Next Level Rainwater Harvesting In The Desert Pt. 1

[@lucassnel9158]

I am in the south of Spain I have done a lot of waterworks but it has been 16 months for the last real rain. Only max 6 cm in one go over a period of one day. I am waiting to see the result. Even the very old Olive trees are suffering and some of them dying at the neighbours. I am collecting water from the river 5 km away when we have a swim to cool down to keep my 200 newely planted trees alive. Oh I wish for the rain, the feeling when it happens is so wonderful and the joy I feel is beyond any feeling especially after the summer it feels like Nature starts to breath again. Bless you with your work.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Oh wow the weather has been interesting everywhere in the world. Sorry to hear of the drought you're experiencing! Hopefully you watching the rain here will bring it to you!✌🏾

[@lucassnel9158]

@@GrowTreeOrganics I hope too and it will rain again. I look at it in positive way also. I live in a tiny vilage and its main income is olives. They use the scorched earth metode with herbesides, tilling and burning all the cuttings. Rain constantly takes the top soil away and they spray pesticides 2 times a year. When they see that what I do is working they might change their way of thinking. Their old trees are suffering in some areas and my small trees are still doing ok although its a lot of work lacking rain. Only lost 2 this year and planted 30.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Oh I see. Hopefully you can set an example to some of the farmers. Keep working on your piece of land, that's what you're in control of right now!✌🏾

[@cristinapoeppel2158]

My father has a campo in Aguilas, Spain, and the cacti that used to produce abundant fruit have all died. It's sad to see the century year old food forest deteriorate.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@cristinapoeppel2158 very sad. I'm sorry to hear. It definitely motivates me to do what we can on our property!✌🏾

[@t.dig.2040]

My favorite thing after storms is the floating organic matter that marks the highwater marks. It's even cooler when those highwater marks start sprouting. Wet water works is always a treat. Hat tip!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Yea it's such a clue and insight of where the water is flowing, how high it could get, etc.. rainwater detective!✌🏾

[@SMTRodent]

Not a lot that is more exciting than seeing a water-slowing system fill up in heavy rain!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Right!?😅✌🏾

[@desertfire]

The sound of thunder was absolutely glorious! This weary, bone-dry Phoenician appreciates seeing all that water.

[@hardwareful]

I too appreciated the soundscape in this video. Somehow one has to point it out, since most videos these days are mudered by denoising.

[@richavic4520]

@@desertfire I hope his umbrella is composite, not metal

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Glad to hear it was a relaxing experience!😅✌🏾

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Natural sounds definitely have an effect on us!✌🏾

[@shannonalaminski2619]

First plant water. The rest will follow. Good job!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's the plan! Thank you very much!✌🏾

[@joshuagenes]

Great job! I wonder if you sprinkle a bunch of chia and flax seeds around you can't make some instant biomass. Those seed have a soluble fiber shell on them that soak up water in order to germinate the seeds

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

You're definitely right! We've actually got plans for just the right time!😉✌🏾

[@cathymadsen2930]

We know it works, but watching it in action is incredibly satisfying. I'm sure your heart swells with pride as you watch your hard work pay off. Mix that deep water soaking with mulch and organic matter, and the microbes will work the nutrients out of that clay and your garden will be an oasis in just three years. I'm really excited to see where this goes! I know my bare block with only weeds is now full of trees up to 5 meters tall after only 3 yrs... I even have shade now! 😅😊

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly! In Montana I had tremendous results within 3 years, so I know exactly what you're taking about!😅✌🏾

[@carolwright7503]

Trees for food, medicine, projects?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Coming soon!>>>>✌🏾

[@HideAndRead]

Can't wait to see the green. This is really impressive.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much!😁✌🏾

[@danfenske1067]

New to your channel as of today Monday September2, 2024. It must be both exciting and very gratifying to see all your hard work paying off. I'm impresses with all the water you have held back that will only improve you land for all living things. I wish I had known of permaculture when younger, I became aware only two years ago but have lived on our land since 1972. Twenty three acres that I would have loved to have set up for slowing and harvesting water like you're doing. I'll be 82 this year and now projects of this size are so hard to do. But I am glad that you recognized the importance of using these methods and acted on it. Good for you !

