The Most Undervalued Rainwater Harvesting Tool

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

You can find The Updated Gabion wall-apini, "Earthship Inspired" Build progress here : kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGbXg59mpdWanpI

[@ArosIrwin]

I love that you immediately said the name of the technique. No holding back information to force people to watch further into the video to get information, just frontloading the subject.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@ArosIrwin thank you!✌🏾

[@Will_Forge]

@@GrowTreeOrganics Yeah, one of the best techniques for KZbin is to pull a cold open that answers the major question posed by the title and/or thumbnail succinctly, and then you do a regular quick "hello/welcome" kind of intro followed by the content. Giving the answer up front shows you're not gonna be annoying about it, but since it's so succinct it warrants more information. The rest of the video is that more information, so the viewer is actually looking forward to sticking around rather than just trying to see if they even care enough to do so. I haven't gotten it all mastered yet, but you seem to be doing it great whether you knew about this and meant to or not. Great video otherwise too, by the way. This is something I've always wanted to do (reversing desertification).

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much! Good luck to you on your own film adventure!✌🏾

[@balazskiss985]

@@GrowTreeOrganics do you know that mountains are melted brick buildings so the rocks u use...?

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@balazskiss985 ..... are creating another rock brick building!😅✌🏾

[@MeditationwithHolly]

I saw someone commented to talk less and I think that's ridiculous as this channel is fascinating. I'm learning something with each shot.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's great! Thank you very much! I'll keep doing what doing!😅✌🏾

[@terrywereb7639]

I, too, Found the verbal explanations to mesh very well with the video explanation and examples of the result.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@terrywereb7639 appreciate it!✌🏾

[@Dust2LivingSoil]

Yes to be honest with you I believe that these are people that are just not putting in the work ethic they just truly don’t understand why we’re doing this they don’t do this on a daily basis they haven’t made this part of their life whenever somebody is really happy and giddy and continues to talk about some thing in a good manner where they’re not running on Where they’re teaching not preaching I love it I love the energy I love the reinforcement of telling you how to do it because we are people we do make mistakes again we are just human and we need to realize we are all a community of people realistically that are trying to learn yes a lot of us aren’t really learning however the ones that are we need to be community driven we need to show people that we are a community worth fighting with not fighting within!

[@ContactsNfilters]

Plus I tend to listen to videos more than I watch so I really appreciate being able to do that.

[@SacredLightJourneys]

Wonderful information. Thank You. We're on 40 acres in Australia, In an off grid Shed House. Building a lot of Hugel beds to grow food trees, on gravelly steep land. Working a treat. Blessings to You and All Humanity as we Re member ourselves and how to live.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's awesome! Thanks for popping in over here!✌🏾😅

[@CaRcInOgEnIcxSyRiNgE]

Gabion walls, a walipini green house, rammed earth, and Zuni techniques... this guy is living in my own personal heaven. He should make a zuni waffle garden next

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Oh I definitely will be!😉✌🏾

[@got2kittys]

This method was used by desert people all through central Mexico and the U.S. West. I was taught this by an indigenous Mexican elder, who said his people were taught this in Pre-Columbus days to help farm near a water source. Besides catching water, no water goes to waste if you must water. He had a large garden, easily cared for.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly!✌🏾

[@chakagomez8129]

i would love to see how the garden is planted around the zuni bowl . was anything planted in the bowl?

[@got2kittys]

@@chakagomez8129 when I use them, they are smaller, the big Zuni bowl is to catch water. Make the basin about 3 feet across, you'll need to water more, but it plants easier. Enrich the soil in the center , fertilise, mixing well and deep. You want a 6 inch deep basin, not a deep hole. You can use tiles, rocks, even plastic mulch on the sides. Once the plants sprout, start mulching. You'll have no water waste, and even soil temperatures. That matters on hot days. These do 3 sisters planting well and in a high desert, ( like here) , assist many other plants to survive. I still use these basins, the method is probably 1000's of years old. Natives know things.

[@chakagomez8129]

@@got2kittys they do. thanks for the info. im going to try it

[@got2kittys]

@@chakagomez8129 I hope this helps! These are great in harsh climates, and save labor and resources too. I wish you gardening luck!

[@terrywereb7639]

This is my first seeing this, and my first thought was of the "bathtubs" done on Dustups. Over the last 20 years, Ive watched and followed a lot of different "greening" and regenerative ideas. Its really amazing how "ancient" methods are proven to be great at saving our soils and plant diversity.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

We can sure learn a lot from our past!✌🏾

[@TransNeingerian]

The dustups guy is just doig it for money. He doesnt want to actually finish anything or do anything logically or correctly, just draw things out to create content. His intent is not pure.

