Rock Dam and "Ollas" to Grow Garden in Desert (episode 3.3)

The key to successful crops in the desert is water retention in the soil. I'm planning to grow corn, squash, and beans in this arid land. My hut and garden area are on a slope. Strategically building a small dam to collect water as it flows down the slope will help to collect more water in the garden area. Other strategies will also be employed such as the use of biochar, compost, and heavy mulching. Let me know your thoughts on this project.
My social media links:
Instagram @chadzuberofficial
Facebook @chadzuber
Key moments:
00:00 Introduction
00:41 Collecting rock
02:43 Building dam
04:02 Nap time in my hammock
04:44 Firing an "olla"
06:56 Clearing the flow of water
07:37 Water flow explained
08:13 Leveling the garden
09:10 Pulling the "olla" from the kiln
09:45 Explaining the weather here
10:25 Conclusion
Drums of the Deep by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon...

[@mr.zardoz3344]

If you dont have a camera man or a camera woman, you are working much more then what we see on video. Your photography is outstanding Sir. I salute you.

[@ecv80]

Or a camera unicorn... in case "camera man" only implied any kind of person and not any kind of being.

[@Timmyjg2004]

?​@@ecv80

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I do not have a cameraman. I am the cameraman. And yes, I work way WAY more than what you see in a video.

[@TS-jm7jm]

​@@ChadZuberAdventures if i may pass on one suggestion, it is to build one or two swale and berm sets to the side of the garden, and even one higher up the slope, you need not use such big rocks for it, maybe just some wood staked into the back of the berm that faces the garden, just to give more water more time to seep into the ground

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

@@TS-jm7jmThanks for the suggestion

[@milja903]

Hi Chad, nice to see you working with the garden. A thought for you for starting the garden seeds. Since you are in a very dry climate, you can germinate the seeds before planting them. This works especially well for beans and peas. Simply leave the seends to soak for a day or two changing the water once in a day, until you see seeds cracking and the first root appearing. If you sow them after germinating, they are more likely to survive. Just don’t let the root get too long, just a crack in the seed and a tip of root visible is enough to help them starting. Good luck with the garden!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks for the tip. I have started seeds in pots before but I never germinated them like you said. That seems like a very good idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@Cyan_Ryan]

Thanks Chad for the update. As for the ollas they should generally help retain moisture but you should also make some lids for them then cover the tops with soil as well so water doesn't evaporate.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I will definitely be covering the ollas but I will keep the opening at the surface so that I can easily refill them.

[@noway934]

With all the good advice from your many followers, your garden should be a great success. Your place is becoming more like a settlement

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yeah, I read all the comments and consider the tips. It helps a lot to have perspectives of so many people.

[@sbdiaries]

Thank you for sharing your solo work on your garden. Your perseverance will becworth it in the end ❤. Greetings from England 🇬🇧 Simon and Beth ❤👌❤️

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you. I hope it is a successful one this year.

[@warpone9463]

Прекрасная работа. Давно наблюдаю за тобой, и я действительно восхищаюсь тобой. Очень надеюсь, что ты продолжишь радовать подобными видео.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Спасибо. Будет интересно посмотреть, сработает ли этот проект.

[@Ded-Lesha-gs]

@@ChadZuberAdventures Попробуй штаны через голову одевать или чесать левой пяткой правое ухо. Это будет интересно.

[@christineedwards4865]

As others mentioned, you need mulch. If you mulch with rotted wood chips or compost, it will retain moisture and build soil fertility over time. Your rock dam for catching water makes sense, but I doubt it will rain enough for your plants in that spot, and you'll need supplemental watering. The ollas will extend your watering time, but definitely moniter them until you know how fast they go dry. You could also try using elevation to your advantage. Water drains downhill, so in a dry area like that, low spots would be better. It seems almost like you're making a raised bed with a rock retainer. Raised beds are often used in areas with the opposite problem, poor drainage and too much water, so be cautious of that. I love the primitive digging tools, what a massive amount of work!

[@loris4937]

Абсолютно верно!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, I will be mulching heavily when the time comes. Regarding the rain, many times it rains very hard here and water can be seen flowing down the slope. The dam will certainly collect a significant amount of water and slow the flow so that the surrounding soil can soak it up. I realize too that it seems more like I made a raised bed and that is contrary to the goal. I am going to pile earth and more rock on the other side of that dam to insulate it. All this certainly is a lot of work, that is true. We'll see how it works this summer.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

@@fatherfoxstrongpaw8968I will look for it. Thanks!

[@gillsmoke]

he's in a super arid environment, litho mulch might be the way to go cover the garden with flat stones such that they aren't touching the plants. He's also likely to need shade cloth to protect the plant babies from the afternoon sun.

[@christineedwards4865]

@@gillsmoke That's an interesting idea too, white quartz might also be good because it doesn't absorb as much heat as darker rocks. I personally don't like mulching with stone because you have the work of putting it down, but it doesn't decompose in any reasonable amount of time, so you have to do more work when it comes time to amend the soil and replant. Organic mulches perform double duty by trapping moisture and also decomposing to add nutrients, and if some gets mixed into the soil when the next planting season comes around, it's usually not a problem and could actually be beneficial. Shade cloth would probably be ideal, but it would be a lot of work to craft one from natural materials that would be durable enough to withstand wind and not block too much light. It would be better to plant strategically in partial shade from trees or something. People have cultivated plants in that region for a very long time, though. I think they mostly used water conservation techniques, they even figured out a way to store seeds in clay balls to preserve them for the future. For instance, Baker Creek Seeds carries a winter squash cultivar named "Gete Okosumin" that was allegedly found in a clay ball in a cave.