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Appreciate you joining the journey and the project! It's definitely great to see everything for what it is so far! Plenty more to build in the plans! Even though you can't do anything for yourself now, it's great to still get the support for our endeavors!✌🏾

[@risacademics]

The rock formations you are creating are becoming a wonderful art form on the landscape 🐺

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

They do look really nice for being plane colored rocks! But it's a really nice natural look and feel. Helps it blend with the surround more!✌🏾

[@risacademics]

@@GrowTreeOrganics i’m pausing to follow your mosaic layout closely. Was wondering about the depth over time on a north side slope. Go deeper with a half moon and follow the water down each season. A pool of stone and clay as trees grow above In years to come 🐺

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

The north side actually has a lot of penetration and slow down from the numerous trees and rocks. Our south side has a very big erosion problem I'll talk about the solution in the next video!✌🏾

[@risacademics]

@@GrowTreeOrganics Cool. Still learning your property. Meant as a general concept to have a north face bowl with a built up swale to take advantage of shade if a north face swale makes sense. Interested in the mosaic stonework and clay motoring as a bath (Japanese onsen style) and / or general water retention. Both materials can be sourced on property. Though your property seems sandy and will take time to create clay, if none is readily available Thanks for the follow-ups. Still learning about all this. Much appreciated. 🐺

[@Akio-fy7ep]

It might be time to erect a dolmen or two. People have all kinds of woo ideas about them, but they are mainly just very cool and help remind us of our truly ancient common heritage. Whenever you find one is a good time to stop and contemplate your place in the cosmos. Different people will have had different ideas about that, which is OK.

[@insAneTunA]

Thanks for the update. It is very nice to see all that potential. 👍

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you and it is!✌🏾

[@Hill_Walker]

Would be great to see a few time lapses of a individual pools. Growing during the downpours, then watching them soak in afterwards.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I can agree with that. I'll see what I can do in the future!✌🏾

[@paramashantadharma5676]

Really nice to see the relationship with the earth and the water elements. Good to see your hard work beginning to show results.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much!✌🏾💚

[@barbaravickroy7563]

Thanks for the Zuni bowl update....looks like it did an awesome job.....l wanted to get out in the rain and dig more swales and Zunis while the ground is soft....🥸😊 Regards from the Ozarks [formerly SoCalif]

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

The Zuni Bowl does pretty well! We've got plenty more we'll be doing! Good luck with your swales and Zuni bowls!✌🏾

[@barbaravickroy7563]

@@GrowTreeOrganics l meant that your vid made me feel like going out and working in the rain....but l'm a rather weather-beaten 87 yr.....my rock wall building days are over....but enjoy what you are doing...

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@barbaravickroy7563 I see😅 appreciate you supporting the Chanel!✌🏾

[@claireskrine4837]

I love this - I live in a very damp part of the world - London - but it's so encouraging to see work like this turning deserts green.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Definitely appreciate the support!✌🏾

[@bumfie]

if there were many schemes like this it would certainly help lessen the flash flood people are seeing further down the valleys You are doing a great job here

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly! Appreciate it!✌🏾

[@JesusPeopleSF]

you should prune the trees for mulch near the zuny bowls before you build the next one for some extra moisture retention under the rocks.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

You're exactly right! There's actually a lot of pruning we need to do, chop and drop!✌🏾

[@pepsisformosa242]

He has A Lot of work on his hands... Can't do everything at the same time... The place is huge and it's arid dry land. Nice suggestion though 😊

[@JesusPeopleSF]

@@pepsisformosa242 I saw in a more recent video he already started doing this.

[@yas4435]

Well we’ll we’ll!!! Rain event did not get to :2” yet. LOL. Short bursts of rain and hail can overwhelm the variety of earthworks 🍉🙃. Keep working on all of the variety of solutions!!! ❤❤

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Not the 2 inch, but I think depending on the year, that's about the max of downpour we get out here. Looking at our landscape the water veins don't run deep, but we have yet to see the average of things, which will come after a few years!✌🏾

[@TomBaddley]

Your cold endings leave me on the edge of my seat every time.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

😂😅✌🏾

[@pepsisformosa242]

Where's part 2 😂???

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@pepsisformosa242 the next video!😅✌🏾

[@sophiareygrace6656]

Great seeing all the water retention systems working 👍🏼👍🏼 you should also cut down some junipers and plant more native trees throughout your property

[@got2kittys]

Those junipers are the native trees. The most common, all others are rare.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Indeed we will!✌🏾

[@patrickrussell1888]

@@got2kittys, is the Juniper replacing native sagebrush habitat? This is a big issue in the Great Basin where society has deemed valuable native bird habitat is dwindling. Also, non-native weed/grasses overtake disturbed areas and eventually push out the sage ahd native grasses. Just a question, not a negative, necessarily.