[@wildstarsful]

@@TransNeingerian If he manages to get more people into the idea that a desert isn't just dead, and is helping grow the diversity and wildlife in the desert... Impure intentions do not matter. Just in the same vain that many millionaires donate to make themselves seem better, it still is them donating massive amounts of money and creating jobs and change. Is it enough? No. But impure intentions can create massive and real change.

[@jhuizinga1]

​@TransNeingerian What I see is a guy with ADHD, who admits he has ADHD, who's doing the best he can.

[@redrangerrr558]

@@TransNeingerian Have you seen any of his videos? Doesn't sound like it, he seems genuinely elated every time a plant does well, it's not his fault the dessert's going slow, his region had an 'extreme drought' this year.

[@tracelee7332]

I love it. The rain will come.. the green will come the more you love the Earth. I honor you and all that wre restoring the broken bits of land. ❤

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much!✌🏾

[@h.e.pennypacker4728]

This last thing I needed was more content to watch but now I have to subscribe and watch a ton of your vids.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Appreciate you joining the journey!😅✌🏾

[@nunyadayumbusiness591]

Neat, I just learned a new one. These at ~10 feet deep are the Ancient Greek "filled dry well" irrigation / planting technique I was trying to describe in my rant on your last video!! If you're not opposed to heavy equipment, you might look into the big augers they use to dig the holes for big foundation pilings - I know they exist, I know they get rented, and I know the rocks they throw can tear up a concrete form bad enough you have to start over. This video's "ancient" idea: The Aztec used to dig miniature "reseviors" about the size of your plastic covered "ponds", bring it back up to just below surface level with rocks the size you used in for your Zuni Bowls, and then cover that with a mound of soil & manure that they'd plant crops on. (It is at it's core just a variation on the "plant on top of an artificial water-trap" theme, they just happened to start with knee deep "family planting" sized water traps roughly the size of your plastic covered "pools".) P.S. You're making awesome headway - doing these projects at scale took thousands of seasonal conscript laborers decades. P.P.S. Still loving the project, and the way different parts of it are dredging up bits of "useless information" from my memory and replacing text-book line drawings with actual physical examples - I can't wait to see which sketches you "make real" next!!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I see, thanks for that suggestion and info! Thank you for your support as well, plenty more headway to make!✌🏾

[@4babyhael]

I love this idea. Zuni bowl, I learned something new today... thank you! Something regenerative!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thanks for checking it out! We're all about these regenerative practices! ✌🏾

[@ban9640]

greeting from saudi arabia i pefer the practical 3 methods u can find them in youtube 1-zai pits 2-demi lunes 3- rock dams easy to do with little compost to grow some vegetation good luc

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you! Everyone has their own personal tools for harvesting water!✌🏾

[@breezywilson760]

what are zai pits? and demi lunes? thanks

[@ban9640]

@@breezywilson760 it is digging a hole in the ground and put little compost and plant either trees or crops (almost similar to what u did) both techniques is famous in africa you can find them in youtube type plant or grow by zai pits or demi lunes

[@lepotdefleur9906]

@@breezywilson760 Demi lunes aka French for Half moon or crescent shape ( quarter moon) .

[@maggiem.5904]

@@lepotdefleur9906Yes, I saw a video on these being used in Africa

[@RandomsFandom]

Put mulch in zuni bowl, then weigh them down with rocks. Plant things on the rim of the bowl

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Definitely a good addition!✌🏾

[@annak804]

Have to be chunky mulch, like big wood chips or some branches

[@jcsolomon6470]

Just CooL!Hydrate The Dessert!😮😊😎😃❣

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Yes indeed!✌🏾

[@PachamamaGLORY]

I'm out here in tonopah and now have 120 1 year old mesquite that will provide wind break and fodder. They were free with 2 chip drops, my soil has improved drastically, I see all kinds of unique wildlife.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing!✌🏾

[@littlegreenliza]

Thank you for sharing your geolocation. I've yet to get where @GrowTreeOrganics is located doing their desert permie project.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@littlegreenliza we're in Northern Arizona west of flagstaff!✌🏾

[@DGibsonxio]