[@Smart2fox]

Как всегда очень интересно, Чад. Удачи!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Спасибо

[@jotun9988]

Your content has always felt pure to me. Stay golden, Mr. Zuber.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you!

[@darriendastar3941]

I love what you're doing. Spring has now come where I am and I'm looking at improving my garden. The technology has changed, but the basic principles you're using and the problems in growing things are pretty much the same. It's an important lesson to learn and thank you for all the hard work you put in so I can learn it from the comfort of my armchair. Many, many thanks, Chad.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

It's crazy how much work it is to prepare a garden in a place like this. I hope you have a bountiful crop this year.

[@richard2mitchell]

YES YES! i want to see more of terraforming...BEND THE LAND TO MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Land bending coming!

[@richard2mitchell]

@@ChadZuberAdventures DUDE YES! i love when real youtubers make the best out of the land and leave it better...i like the idea of after you are done if some one was to show up there they would be able to live there with no real worries lol

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

@@richard2mitchell Yes!!!

[@lisakasprzycki]

sigh ..! a garden.. a kiln, a fire in the house, a gosh darned real hammock.. what a heaven. So glad i found this respite here.

[@Zumatik_]

Just a tip, I've seen how you lifted the stones, when you bend down, that hurts your back, try to lift it out of your legs, e.g. by squatting down and always making sure that your back is straight

[@zinckensteel]

Dude, this guy's pinkie finger could arm wrestle most of us into submission, you better be one helluva physical trainer to think he wants your advice.

[@Zumatik_]

@@zinckensteel you can be as strong as hulk but still hurt your back with this method of lifting and many dont know how to lift right and for what are the comments if not give him tips

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5KboIKYerWjqrMsi=LS79-OKZw1DTNxjv&t=685

[@Elmo-the-Ohioan-62]

I was thinking the same thing. I am really enjoying your videos. They're packed full of information and I got to tell you once I see it I know it thank you very much❤😊

[@Sur5r1]

A lot of hard work. It's an interesting life you chose, thank you for sharing it!

[@A3A3]

You are a lucky man to live this beautiful primitive life. If it were anyone else, he wouldn't be able to live even half a day, but you are a wonderful person. Keep it up my friend. you are the best.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

You are so kind

[@bradlafferty]

The ollas are a very good idea. To further moisture retention I have found that using a mulch atop the moistened soil will both keep it moister longer as well as suppress weeds which would take water away from your cultivars. Great vid!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, I intend to put a lot of mulch on the surface.

[@stevenolan7972]

A thick mat of dried grass will hold a lot of moisture in the ground too

[@VahnCruz]

Came here to say this. It will also keep the soil temperature lower, protecting the young roots and beneficial micro biome inside the dirt . Leaves and hay work great, just try to keep them "lofted" and don't let them compact to much.

[@ZobrAz]

Yes, some sort of mulch is necessary in addition to fertilizer and watering of course. All it's hard but doable but how to deal with vermints I have no idea..

[@milja903]

Just keep an eye of the grass, too thick of a layer can suppress seed growth and get moldy beneath.

[@jenreal360]

​@@milja903I agree with very little research I found out that the Mojave desert is grainy and salty and I'm betting if the soil gets washed the salt deposits will wash out

[@kaitlynlsari681]

🤦 grass is not a good idea in a garden, it leaches nitrogen out as it decomposes. it also holds black mold and dusty mold, which will spread to the roots of your garden plants. which is not what you want in a garden. Good try though 😬

[@edsonpereiradossantos9962]

Sou do Brasil gosto muito de assistir os seus vídeos parabéns

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Obrigado

[@moranmike36]

We like your garden and your channel. Thank you!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks!

[@daisyerwin8860]

When I made a garden in Colorado high desert I put some branches with thin twigs in a pile around some of the plants and those grew really well because it provided shade during the really bad heat days when it dries out completely between morning and evening waterings. The plants that I did that to and kept mulched with moist soil grew really well. It also is important to consider the subvariety of seeds you use as some are more adapted to desert life. Heritage seeds or ones from local seed banks seem to work the best.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yeah, I purchased native seeds that were gathered from plants growing in mid elevation desert climates.

[@christopherconaway3549]

I second the mention of mulch on top of the bed. You could use some your shredded juniper bark and spread it evenly across the top of the garden. Where your plants go you can pull up the mulch and recover the seeds

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I will be mulching heavily but I have to research juniper bark to make sure it doesn't contain natural herbicides.

[@sarahcalenda1712]

Your garden is coming along quite nicely! I am looking forward to the final product. I am wishing luck from Ohio. May you be blessed with a lush bountiful harvest this year! If anything you will have learned more now, so that you have a better chance of success next year. 😊❤

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you so much. I'm sure this climate is much different from that of Ohio. Do you grow a garden there?

[@sarahcalenda1712]

@ChadZuberAdventures Oh most definitely the climate does differ quite a bit. However, I feel we have about the same process to prepping our soils for the following harvests. I used to garden quite a bit before moving here in the city. Now, not so much with outdoor gardening but we do a lot of growing crops indoors.

[@sarahcalenda1712]

I am an open book if you have any questions regarding indoor or outdoor gardening. There are so many different ways to grow crops. I am pretty knowledgeable about growing plants in hotter climates. I used to live in Florida and spent a lot of time in Louisiana and Texas. So I may have some tips that could help.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

@@sarahcalenda1712Thanks. What is a good recipe for making compost tea to mix with the biochar?