[@got2kittys]

@@patrickrussell1888 At higher elevation the juniper is 95% of all species. Ranching spreads and effects more species than the juniper. And it is absolutely a native species in Az. They grow slowly, I have old growth junipers on my property that are at the 600 to 750 year old size. In some areas, the juniper get 2000 years old.

[@patrickrussell1888]

@@got2kittys you are so correct regarding the impact of ranching/grazing on the sagebrush community. And YES! Those Junipers are monarchs in the Great Basin. Not all sage/juniper communities are the same. I am familiar with the western Nevada region and to some extent eastern Oregon (grew up in a rural area south of Reno, attended the U of Oregon, BA Landscape Architecture/Environmental Planning). Retaining runoff and allowing it to recharge may give many of your Junipers a better chance in surviving climate change/global warming. I am happy to see someone who knows the value of the Junipers, like Bristlecone Pines.

[@joemc111]

Great to see you getting a little rain. Ok now a few questions. How much rain do you get a year?? What’s the biggest rain event you might get in say 5 or 10 years?? The big event is the one you have to build for. I like the half moon water harvesting system. If you would build these structures in rows on contour and the next row would touch the bottom of the row above you would catch all the rainwater . People building “The great green wall” to hold back the Sahara desert, build the half moon structure some 2 meters and some 4 meters. I am waiting to see a machine built that would hook to a 3 point hitch or the front end of a skid steer to help build these.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

We're looking at our yearly average between 12-13 inches. Biggest rain event could be 2 inches, considering what seems like the max impact rain we get here on average. We are accounting water structures so that we have ample supply of rainwater for animals, livestock, and Agriculture/ horticultural things. We've still got a ways to build! Appreciate your patience!✌🏾

[@joemc111]

@@GrowTreeOrganics thanks for getting back to me.

[@got2kittys]

Those work perfectly. Thousands of gallons in storage under the earthworks and Zuni bowl.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Building our water table up!✌🏾

[@jdcjr50]

I laughed out loud for your joy. Thanks!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you!😅✌🏾

[@contrafax]

Glad to see people greening my state. Good works.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Much appreciated!✌🏾

[@2A_supporter]

Those bud plants are looking real nice not used to seeing them in Arizona even tho it’s legal now as a kid I’d grow weed on mount Lemmon and up by flagstaff nowadays I do a bit of outdoors in Northern California but mostly veggies as I can only smoke bud plants😂

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you. This year is the test run, with the new bed being made and the soil mix, etc... ✌🏾

[@WilliamSFBikeTour]

Peace, love and intermittent rain showers! ✌🏻, 💝 & ⛈🌞🌧🌱

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Appreciate it my friend!💚✌🏾

[@maha333g5]

Be careful!! You could get zapped, especially with an umbrella !! Love watching your progress...stay safe

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I understand. I do wait for the most part for the major part of the storm to pass a end everything to die down. But you're right, I will be careful! Thank you!✌🏾💚

[@ScarCaskt]

Yeah that's like holding a lightning rod, it happens to golfers all the time in Florida.

[@shannonalaminski2619]

Do not fear Mother Nature. It is the Federal Government that will get all of us.

[@ravenrock541]

Think about creating moats around clumps of trees/shrubs. The roots systems will help retain the water as it gets absorbed into the soil

[@denverfamily1751]

And the resulting shade from the larger trees would open up more places for plants that would otherwise wilt in the heat.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Just wait for part 2!😉✌🏾

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Most definitely!✌🏾

[@alansmith5604]

​@@denverfamily1751Those trees are what's preventing the grass from growing. They are also known for consuming massive amounts of water. It would be more helpful if he removed a majority of them.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

The trees aren't actually. That's misinformation. We have grass growing amongst the juniper, our bare spots are a combination of multiple variables, intense rain, past fires, and overgrazing. The trees are actually doing the most to preserve what's left of this landscape and it's soils. ✌🏾

[@Alpemomi]

You sneaky: “Guess you gotta wait for Part II!” 😂😂

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

You know!😂✌🏾

[@tomatito3824]

This is incredible, please keep accentuating those swales and ponds!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you! Will do!✌🏾

[@karllivesonearth]

Hey dude, I love you. I am grateful for the work you do. Please continue. I am wishing you well and sending you good vibes.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I appreciate that! Thank you!✌🏾

[@LadyDesertTortoise]

you're doing amazing work! Thank you for sharing here on YT. My husband and I have property in Northwestern AZ and want to experiment with rainwater harvesting.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much! That's awesome to here, hopefully you're able to get some ideas here!✌🏾

[@Chris-zm7kg]

Good luck, keep at it and you will get something going.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's the plan!✌🏾

