you never take it for granted any way water is life and GDP is one of the best on you tube in my humble opinion.

[@alshirley3444]

Have you thought of what Tiny Shiny Homes is going to do? Help build up the aquifer? They are also in Cochise County Just a question have you thought of foraging around here please because some of those plants look edible Look into tower gardens

[@honthirty_]

T.S.H. is really ... Wow, recharging an aquifer that is under agricultural assault...

[@davec9244]

what a contrast dry to green jest for fun a picture of your house in dry time and in green thank you

[@deborahmcsweeney1650]

You have to focus on what is happening in the moment! Water is LIFE and you need it. In the desert you never know when you will get more!

[@harishrv]

May you harvest plenty so that you can share in abundance with many.

[@chubbyjaydraws]

The garden is looking great,the grapes actually made my mouth water 🤤

[@mourningdove4040]

Thank you for the update, always love to see how you are doing after a storm!!!

[@Uri18]

We love the rain videos Jim!

[@jphollister8368]

At 9:37. The plant left of Crew are green Amaranth or Calaloo. Can be blanched & rich in Iron & alkaline. Delicious.

[@Cornerstanding]

Try planting some baobab trees it could save your life if you ever need clean water in an emergency, the trees besides storing water also produce an amazing super fruit that contains a powdered center that can be added to anything for an instant tangy fruity tea flavor that is super healthy and nutritious.

[@strawberries1411]

wow...heat and water brings the desert to bloom... so much wild amaranth growing around you..harvest, stir-fry and eat as vegetable

[@TheOleHermit]

Howdy, Jim & Jessica! FYI, I also have a plastic water tank, same material as your IBC totes, except it is a cylindrical 500 gallon one. it wasn't painted and when I rolled it onto its side for easy cleaning, it cracked because the sun had caused it to become brittle. Gonna paint it with white latex, which will block sunlight just as well as black, but without generating heat. ;-) Also, I have a shovel with a fiberglass handle, just like yours. The sun calcified the surface, leaving glass fibers that got all over my hands and gloves every time I used it. I went to Ace and asked for latex paint to coat the handle, but they had a spray on rubberized tool handle coating. Feels much better. Last but not least, Why don't you use a 10 ft long PVC or wooden dip stick to check your water level in the cistern? Beats falling in head first. lol :-)

[@honeybadgerisme]

Congrats you guys! All that hard work has paid off being prepared to receive so much water!!! Such good news! Thanks for sharing.

[@kenchapman3406]

I wasn't able to wish you guys a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY earlier on the live stream. I been off for awhile, but you two are still my favorite "homesteading" channel ! Much love ! I've noticed that you have had more than your fair share of tribulations lately,. Just know everyone is pulling for you. Again , HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!!!!!

[@amyaguilar3800]

The most inspiring couple on KZbin…greetings from NYC.

[@richardfromcanada6129]

No need to explain your madness... We get it. Your good. Nice job setting up those tanks. I think it is great to have water tanks in multiple spots for watering plants and washing up. Less work in the long run... Great video, thanks for sharing it. God bless!

[@chuckspeer2163]

Jessica I am thrilled that I was able to see you draw

[@shaymcquaid]

Love you guys! Don't fret about the too many rain videos. Y'all collecting gold there! Great to see. \../,

[@allonesame6467]

Could you hand harvest the green biomass and add it to compost pile? feed the chickens? mulch your plantings and garden? It might add nutrients and moisture to the soil...it's just a thought. Love you guys and what you do! Blessing Abound!

[@mertpars6558]

jim u r our (group) hero.... well done man.....

[@millieschattime9924]

Jess you are very welcome I didn’t see how to respond ???may God continue to heal your ❤️ I love watching you guys!!!

[@grom7826]

Your voice is so soothing I just took a nap through your video, but I loved it !

[@ericjohnson1008]

If I was the jealous type, I would be. Congratulations on the harvest.