[@sarahcalenda1712]

I will do my best to keep this short-ish and sweet. I info dump a lot. So, if I need to clarify anything just let me know, ha-ha! So, we used this 5-gallon bucket to make a super nutritious soil booster. We filled it with a mix of compost, kitchen scraps (like coffee grounds, tea, and eggshells), manure, and leaves. This combo helps break down the organic stuff and releases good stuff for our plants. Then, we added water and let it sit for a few days. After that, we strained out the solids and added the liquid to our soil. The cool thing about eggshells is that they help neutralize soil acidity and keep weeds away. Since you like to eat a lot of raw eggs, I don't think you will have an issue with getting those acquired. :) We then stored the leftover mixture in a shady spot to use throughout the season. It's like having a nutrient stash! If your plants are looking sad (wilting, browning, etc.), it might mean they need a nutrient boost. Just keep an eye on them and adjust as needed. We also used some other tricks to keep our soil happy and pests away. Mulch helps keep moisture and aid in drainage. Also, human/dog hair keeps bigger pests away. Just hang it around your garden and voila! Natural pest control, at least for the bigger pests. The only thing that I know that may help with bugs primitively, would be taking a plant with saponins, like Yucca and making soapy water to spray on your plants. I know that soap water is a safe natural way to keep bugs at bay, and it didn't hurt our harvests. Hopefully...some of this helps. That is of course just a small bunch of many different tips that I could give. :) I am more than happy to help further if you desire it again.

[@santomuro]

Ollas are the way to go! Great to see your knowledge of biochar and other soil amendments. I assume you’re already familiar with permaculture, but if not I highly recommend researching it :)) thanks for all the great content mate. Long time fan from Australia 🇦🇺

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I'm working on creating a self-sustaining agriculture project here that requires little maintenance. We'll see how it goes.

[@illegallyblonde232]

Perfect way to end a perfect day, Happy Easter to you and your family, hope you had a great day. I spent the morning n afternoon in nature with my sons, nothing better. I'm making raised beds using logs to keep the critters away, may we both be blessed this year😊

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Happy Easter to you too! I spent half the day on the computer and cleaning pottery. Then I began weaving a coiled basket. Enjoy the week!

[@ab_ab_c]

Looks good. To reduce evaporation significantly make sure you cover your garden soil with a thick layer of mulch!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes! I will definitely be covering with lots of mulch.

[@Templarium]

oh yes original drums ❤

[@kaitlynlsari681]

Fantastic 👍 thats my thoughts on your idea! Yes ollas are a incredibly clever solution to improve soil moisture and the rock dam was very well thought out, burying the base of the dam into the soil will help immensely. Fantastic effort Chad 👍👍👍

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I'm hoping that it works. Thanks!

[@Imsamhill]

Digging swales is your best bet for more water infiltration and retention. Look up Geoff Lawton and his greening the desert project. You could do a primal version of this around your home site. Swales with trees/plants on the berms. You could regreen your area.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Interesting thought. Plant native trees on the berms. I will have to think about all this. I'm not sure I want to alter the landscape that much.

[@Imsamhill]

@@ChadZuberAdventures Gotcha. Yeah it would change it. I'm not sure how you could do it with primitive tools. Might need some more though to accomplish.

[@Chaos_Walrus]

Looks great so far! I'm excited to see the garden flourish! You can also add mulch on top of the soil to help retain moisture.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I will be adding a lot of mulch.

[@markgibsons_SWpottery]

We are on the same mission in our tribal terrarium. We have four corners potato, salsify, dandelion, multi headed sunflowers, corn, and beans,... we found that squash takes up too much space in our limited area,.. but our salsify makes more food than we ever imagined... Finding ways to survive indiginous styles is my life,... but it takes too much time too film most of it,... Great work, Brother Chad!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I wish you a bountiful harvest. Yes, squash does take a lot of space. I'm going to plant in different locations too and see what happens.

[@markgibsons_SWpottery]

I appreciate that, and we love to grow enough, but we are just doing the math on, how much we need to grow and how much space in the high desert is required for sustenance. We hope to make a video on it in the fall.@@ChadZuberAdventures

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

@@markgibsons_SWpotteryI’d like to see that

[@deedozer9628]

never thought you'd quote kevin durant lol, im glad that the garden is getting more attention these past few episodes!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Me neither but his quote was appropriate because I'm not really talented at anything but I have a tendency to never give up.

[@robertwilson5575]

Just a thought, I believe that the down stream side of the dam will need more rock reinforcement to support the occasional flash flood water surge against the dam itself. Also, the greatest water threat to the dam may be water getting under the dam from constant flow against the dam and waters tendency to go under ground and erode the dam from below…

[@justaguy995]

May want to use a terrace to slow the flow of water

[@ram1brn]

lol really the waters are coming from his hut to the garden not gonna be much of a flash flood

[@robertwilson5575]

Glad I made your day partner…comment was about spreader dam construction in the Southwest US, one man, two arms, Mother Nature with an attitude…

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I mentioned in the video that I am going to pack earth on the downstream side of the dam. The main reason for this is insulation so that the soil next to the dam doesn't dry out too fast. When it rains hard it will be interesting to see exactly what happens with this setup. But you bring up a good point that if too much water flows it could cause some damage. That's part of the reason I leveled the garden area so that surface flow doesn't rip out the soil.

[@denaliprincess]

I've seen the use of half-moon shapes carved into the land to catch more water. Little half-moons with plants growing inside and catching the water.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, that is a good idea too. I will actually be planting in a few other locations too. So I'll probably use that technique somewhere else.