[@Pwecko]

That rainstorm was like a typical summer day here in northern England. 🙂 You're doing a great job there. It must be very satisfying to constantly improve the land. I'm looking forward to seeing everything turn green. After that, it would be great to send a drone up and compare your land to that around it. You spoke about your driveway. All I saw was big rocks. How the heck do you drive around there?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Really appreciate it, I'm looking forward to the future of everything here as well! I'm saving up for a drone, definitely would be great to get those overhead shots and before and after! The driveway is in the works it's mainly to start holding and slowing water! And we're mainly driving the 4 wheeler around, we park our vehicles at the bottom! But yes rocky!😅✌🏾

[@thomasforster8557]

Its nice to See How u try different way to come to ur sucsesess

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I appreciate that! Nature likes diversity and designing the landscape should be no different!✌🏾

[@donsambol]

Thanks!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much! Really appreciate it!✌🏾

[@hirokawiti4932]

Looking forward to part 2🙏 congrats on 9k🎉 that was fast your channel deserves more attention. Ty for posting. Bless up

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you so much 🤗✌🏾

[@hirokawiti4932]

10k*** your channel grows along with your greenery. Hope u get a workshop going tbh was just thinking a good way to get plenty done in a short time😅 and also teach others who want to but don't know how to

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@hirokawiti4932 I've actually been thinking and planning that a little for a while. ✌🏾

[@Zyragonn]

I watched your previous video this morning and really wanted to see the result. I didn't had to wait for too long

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's awesome!😅✌🏾

[@sunitadwarka347]

Vist site dirt locking system, cut rubber tyres in half use for blocking water. Very hard work. 💯 marks.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thanks for the tip!✌🏾

[@Smokkedandslammed]

Interesting tomato plants 😜

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

They'll definitely be essential for helping with building the soil!😉✌🏾

[@susancruz729]

God bless you in your work. The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much!✌🏾

[@jimdotcom1972]

do you wish you'd dug your bowl bigger or is it just right or are you going to make lots more of them?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Lots more! But there is also a concept as to why some things are deep and some are shallow, etc.!✌🏾

[@MeditationwithHolly]

​Can you explain why or it is that in a previous video?@@GrowTreeOrganics I'm super curious.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@MeditationwithHolly I'll have a video explaining next week!✌🏾

[@MeditationwithHolly]

@@GrowTreeOrganics Awesome, thanks 😊

[@beingsneaky]

I see your rock crop is coming up very well.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

She's gonna be a heavy harvest!😅✌🏾

[@jamestoday2239]

There's a regenerative agriculture farmer/lecturer in the US called Gabe Brown. I learnt a lot about soil dynamics from watching his journey with the land. He farms on dry land, one year he had (I think it was) 12" of rain in a day, the way he'd been managing his soil meant that all of it was absorbed down through the soil profile, whilst his neighbours conventional tillage farm still had flooding months afterwards. If I could offer one piece of advise I'd say be super careful with your traffic! Nothing like traffic especially on wet ground for creating compaction, thus run off! All the best.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I do know of Gabe Brown! I've seen/ heard almost all of his lectures. Definitely a mentor for myself. But you're right about the compaction, and you'll have to look back on previous episodes to know a little of the plot plan we have. Which pathways have been design into the plan, just not fully outlined in the videos. Appreciate the insight!✌🏾

[@wigwamwombats]

With you wanting to get rid of the junipers. Have you considered getting a wood chipper and using the chips for mulch as well?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Yes! Just gotta save up for one!✌🏾

[@wigwamwombats]

Save up a big brush pile and have everything prepped so you can just keep tossing wood in. Then rent one for a day or 2 and have a big pile of chips you can use as you need. It would be nice to have one but you could gauge how beneficial it could be without the larger investment up front.

[@wigwamwombats]

You can chip a lot in a day or two if the brush is prepped and ready to go.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@wigwamwombats most definitely!✌🏾

[@garryhancock-the-OG]

At least when it rains like this it is easy to see where you need to add workings to capture/slow the water. It'd be interesting to see how the seeds are doing.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly.... Just you wait!😉✌🏾

[@broklond]

Just found your channel today, it is wonderful work that you are doing, keep it up!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Welcome aboard! Thank you!✌🏾

[@2A_supporter]

Just remember those junipers pull all that water you worked hard to collect and release it right back into the air. As that land was originally grass lands and occasionally oaks and pine.