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Thanks Eric! Glad you're not the jealous type. 😁

[@hyperbole2008]

I spent the whole day watching your videos yesterday. Very impressive what you both are doing out there. Well done to you from the UK! XXX

[@jonabriggs8829]

YAYYYY !! We got water baby !! Wooo Hoooo !!

[@sequoiawarner6756]

Love seeing the cistern with water!

[@brendamower1412]

Look how far you have come congratulations

[@treefellonya]

At first, I thought you guys were weirdos. Now I love you to pieces.

[@13MoonsOverMayhem]

Jim, I think you are officially the water collection king! That's amazing! I think the only thing left you're not collecting water off of yet is the solar panels.

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Lol! Thanks Lynette. I don't think we have the biggest set up yet...but we will.😉😁

[@debiogle3798]

This the season…for rain. I also love to start with sevens or small plants and watch them grow.

[@patriciafrancisco6648]

I love your videos the fact that you're storing rain and you two kids are really making it out in the middle of a desert and the only thing I got to say about you young man is that you are continuously hauling way too much weight, youre really blowing your muscles out, your whole body. At your age I was really strong for being a woman, my mama's work horse if you know what I mean. I did the same but, around 64, 63 I really overdid it, thinking I was in fallible, still strong, stronger than a lot of men. You're young now, and I know you got a world of work to do ahead of you both you and Jess. Course you're a man and you got the muscles for that kind of stuff but it doesn't hurt to be kind to yourself, either!!!. You're too very active people, but oh crew he knows what he's doing, you got to take time to rest, those bodies!!! Listen somewhat to the old folks what they got to say,cuz I can prove that if you don't you definitely going to be hurting one of these days and it ain't going to just be a little hurt here or there you going to be hurting all over and wishing the hey you would have treated your body a little bit better.not trying to ball you out and just give you a little old time common Sense from the old folks it's been there and done it GB&KY& Y's....... Your shows never never boring!???? I'm looking forward to it all coming into fruition..... God bless as always and take care of you both and of course crew

[@canuckyank82]

Fantastic water collection. Nice to see the garden becoming green. Getting your land to store water is an amazing plan. I hope you succeed with that plan! Thanks for the video!

[@grannysgarden8225]

Just love the blooming desert😊. So pleased you got all that water, what a relief 😅.

[@marymccowan6629]

Its beautiful on your property. So green. I follow others in Cochise Cty and thir land does not have so much vegetation. How fortunate for you. Congratulations on all the water you collected

[@ourselfreliantlife]

We're definitely fortunate over here.😀

[@bobbiemooser7417]

You are doing amazing work in saving rain water. It will really pay off later on. I actually had no idea that it rained so much out there in the desert.❤️it’s beautiful.

[@ourselfreliantlife]

We get a little more rain than central Arizona

[@deldaggett982]

So happy for all the water your getting

[@joevinod9675]

Wow! That much rain!! Really happy to see all that water you have collected. However, you should seriously think about having ponds to collect the runoff and also connect them to swales such that the water that falls on your land stays in your land!

[@vickidecker9923]

I saw my name in the credits! How fun. Never been in the movies before. Love all the water you're trapping. We've had quite a bit here in southwest NM too. Lovin' it. I believe in your vision and can't wait to see all the progress.

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Thank you Vicki! The credits is a little way for us to say thanks. 😀

[@annar6430]

Jess love your garden. Bats like the prickle pear flowers🌵

[@ultimatecrmpro229]

Great video guys, love to watch the progress on the water collection.

[@genehasenbuhler2594]

Ya need more totes😆 the monsoons are not done yet- still got some more comin! God Bless- n I told you you would get filled up this round!

[@Maskwest4]

So happy 4 you 2!!!

[@nanciumphres9001]

A question for Jess; have you researched the "three sisters" corn, squash, beans as the native Americans used to grow; I think in your area....

[@feathersky860]

It is a COOL SYSTEM❤️✔️🦅

[@honeybadgerisme]

O! Really like the enclosed garden system. Smart.

[@kingtut5923]

I am really glad I found your site, maybe see you some day from Canada

[@williamhuntington1397]

Exciting to see all of the growth in your garden!