[@louiseswart1315]

Every row of these horseshoe swales needs to be opposite the gaps between the swales in the previous row, so you catch every drop of runoff. Usually some kind of fruit tree(your endemic berries and oaks by the hut will also benefit from this) is planted in such a swale against the berm(it would be good it it could be to the west side to block harsh afternoon sun) and in the hollow, plants used as vegetables are planted with a herb and a flower to attract bees.

[@joshs_boxes]

Very cool video! Best of luck in your garden endeavors!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks

[@sendaisweetie5297]

I'm excited to see how your garden turns out!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Me too!

[@bensh7663]

To myself I’m talking while watching to your quotings like - “Wow” “Fascinating” “Incredible” I like watching your videos before bed and to get a kind of insight, thank you Chad 😎

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I’m glad you enjoy them. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@nickgrimmer7274]

Chad, also add, holding ponds and trenches which will collect any water and get it to hold water within the area and build up the local water table, stay well and safe, ❤️🇬🇧🙏

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, I want to try that too. But I have to seal them so that they don't lose water. For example, the pit will only hold a little water for a few hours then it soaks through the earth. I am thinking of clay lined pits that I can fire.

[@Daniel_Plastiak_Crazy_Adventur]

Good idea. I am very curious what the results will be. 😀🖖👍

[@loris4937]

Дорогой Чад, тебе понадобится много сухой травы и листьев. Прикрой землю толстым слоем этой мульчи, чтобы влага не испарялась. Чем выше мульча, тем лучше! А если положить сверху свежие листья, то увядая, они будут вырабатывать азот, что очень полезно для молодых саженцев. Ты - молодец!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Да, я буду использовать много мульчи поверх почвы. Спасибо за вашу помощь.

[@Falx415]

If you can, it may be worth making a kind of drainage channel leading to the garden to try and maximize the water flow towards it so less water gets soaked up by the ground outside the garden. However it may end up being more work for little payoff so you definitely need to weigh the option carefully.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

There already is a lot of drainage directed to the garden. That part is all good I think.

[@ShokudaikiriMitsutada]

Thanks for the upload Chad! God bless u my friend!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you for watching!

[@JosuDiaz-u7o]

Hello again Chad, I forgot to tell you that apart from installing panels to prevent soil evaporation, or moving the garden closer to shady terrain, a simple technique in addition to these is to incorporate shavings, pieces of small branches into the surface layer of the soil. . They serve to protect the layer exposed to the sun and preserve it from evaporation. I have used it and the results on dry land are important.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

In other words just use branches as mulch? Or is this in addition to the mulch?

[@BushcraftTexas]

I'm looking forward to seeing the garden with the good soil in and the results you get. Keep in mi9nd with a heavy rain to have a way to let water go so the garden doesn't become a pool and drown the roots.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

The dam will only slow the flow of water. I don't think it will make the garden too wet. But we will find out this summer.

[@TipsyFlipper]

I cramped up just watching the rock collecting

[@ARPITab111]

One day when I will become young,I will make my own series like you and tag you as my teacher ❤❤❤❤ I hope you reached everything you want in life before I meet you 💖

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Ah thank you! I will never reach everything I want in life. I would have to live 1000 years in order to achieve that.

[@wigglytuffgaming]

I've never seen so many useful and intelligent comments on a channel before. What a wonderful fan base you have, Chad. I love your work, thank you for the free content to help me mellow down. You work hard for us, and it shows. I hope KZbin pays decent because I can't afford to support you.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you for the comment. I appreciate it. Nature helps me mellow down so much. But no, I don’t earn enough from KZbin. I have other jobs that I do to support my family.

[@wigglytuffgaming]

@@ChadZuberAdventures That's unfortunate, but I'm glad you are at least enjoying life! Hopefully your other jobs aren't too stressful.

[@ladyofthemasque]

Looking good! The only thing I might add are some channels to help the water puddle, and to help guide excess runoff toward your garden. You might even be able to take advantage of your roof's drip-line, and dig a channel that flows into the garden! A lot of work, but you've already made over 400 adobe bricks, and probably even past 500 by now, lol.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Actually I've made over 600 adobe bricks now. But regarding the channels, it is almost all directed toward the garden. I think it is going to receive a good amount of water during rains.

[@robertagarzon610]

Hola Chad .es increíble todo lo que haces.you do everything from scratch simply amazing 👏👏👏👏👌

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Está muy difícil.

[@fatimanascimento1317]

Parabéns tá indo no caminho certo

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Obrigado!

[@MrRaggarRobban]

When I clear terrain, I put the rough at the bottom, then the rice then leaves and grass then soil, it retains the moisture so the process is kept going and makes a great compost but it takes time... And I keep adding grass and leaves every year... I plant potatoes in it which grows like only it... I may live on top of a moraine mound but it's not the desert so I don't have much to contribute... I would dig a little deeper hole and fill as I said.. Good luck..

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks! Yes, I will be digging down and filling with a layer of biochar, rotten wood and compost.

[@MrRaggarRobban]

@@ChadZuberAdventures Sounds like a plan...👍

[@Namugaseum]

One of the coolest channels on KZbin hands down.

[@ВасилийНагорный-х4н]

Hello, lonely friend! In arid areas, the Romans built large stone rows (similar in cross section to a triangle) around the perimeter of the garden plot. At night, moisture condensed on the rocks and flowed to the ground, moistening the soil.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Interesting. Too bad I'm not in Rome. There is only condensation here between September and March. The rest of the year is too warm for condensation to occur.

[@Александр-з6л7ь]

Хорошая идея!

[@oo.1214]

I think this is very smart idea especially using your environment and would never have thought to do that as here in Europe most soil is fertile enough for small scale primitive farms.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, I think this technique will work.