[@cathymadsen2930]

Long term that helps create micro climates that help better trees and shrubs to grow. Many plants need a bit of humidity.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

We'll see about that!😉✌🏾

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly!✌🏾

[@RErikWeigand]

Great progress! I believe that you may benefit from installing "Electroculture antenna" on your property. An effective low-tech idea of enhancing plant growth. Best of luck with your project 👍

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Appreciate it! I may do a few garden beds to show/ experiment with this concept. I've definitely looked into for a while as well!✌🏾

[@mechanics4all405]

would it be worth building big pit say 5 ft deep for the tarpaulin catchment? great work gets better every time

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Wait till next video! You'll know then!😅✌🏾

[@MásCebollasPorFavor]

It's finally supposed to rain here in Texas! If you could just help me dig a few catchments... because it's still hot here. 😭 😂

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's good! Whatever catchments you dig I'll match you!✌🏾

[@ourrockydreamontheelephant4188]

A few videos ago you mentioned that you might plant pines. Wanted to let you know that at Star nursery in Kingman they have Mondell pines at 9 dollars.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Oh nice! Appreciate that insight. I'll look into that!✌🏾

[@andrewlewis5762]

Very cool dude, thankyou 👍

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thanks, appreciate it! 💯✌🏾

[@GeneOlson-cu8ro]

Long ago I studied forestry and that coupled with conversations with a friend in Big Sur, lead me to make the following observation. You may do well to build high gound sparsely vegetated fire breaks into the plan. Desert and especially near desert areas are prone to wildfire as a few hot dry weeks, months can make the surface tinder dry, and have enough dry to set the green on fire. Planned firebreaks and housekeeping can mitigate that.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Definitely a great point, but that's also what the earthworks do as well. We can create more specific fire break earthworks with vegetation as well too. We're only 1 year into this project, so we've still got plenty to do!✌🏾

[@barongerhardt]

Such a different world. Around me people build earth works to better shed water from their property.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

We're Unconventional here!😅✌🏾

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

I imagine you will see a flush of sprouts after this thorough wetting. On contour swales and berms are your best bet where you are not in a rock field. In the rock field, clear and put some rocks to work by building on contour leaky weirs. I don't really know the scope of your property, but I imagine a continuous swale & Hugelkultur berm construction running from one property boundary to the opposite side. These structures will be your first green ribbons that will have a monumental impact on the property and your ability to become self sustaining with food and water. Given your limited labor hours per week, I would steer away from Zuni Bowls and pocket ponds. If you have enough collected rain water to fill a pond - build a serious ponds when you can afford an excavator to do the digging. It will take time and experience on the land to find the best locations for infiltration ponds. Your land sure has a lot of potential! Best of luck :)

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much. As we are only 2 people the build up will be slower, but I've got done good news I'll share on the next video!😉✌🏾

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

@@GrowTreeOrganics Good for you! I'll be waiting 😊

[@Sarcasticass]

I live in N. Alabama where we get a lot more rain than you guys but we still have droughts occasionally. About ten years ago I dug a trench along the up hill side of my garden to catch runoff from my house and although I can’t see a big difference I think it’s because it’s not an arid climate. Thinking of adding a ram pump from the spring at the bottom of my property.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I see. You're in a pretty good standing than for rain catchment and storage!✌🏾

[@321ozzy]

PEOPLE WATCHING, PRESS THE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE BUTTON 🙂...61% of the people who watched this video is not subscribed, the like/watch ratio is 4.3%... It helps the channel obtain revenue to continue with / speed up their project and to share more videos. I live in the jungle and we have quite some rain, though we also have long dry seasons and we use well water from sweet water "cenotes" to water the trees on and surrounding our property. I saw you also build a rock wall, we call that a "muralla", which you can fill up with soil to have a raised bed. To make them more resistant to collapsing, add stones to the side of the wall under an angle of 45 degrees, this helps to withstand the pressure of wet soil during extreme downpours. Thank you for sharing your project and knowledge. All the best frm Mexico

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much for the support! ✌🏾

[@rm6857]

Hope water stays as long as possible. Which microphone do you use? Cause those thunders sound very real in my headphones.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you, the company is called Comica, it's a type of shotgun microphone I think? I'm glad the sound is good on your end!👍🏾✌🏾

[@stijnt2377]

Certainly looks like you've got plenty of rocks to make all the dams you could ever want :-)

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

A lifetimes worth!😅✌🏾

[@hirokawiti4932]

Gta say its really quite satisfying and relieving imto see mycelium production alr in such an arid climate. Its really gna help break down the straw much moe quicky and hopefully spread the spores down through the waterworks systems. Also you have a magnetic personality bro and the personal touches you put in to your videos is very endearing. You guys gave a great attitude, and the passion you have for your work is very exciting, encouraging and contagious. its really great that your bringing us along for the ride. Thank you for sharing your insight, Bless up

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I love seeing the mycelium! 😅 but appreciate your words and support on the journey! Thank you!✌🏾

[@hirokawiti4932]

@GrowTreeOrganics do you think it maybe bc of the spray mix u were using earlier?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Possibly? Or that we've held more moisture to help with fungal growth already here? I'll be spraying more tea in winter here. ✌🏾

[@hirokawiti4932]

@@GrowTreeOrganics just amazing

[@ridingvenus]

I’ve seen that happen 4-6 times an hour for a total of 2-3 hours max over a days period and repeat at least a couple hours over a 3 consecutive day period here in nw Williams. …it did small rain day’s in addition just sprinkling for a total of 7 days of rain off and on. That storm stranded me for about 1.5 weeks and the roads were still bad. With a 4x4 at least a little lifted I probably could of gotten out in 7 days. I hope you are prepping for pond(s)..as erosion is a serious thing. I’m gonna throw a trash pump in my ponds/basins to pump out muck for me to haul to higher ground. I am looking to get wood chips..manure…..sand..small rock…grasses etc.

[@ridingvenus]

Nice I hadn’t seen your basins…11:18

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

More to come! And sorry you got stranded! Hopefully you rode it out just fine!?✌🏾

[@Facemelter5000]

This is great!!!!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

💚😅✌🏾

[@gospelofchange]

This the vibe

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Naturally!😅✌🏾

[@numchacar]

lighting striking near by and you have an umbrella haha best conductor for it haha

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

If it was metal!, luckily mine is made of fiberglass!✌🏾

[@numchacar]

@@GrowTreeOrganics haha I thought you had balls of steel standing out there haha

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@numchacar thanks! I do try to wait till most of the storm has passed a ways, but also our soil drains so fast I need to be out in the storm to see the water flow and how everything fills up. The next video will include my way back up to our build and everything is pretty drained from what it was when I got up there. This will be in the part 2 video.✌🏾

[@FarmerJohnNV]

excited to see how your earth works for water capturing evolve, have you learned from dr piri or brad landcaster at all ?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Indeed from both! ✌🏾

[@adamgibson7903]

Dang, he has far more small water retention formations on his property than I had previously realized.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Lots I haven't shown and still more to build!✌🏾

[@Will_Forge]

I think I see some erosion in the raised areas meant to control water flow. Is that the case? If so it may be a good idea to dig up some clay and bake it into sort of roof shingle shaped plates, or something so that you can line the hills with them and block water flow even better. The soil can erode through the gaps between rocks, but the soil can't erode through a solid fired clay plate supported by stones is what I'm thinking. Also I noticed the pool at 5:00 is already kind of low despite there being no way it drained over the edge that low. Did that one not get as much rain for some reason, or is it absorbing that quickly into the soil? I live in Louisiana below sea level, so I'm not used to the ground absorbing water that fast. Is that a local climate thing, or is it possible your land is losing water into underground natural cistern and underground river flow off- property which is making it absorb water into the soil faster by capillary action creating a sort of downward suction as it drips into a cave? Anyway, I'm just rambling a bit now. I'd love to see some kind of massive effort to remove all the pebbles from the soil. You'd have to dodge the grass, but if you built a screen sift onto a rented bulldozer scoop you could really push that soil into a much softer state and gather the rocks and pebbles for construction efforts at the same time. Maybe unify all the pebbles and rocks into a winding river bed that irrigates the whole property or something? I dunno. Your videos are inspiring most of all, and I'm ADHD, so the ideas just start flowing as I watch. Sorry for dumping them all on you. 😆

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Appreciate your input, and to at least answer a little of that😅 the soil does drain that quick, very sandy, so that's why some earthworks are shallow and some are deep. Overall though we need more coverage on the soil to give it a chance to absorb!😅✌🏾

[@Will_Forge]

@@GrowTreeOrganics that makes sense! More like a day at the beach than in my backyard. 😆

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

😅😂✌🏾

[@Mulberrysmile]

I’d be curious to see you do a test. Dig down in a place outside your water works to measure how deeply the water penetrated, and compare to spots along your waterway and in the Zuni bowl. I ask because I was shocked when I lived in FL. We were having a prolonged draught and finally got some rain. I could not have been more surprised to see the wet sand only went down two inches. Under that was as dry as before the rain. I thinks it makes a good lesson for people, as it was for me, to see how dry soil can become hydrophobic, how pooled water allows the water to sink in instead of shedding, and also how ground cover like straw and wood mulch or plant life helps to hold the moisture at a stable level for longer.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Yea I'll have to do something like that or get a probe to measure moisture! Thanks!✌🏾