[@OfficialRamZ]

Wild idea that probably won't work. Maybe you could create some types of irrigation channels. Whenever it rains, shortly after try to find out where there are notable puddles or whatever it's most moist uphill. From there you can start the channels. Maybe even rain barrels/pots could be worth considering.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

There are no puddles uphill from here. That would be a good idea but I could make clay impacted depressions uphill that collect water and then channel down from there perhaps.

[@realist7239]

Good work Senpai ! i envision an Oasis in the Desert

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes!

[@HeatherNaturaly]

You will do better if you heavily mulch the garden beds, BEFORE you plant and while the rains are still coming. That way the soil will hold the water and give you a better chance of a harvest. I do a 'no dig' mulched garden. Last year we had 4 months with almost NO rain. I got a good harvest of potatoes, sweet potatoes and chard, our of those heavily mulched beds.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks for this tip. I never thought of that. I have to hurry then and put the biochar and compost in first.

[@JosuDiaz-u7o]

I don't fully understand your idea but I sense that you want to place those pots around the garden so that moisture leaks into the garden with the pots full of water. Good idea. I would also be concerned in such a harsh environment that the garden should have some shade next to some bush to minimize the loss of moisture in the driest season. If this were not possible, I would create some protective screen from the sun.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, the pots get buried in the soil and filled with water. They slowly seep water through the clay over several days thus providing life-giving water to the roots of the plants. This is just an efficient way of watering that reduces loss of water through evaporation. I will probably create some shade during the early stages of the growing plants. I did this two years ago and it seemed to work. The dead tree to the west of the garden provides some shade in the afternoon so that is helpful too.

[@KiloBravo69]

Hi Chad, I love the garden and the water management you are putting in. My tip would be to put a Zuni bowl on the down hill side of the garden, this will act as a sediment trap and a water sink, before adding more water management down slope. Zuni bowls can be used in many situations in an arid invironment like yours. Good luck , great video.

[@riccardoregalli2272]

Ciao Chad,de mischiare molto legno (segatura/ramoscelli/trucioli) con la terra dell'orto.Quando piove o innaffi il legno si impregna di acqua. Tieni coperta la terra con erba/foglie ...ombreggia,avrai meno evaporazione.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Sì, lo farò anch'io. La diga è solo una parte della soluzione.

[@boriszavisin4090]

Solid idea, but try to find mulch as a lot of people said.And get your seeds ready early with yucca fibers that are dried up.Get enough fibers and make a little ball with the seeds from plants of your choice in the middle, water when the ball is almost dry and put it somewhere where there is at max 1 hour of morning light ("through your window there will be a beam of light, put your seeds there inside the beam in about an hour the wall will cast a shadow on it so you will only have to remember to water it" , that is the thing i would do at least)

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yeah lots of mulch. But yucca fibers for germinating seeds? Have you done this with yucca fibers? I don't think yucca fibers are a good material for that. It would be much like using a ball of monofilament fishing line.

[@boriszavisin4090]

@@ChadZuberAdventures I never did try that to be honest but if it can retain moisture for some time it could do the trick i use my own cotton from the plants to germinate seeds and not gonna lie it does really well but i do cut off the point of the seeds to help it a bit.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

@@boriszavisin4090Yucca fibers don’t retain moisture. They are stiff and similar to fishing line.

[@gridinnozmu4358]

Genial,de seguro.funcionará,pensaba en esas grandes rocas que acarreaste unos de 200 kilos?😲 Esa presa resultará,hace agujeros que contengan la.lluvia puede ayudar también.Felicitaciones💪💪🙌🔥🔥

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Sí, creo que todo va a funcionar mucho mejor esta vez. Las rocas no pesan tanto. Creo que la mas grande pesaba unos 45 kilos.

[@dantheman9135]

Good luck and Crush on...

[@GreatSmithanon]

I think you should try making a simple mortar out of sand and clay, and if you aren't squeamish urine and fecal matter work to strengthen it in small amounts. If you spread the mortar at the bottom of your garden area and also between the large stones not only will you have better water retention, but probably less pests too.

[@markwray366]

Dry grasses or Hay will keep moisture. Like planting potatoes

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I don't know if I want that much water retention though. If it is too wet and lacks drainage then that won't be good either. There is already a lot of clay in the soil too. We will see how this project turns out this year.

[@TabonaASMR]

Está muy optimizado ese proyecto y funcionará, si no es así, habrá que optimizar mas. 👏👏👏

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Espero que sí

[@axebetweentheeyes]

Чед, великолепен 🙏

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Не здорово, просто решительно.

[@barrymayson2492]

My wife covers open areas around pots and the garden with flat rocks to keep moisture in the soil under the stones.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I was talking to a friend about this idea but using broken shards of pottery. I think flat stones is a great idea but should also be covered with mulch to reduce heat. The sun beating down on flat stones would really heat of the surface. The mulch covering the stones would prevent this. Sounds like a good solution to me. What do you think?

[@barrymayson2492]

Hi yes it keep the stones cool and trap moisture under them . We live a semi dessert and when summer comes under rocks is where a lot the animals go when it gets hot. Good luck with the garden hope it goes well and thanks for your hard work and time in making the channel.@@ChadZuberAdventures

[@bbottle870]

My Chad ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Wow! You were the first to post!