[@TruFrag]

To me, it seems like it would be a good idea to fill the pooling areas with gravel and then adding a thick layer of straw over that to help catch sediment. Eventually, the idea being that the water will stay protected from the heat under the ever-increasing sediment layer. Gives it even more time to absorb into the ground instead of evaporating.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Definitely a good idea! That's what our Zuni bowls actually do, the rock lined bowls serve a similar function. ✌🏾

[@KaiKoerber]

Man the way you edited the vid makes me want to play red dead redemption! I hope someone discovers your footage and puts it into the game! I was really expecting someone jumping out and yell “stickem up partner”

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's too funny, glad it was entertaining!😅✌🏾

[@gigglesandchaos5443]

Good job. You managed to hold back loads of water. Any seeds in the ground to germinate from that lot? I'm sure we'll see greenery very soon 😊

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you! There are some seeds but we'll do the majority of planting in winter time! Green coming and in the making !✌🏾

[@williamsmith5514]

Out the back of Geraldton , near the Simpson Desert they had about 6 months of this type weather . Rain heading in from the North West and up from the south west continuing to flood this region. Yet South Australia has been in near drought till August !.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Whoa crazy!✌🏾

[@lazerblade2]

One thing to be aware of is sometimes straw bales bought from farmers will have exfoliants and other chemicals sprayed on them, and it can cause fallout on soil that it's spread to. Don't know where you got your straw, but I've heard that can be an issue.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

It can be, it's definitely why it's important to know where the straw came from and which farm. ✌🏾

[@staudtj1]

You know you've got Big Hail when it's stripping the leaves off the trees . . .

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly!😅✌🏾

[@stephaniewilson3955]

The difference a few rocks can make! 😉

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Right!?😅✌🏾

[@fandore12]

humm have you looked into ollas? maybe try something similar to that? preferably in areas that hold the most water to store under ground and prevent less evaperation and put the water where the trees need it....

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I have, but thank you for the suggestion! I'll be doing a design around gravity Irrigation in certain areas and our garden areas!✌🏾

[@jamestboehm6450]

More ditches and swales are needed. Definitely more deep rooted grasses, like prairie grass if it will grow there. How about some moringa trees?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Yes indeed, slowly but surely!😁✌🏾

[@jamestboehm6450]

​@@GrowTreeOrganicsyou do know the benefits of moringa don't you? If not do some research the benefits are well worth the plant.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I do. I definitely want to get that tree!✌🏾

[@IRailroad]

❤

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

💚✌🏾

[@tarwingrill4531]

The straw will absorb the water then will evaporate it back out. It could be considered as a barrier to water penetrating the soil. Dig small hole under the straw and under the puddle to see how deep the water penetrates the soil. Remember once that straw was 90% water. Given a chance, it will absorb that much water

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Not as much water as you're thinking. Straw was shown to be a better mulch than other mulching materials, holding moisture in the soil longer. ✌🏾

[@jamesc2647]

Do you have water running onto your property from a neighbor? Can you collect enough water for the entire year? Is the water flow going to the northwest?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I do, I can, and no, half to the south, south west, and north, north west!👍🏾✌🏾

[@tricky1992000]

That land looks great for some stone lines (magic stones) and zai pits. Just look how wide the water runs.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly!✌🏾

[@Kat-Knows]

Do u have a drawn map of sorts of how u r building swells, basins, rock dams/ ridges, zunni bowls around ur property from uphill to down hill?? I am a bit mystified of what the plan/idea is besides slowing rqain water run off. Example, u seemed to talk some about ur 'driveway' but there seemed to be a swell in the middle of it with a rock ridge near the driveway swell. i thought one would want to build up the driveway so it does not get washed & have swells on the sides of the driveway to pull the water off the driveway. Just wondering what the bigger plan is.