[@TheOnlyKirby90210]

The garden looks beautiful, Mr. Chad! I am curious of germinating some seeds in pots in the shady area under that big tree and brush would yield some early seedlings that can survive the summer heat. With your last garden there was no way to protect the crops from getting damaged by sun burn in addition to the lack of moisture. My mom also recommends in summer it's better to water plants in the evening after the sun begins to set or early morning when the sun is only out a little bit. Otherwise the water you pour will essentially evaporate and damage the plants in the process. It also gives the plants time to absorb the water retain it through the hottest part of the day, which aids against sun burn or drying up.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

The first time I planted here I started seeds in pots. It worked. But the heat later killed all the plants. Then I planted again and also made some shade for the plants. I seemed to help but the only plants that survived were the squash. They were growing good but still suffered wilting from heat every day. They flowered and produced small fruits that didn't fully ripen because the frost came and killed them. They were planted too late in the season. This year I am starting earlier but I have to make sure they survive the dry months.

[@radfaryousefi9491]

Thanks 👍 ✌️

[@duongk9ruralguy]

Hello. Wish you a nice evening❤

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you! Have a great day.

[@Hello_Exe]

If i was there i will be French toast by now chad is truly incredible ❤🔥

[@Ralf-pi6zq]

Tambien se pueden usar Nopales como fuente de humedad,ayudan mucho en los lugares secos,ayudan mucho ala germinacion y ala produccion se raicez🤠👋.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Había un nopal que crecía al lado del jardín pero se murió. Aquí los nopales no sobreviven donde hay agua. Crecen bien en las partes más secas.

[@Another_history2025]

Усе своє життя я працюю на огороді і нетільки тому дивиться як ти робиш свій огород,вкладаеш сили ,хочеться допомогти як другу по роботі.Привіт вам з Котельви 🇺🇦

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Дякую тобі. Сподіваюся, ви поділитеся зі мною своїми секретами успішного саду.

[@patrickotte5982]

Try and gather the most mulch you can possibly find, that paired with the ollas would be a perfect match. The thicker the layer of mulch the better

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

That's exactly what I am going to do.

[@UncommonNews777]

Dig up the garden soil and lay down moisture retaining fibers, then cover it up with soil. Place rocks atop the soil to prevent evaporation and to keep the soil cool. Then, build up a wall of soil (a dam) downstream the garden so as to retain rain water in the garden. P.S. Nothing works quite as well as donkey dung for growing squash.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks. I intend to put a layer of biochar, rotting wood and compost at the bottom. Rocks, broken shards of clay, and mulch on top. I don't have access to donkey dung but there are other kinds of dung here.

[@UncommonNews777]

@@ChadZuberAdventures Can't wait it see how it does. BTW, consider growing mustard greens as a winter crop. They do very well for me here in El Paso. Try Amaranth during the summer.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

@@UncommonNews777it freezes here in the winter. I’m going to plant amaranth though

[@dawnbarone5804]

Add rotting wood to the base of the garden (under the soil) to retain water. Rotted wood becomes spongey and retains moisture for the roots. Maybe watch a few videos on Hügelkultur.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, I am going to add biochar as well as rotting wood and other compost to the soil.

[@chadwright7614]

I lived in the Rocky mountain desert . I had a garden. Takes alot of work.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

You know well what it's like then.

[@pont3758]

a great way to retain moisture as well as act as a natural weed deterrent is mulch, usually this is made of woodchips or sugarcane waste but maybe juniper back or dried grass could work as well. also if you plan to work with compost like that i would recommend trying to make or finding a hoe or other tool to make turning the soil much easier. and as always the video is amazing and i wish you the best of luck with this years garden

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, as I stated in the video I will be adding a lot of mulch.

[@mattparker9726]

Something I have long been curious about, is what types of stone are available to you, and indeed, what sort of resources in general there are around you? I think it might be beneficial to make an exhaustive list of everything potentially useful within a 2 mile radius of your camp. That way we can also follow along, or we can suggest things based on what we know you have available.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I like your idea. That is really good. I know very little geology. I only know a few of the stones here. There is rhyolite, quartz, granite and porous dark lava rock. I'm going to take your suggestion and make a list of all the resources. That's really a great idea, thanks for sharing this.

[@mattparker9726]

@@ChadZuberAdventures yeah, if I can't show up and actually help, I would at least like to make somewhat sensible suggestions.

[@albert9784]

Me gusta la idea de colocar rocas para hacer una presa y mantener el agua, ademas ese palo es perfecto para cavar a modo de azada

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Creo que la presa va a ayudar bastante.

[@marcelopereiraalvespereira4444]

Top❤

[@SB5SimulationsFerroviairesEEP]

Merci du partage! Bonne chance pour la suite! Stéph.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I hope this works. Very interesting concept. Cheers, Chad, Happy Easter and God Bless! 👍🏻👍🏻✌️

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Happy Easter to you too!

[@didintlemaretela2188]

Yes finally 🇿🇦

[@everettgaskins5040]

I remember reading some were the people of the south west us mud fire block to build ungrounded cistern have the water flow in to them

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I do want to build a cistern too. Making it impermeable will be the challenge. I'm going to first experiment with very small cisterns of fired clay.

[@Badymir-Vesimir]

Приветствую Чад! Будет очень хорошо если ты в землю в своем саду добавишь на половину разложившиеся древесные щепки. Они тоже будут сохранять воду, будут домом для различных микробионтов( грибов, бактерий и тп. ) + сделают почву более рыхлой. А где грибы и бактерии там и черви будут, так как первые дают пищу вторым. И можно сделать на дне ямы, для сада , "глиняный замок", чтоб вода меньше просачивалась в недра земли. Даже можешь это дно запечь как горшок разведя сверху костёр. Будет словно керамический бассейн где растут овощи;) и ещё собери зелени, побеги, листья, хвою, гриб трутовики и закопай на см 10-15 ( 4-7 дюймов). это будет очень хорошим удобрением. сколько закопать ты спрашиваешь? Главное чтобы ты столько принес хD! )) Успехов ! Greetings Chad! It will be very good if you add half-decomposed wood chips to the soil in your garden. They will also retain water, be a home for various microbionts (fungi, bacteria, etc.) + make the soil looser. And where there are fungi and bacteria, there will be worms, since the former provide food for the latter. And you can make a “clay castle” at the bottom of the hole, for the garden, so that less water seeps into the bowels of the earth. You can even bake this bottom like a pot by building a fire on top. It will be like a ceramic pool where vegetables grow;) And also collect greenery, shoots, leaves, pine needles, tinder fungus and bury 10-15 cm (4-7 inches). it will be a very good fertilizer. How much to bury, you ask? The main thing is that you bring so much xD! )) Good luck!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks for the tips. Yes, I am planning to do all of that but not really the "clay castle". There is already a lot of clay in the soil and I don't want to stop drainage.

[@evropej]

This is a very helpful video and it reminds me of so many other movies that I have seen. Great Utube content

[@NinaNina-j1g]

Slt tu as fait un beau travail.bravo!.

[@mattparker9726]

6:15 Use pot sherds to cover most of the top. Or perhaps fire a large circular disk to do so. A dome like you say is interesting. What benefits does it have over a flat cover?

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, I have some pot shards but not enough and they are small. A circular disk would be easier to make but would lack the strength of a dome shape.

[@mattparker9726]

@@ChadZuberAdventures ahhh! I see! So is that strength needed because of the additional stress of the heat from the fire?

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

@@mattparker9726 No, just because of the weight of the cover. Especially since I will be moving it around.

[@muralidharnarasimhan4290]

Maybe a rough shelter of juniper branches and barks atop the plants may lessen the evaporation speed of water and dryness for the plants to be more protected from the harsh sun

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I will make something like that to protect the young plants until they are established.

[@ravenrock541]

A technique used in Africa is to dig round depressions and line with rocks. Place these depressions around growing area, focusing on uphill of water drainage. Yes, eventually the holes will fill in but these then become garden pots (for trees, bushes, etc)

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, that makes sense. Thanks for sharing.

[@ravenrock541]

I forgot to mention (but it seemed obvious at the time) the depressions capture water and hold it long enough to seep into ground. Usually they a just about the size of your garden. Also, not sure how much nighttime humidity you get but piled rocks can act as condensers​@@ChadZuberAdventures

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

@@ravenrock541 It's quite dry most of the year and there is little to no night condensation.

[@mattparker9726]

@Chad Zuber, I know you don't like this idea, but I'm telling you, building a ram pump and clay piping is THE best way. Also, you'd have water for showers and also drinking right at your house. Also the ram pump is primitive enough, it uses the same action to pump water as a leaf capillary does. When I think of real native civilizations The Inca for example, they used irrigation extensively in their cities. In addition, I think it would be super cool if you made a second hut, and had a call out for people who would like to learn and grow their primitive skills, but who may not be on your level, to come out (have them sign a document to the effect that they will keep the location secret) and learn from you and your experience in the desert. Not only would that be an AWESOME community outreach, but also I think grow the channel, and also help others. For season 3, I would like to see you develop a functional village. But obviously you'd need additional labor for that. This Idea is interesting to me, because I would like to apply for something like that.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I'm confused. What good is a ram pump and clay piping when I don't have a well right here? If you are referring to doing that from the river then that is just an insane idea to run a few miles of clay piping and ram pump it from 1000 feet lower in elevation. Man, I'm in 10,000 BC here. Hahhaah! I had thought to have people come out here too but that is not a good idea. All it takes is one person to get mad at me and then go damage this place and then there will always be that constant threat of bad-intentioned people doing harm. Just look at the world around us. I guess this will have to be a one-man village. As much as I'd love to share with others there is just too much malice in the world to take that risk.

[@mattparker9726]

@@ChadZuberAdventures yes, I have wanted you to take on the INSANE challenge for a while now, TO THE RIVER! 🤣🤣 Also the change in elevation is not a problem for this sort of pump system. The Romans used just this sort of pump to pump water up the sides of mountains in order to fill the aqueducts. And insofar as 'malice' that's why I said sign a non disclosure document, and also, you should directly interview each person BEFORE bringing them to location, AND start out very small, maybe one extra person. See how it goes. I think everyone who watches your channel has an interest in what you're doing, and has respect for you enough to not trash the place or do anything negative. You are too positive a person, remember that positivity brings positivity to your door. And if that's not enough, I suppose you could insist that the person wear a blindfold when going to the last part of the walk to camp? Either way, I would like to help you grow, and there are some specific things I would like to try/experiment with, like primitive refrigeration, and climate control. When I was working with chickens in Texas, they had huge corrugated cardboard panels they would soak in water, and drive air through to keep the interior of the house cool. It worked so well, that even in the height of summer it decreased the temperature inside by 20+ degrees F. In addition to that, there are designs from the middle east called 'wind catchers' that are basically that idea, but with the addition of being VERY tall, and taking the air and redirecting it into the interior of a home, using negative spaces to further cool the air. Also I'd like to see if I could create a windmill for rotational power, to drive something like a primitive wood lathe perhaps. There are SO MANY things I would like to try, and I can't always be making demands on you, or taking up lots of your time. Another project I would like to see, is after you trying to make quicklime out of those shells, is to actually perfect that process, perhaps using stone instead, (that's why I asked about what type of stone was around you) and try and make a primitive version of concrete. And maybe build a house out of THAT. Something else, when talking about construction, I wonder if you can make large flat panels out of clay, and use a "tongue and groove" method of attaching them together, almost like boards? For easy and fast wall construction, or maybe a nice contiguous floor covering? Or perhaps shape your adobe bricks like giant lego blocks, so that no mortar is needed in the construction? Or again, try doing mortarless stone huts, like in 800 AD Ireland? In addition, I would like to attempt to cast some metal, perhaps. I know copper surface deposits were some of the earliest sources of metal used.