[@JesusPeopleSF]

They mentioned previously that they want more rain water to seep into the ground at their property rather than continuing downhill or evaporating. This will help the soil grow more things, easier

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

There is indeed a drawn map, I'll explain a little in part 2 video when that comes out. But the drawn plan is more a guide and direction of things and we're adjusting, and customizing along the way! Everyone's goals and designs will be different, to speak of the swale in the middle of the road. It is designed to slow and capture water but only to a point where it exits two different sides. Then I have other places where the whole area i is flooded as much as possible, everyone's property is unique and concepts are solid, the design is flexible, I like to think!✌🏾

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

👍🏾💚

[@llillian4055]

The zuni bowl you have, but bigger with a stone wall at the down-hill side, repeated, should slowly turn into terraced gardens. Just think through the long term goal - do you want terraces (build bigger walls), or just water retention (consider digging more and deeper water catchers, but low walls so long term they stay easily traversable)?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

We have terraces as well! We'll do plenty more Zuni bowls too, but you're right different designs yield different results. Depends on your goals!✌🏾

[@manekou3303]

Have you thought about making cover structure for places where to water will pool up? You know, so it evaporates more slowly?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Indeed, lots of plans that we haven't gotten to yet! I can't wait to get to them too!😅✌🏾

[@caseyhogan2142]

Dude has the umbrella like "Pick me!" 😂😂 Im playing it happens any good fisherman/boater has been there before. Glad you are safe

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Always!😅✌🏾

[@brendavalentine-bates7737]

Good start❤ question: could a bowl inside a larger bowl work? Live in zone with a lot of drought in last few years and clay soil. Thought of copying your efforts on our hill.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

You definitely could do that! Almost puts a bit more artistic spin on it! Experiment away!😅✌🏾

[@elliemay7839]

Eco poly tanks can be used for rain water harvesting

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Yes you can✌🏾

[@ricks341]

Have a garage to park your car in in AZ is a must for so many reasons. I hate hail!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Definitely! That will be a later project for sure!✌🏾

[@Morbius1963]

Maybe you have, if so sorry, but have you considered digging deepish sumps? Maybe you'd need a digger and this is anathema to your mission. Dig out the rock and soil 2x2x2m and backfill with stone. Alternatively, I have seen a pit dug to the length and width of a polypropylene forklift pallet to a feasible depth and old poly pallets dropped in up to height with a cap of turf.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Nice! We may have to experiment with that ideas! Appreciate it!✌🏾

[@lisa2stewart]

🍜🌌 this is how Buffalo wallows work... My maternal grandfather was off the reservations in Oklahoma and he told me about Buffalo wallows and how green they would be in the dry times, and you just stumble on them because they were lower than everything else.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing!✌🏾

[@suzetteperkins1089]

In Australia, our hail are golf ball to cricket ball size

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That would be crazy to see!✌🏾

[@Earthlygardenchannel]

Love you ❤

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Much love thank you!✌🏾💚

[@charlesselander9275]

just curious what would happen if you got a large round bale of Straw, and dug a shallow 1ft or less "trench" unrolled a section of straw bale and replaced the soil back ontop? would this work as a good sponge to absorb water while soil ontop prevents immediate evaporation?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

What you're saying would work, but we'll mostly be creating mulch on top of the soil. I think it's a bit more efficient and one bail will cover a lot of area compared to burying a bale. Appreciate the question. ✌🏾

[@pepsisformosa242]

Would be nice to see the site with a drone or a drawing made with Google maps! That way you could show your swales and ponds!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's in the next couple videos!✌🏾

[@pepsisformosa242]

@@GrowTreeOrganics Congrats m8

[@desertlocoshomestead]

A helpful tip i learned too late, sadly, watch out for hay and straw and the chemicals used on them. Its bad stuff and can prevent things from growing and even kill the things that are growing. what seems to help retain water in my yard is goat/sheep/donkey manure... but again, if they eat hay, those chemicsls pass thru into the manure and can do more harm than good... thanks for sharing the journey, its fun playing in the desert rain!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thanks for the tip! That's important to know about.✌🏾

[@debratakagawa4764]

That was a nice little rain shower and hailstorm. Is this your first year? Just wondering if next year should have more green growth on the property?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

This will be our first year in Arizona! So everything we've done isn't even a year old yet and we're already seeing results!✌🏾

[@carolwright7503]

Amazing how much water👏👋🙏

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

So much!😅✌🏾

[@richavic4520]

Did the hail give you an idea of deposition patterns? To me, the drainage still looks fairly broad, with a few incised channels. Those, they'll cut down. Pay attention to where the water speeds up.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

It was a short burst of hail! The rain has more impact and visuals of what's going on here!✌🏾

[@richavic4520]

The straw did a more better job of revealing transport and deposition. Sorry/not sorry for my cumbersome syntax

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

You're good!😅 but you're right the straw definitely gave me lots of good insight!✌🏾

[@2A_supporter]

At 3:18 and 3:27 that huge creek of water can be turned into one big pool at the end for water catchment

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly!✌🏾