[@mattparker9726]

@@ChadZuberAdventures yes, I have wanted you to take on the INSANE challenge for a while now, TO THE RIVER! 🤣🤣 Also the change in elevation is not a problem for this sort of pump system. The Romans used just this sort of pump to pump water up the sides of mountains in order to fill the aqueducts. And insofar as 'malice' that's why I said sign a non disclosure document, and also, you should directly interview each person BEFORE bringing them to location, AND start out very small, maybe one extra person. See how it goes. I think everyone who watches your channel has an interest in what you're doing, and has respect for you enough to not trash the place or do anything negative. You are too positive a person, remember that positivity brings positivity to your door. And if that's not enough, I suppose you could insist that the person wear a blindfold when going to the last part of the walk to camp? Either way, I would like to help you grow, and there are some specific things I would like to try/experiment with, like primitive refrigeration, and climate control. When I was working with chickens in Texas, they had huge corrugated cardboard panels they would soak in water, and drive air through to keep the interior of the house cool. It worked so well, that even in the height of summer it decreased the temperature inside by 20+ degrees F. In addition to that, there are designs from the middle east called 'wind catchers' that are basically that idea, but with the addition of being VERY tall, and taking the air and redirecting it into the interior of a home, using negative spaces to further cool the air. Also I'd like to see if I could create a windmill for rotational power, to drive something like a primitive wood lathe perhaps. There are SO MANY things I would like to try, and I can't always be making demands on you, or taking up lots of your time. Another project I would like to see, is after you trying to make quicklime out of those shells, is to actually perfect that process, perhaps using stone instead, (that's why I asked about what type of stone was around you) and try and make a primitive version of concrete. And maybe build a house out of THAT.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

@@mattparker9726Those are a lot of BIG projects. I have to be careful where I go with all of this because some projects require a lot of maintenance. The garden for instance, I want it to basically be able to care for itself… I wouldn’t even want mortarless walls because that would just create homes for scorpions and spiders. The mortar just makes the wall so much stronger too.

[@mattparker9726]

@@ChadZuberAdventures yeah, see? like I said, we should all start a village in a new location. (if you want to keep that one to yourself.) And maybe call it a challenge? Season 3?

[@ydne]

If you notice sudden plant death or disappearance later, it might be ground rodents attracted to the area because the rocks can give them solid ground to live under. If all goes well, it might also be that the rocks helped be a barrier to the rodents as well as helped with water. Shading the small plants might also be helpful in that harsh sun. Plants, especially small ones, like more relief from the sun than is generally thought. Shade will also help against water evaporation out of the soil.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

There are small rodents in the area. I will have to keep an eye on that. I would probably be able to control them rather easily with traps. That is something I need to prepare as well. Shade is definitely a good idea. I can make temporary shade to use until the plants are well established.

[@EndTimesSurvivalBushcraft]

Just an idea, using clay, make it big enough, a large flat disc with holes in it to create the catalytic conversion effect where it returns your particulate which increases the temperature above it. Put the disk about a foot above your fire. Then place your pottery and whatever above it, then place a lid over the top with some airflow. This will get glowing red and you will now have a kiln.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I had one and used it but it got wet in the rain and fell to pieces. I intend to make another one when I have the time.

[@sheilam4964]

Oh boy, those big rocks were heavy work. Did you get to eat after you took to your hammock to rest or did you fall asleep instead? 😊 The garden looks promising. Thx for doing this, filming it and sharing it with us.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Of course I ate. I didn't sleep in the hammock at that time, I just relaxed and it really was so relaxing.

[@sheilam4964]

@@ChadZuberAdventures - glad to hear it. Thx.

[@tamarabrennan1988]

I learn a lot from you, thank you! It seems to me that incorporating partial shade to reduce the impact of direct sun would be helpful. Otherwise you will get wilting during the day which stresses plants, especially squash. You could rig up a structure for horizontal poles/sticks to hold some brush or an open weave mat and position it so that it gives partial shade during the hours that the sun angle is most direct. I know that sounds like a lot of work but cutting direct rays by 20, 30 percent or so would be significant. Eventually, plant some shade plants can provide shade the "moves" as the sun changes position. You'd need to be sure that any plant you plant or transplant there is not allopathic. Those are plants that exude toxic stuff to keep other seeds from germinating nearby. Just observe if there are weeds under the plant or not. A highish row of strategically placed sticks could also provide shade.

[@kianseyfi8993]

آنقدر منتظرت ماندم که علف زیر پایم سبز شد....😊 ضرب المثل ایرانی

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

من قبلاً آن ضرب المثل را نشنیده بودم. هاهاها

[@jenreal360]

I love this idea

[@jenreal360]

You know Chad I see all these people talking about mulch but your in a desert and I'm betting since you can get salt close by that the soil just needs to be washed properly setting up a garden for water drainage should be enough 😊

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Mulch will be very important too because it will help slow down evaporation from the sun beating down on the soil.

[@MotosAllotmentGarden]

Make some hugelkultur beds, I made some ollas and they work great, my ones were a lots easy to make i just glued two unglazzed terracotta pots together, which i got from the local garden centre 😊