We recently took a trip to central north Texas. We asked a man about all the little trees, or large bushes depending on point of view, that were growing all over. He said if we did not know what mesquite was he was jealous. They try to get rid of them. I say use the making lemonade approach. You know what I mean. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@DGibsonxio exactly 💯 ✌🏾

[@jennyk4397]

This was clever. I watch channels like Nomad Architecture too. You are showing how resourceful and clever "primitive" people can be. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Cool, thanks!✌🏾

[@gilgoofthegrove5072]

i like how you left the little grass there =P thats awesome, im sure itll thrive now

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

It's already started Greening up and growing, as before it was more dead grass!✌🏾

[@Collapsonauts]

It-s been a long time since i`ve learned this much from a permaculture homestead! Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge here with us, lots of love from Switzerland

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Our pleasure! Thank you very much!✌🏾

[@dabunnisher29]

This is really great. As a long time Desert Rat, I love that you are doing this in a more earthy and native way. Very cool.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much!✌🏾

[@susanlatimer1673]

Yeah bring on the zuni bowl with sticks ! Looking forward to that !!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

😅✌🏾

[@nancycole-auguste6614]

I know Bill Molison rest his soul. Wonderful continuation...wow handsomest permaculture guy ever. Don't worry I'm 70 happily married and still TRYING to do permaculture at home in St.Lucia, in the Carribean. I hope you have some of my friends from the Navajo Res. They have my heart. Chester Khan, may God perpetuate his travels in the realm of spirit, was my friend, we met while voting in Israel 1988, for Universal House of Justice at International convention.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Oh wow that's awesome!... all of that, thank you for sharing!✌🏾

[@EarthCreature.]

Good work. Observation is both the looking glass & teacher both.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly!✌🏾

[@iwanabana]

You are slowly becoming my favorite channel!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Really appreciate it!😅✌🏾

[@gospelofchange]

This is the vibe

[@markstephenson9426]

Hi Brandon. Excellent project! Thanks for making it public. I'm new to this and very interested to try it myself one day. I'm wondering why do anything else than pits everywhere? I would think that would be less work and more rapidly create opportunities for roots to start penetrating the earth and speed the general building of living soil.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you and appreciate your support. One could simply do bowls all over and solely pits could make less work, it really depends on a fair amount of variables. Personal preference is one, but also these earthworks can be considered tools, which there is a tool for different jobs. ✌🏾

[@georgeallen7667]

Pulaski is one of my favorite friends. Best for breaking into hard soil. Then easy shoveling.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I see! Thank you!✌🏾

[@xtina1610]

Daaaaw. With the mini grass part forming two humps at the top, you could have made it heart shaped! Just a little extra pointy at the bottom. ❤ Thanks for sharing this.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Ahh, next Zuni Bowl, I'll try to put a little art into it! Thank you!✌🏾

[@ruby7741]

Love what you have done with this method. I wish we could do what the older gens did before us and learn more about dowsing rods used for finding water as well as minerals and gas on our prop. In fact all the mining company's use them and I'm not just talking about equipment to find this they use the educated ppl that pass this down. It's a true blue method and would help so many like you for watering your land animals and so on...

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you, actually I do water dowsing, so I have walked the property looking for different water features you could say. But totally understand what you're saying!✌🏾

[@RErikWeigand]

The sediment captured in the Zuni Bowl should be panned for Gold. I believe that these are areas where "flour gold" will collect naturally. Best of luck with your project 👍

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Nice that's a good idea! Appreciate that suggestion!✌🏾

[@therockneverstops8261]

There is a process of pruning desert shrubs into trees to create greater shading for the soil along with cooling the surface while increasing surface area for smaller plant life to emerge. I have also seen communities planting fruit trees along these bowls and swales where they can be assured to have access to plenty of water.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Appreciate the info! 🙏🏾✌🏾

[@Beautiful_Farm]

I appreciate you sharing your ideas and plans. It helps people make plans for their own properties. Your efforts will result in a lush and verdant oasis that will not only benefit you, but wildlife. This is what God meant when He gave mankind dominion over the earth. To love and care for His creation, just like you're doing. Great video. Thank you for sharing!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you, my pleasure to present!✌🏾

[@johnmcclure2912]

It will be glorious when trees start growing and pulling up nutrients and covering the ground with shade and water retaining humus. Then life will explode. Wonderful.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

We'll be planting trees and grasses late winter into spring for sure!✌🏾

[@sherylbailey2783]

Slow it, spread it & sink it. Very old conservation technique. Love how your using it here!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly! Thank you!✌🏾

[@thedoctor2102]

Using bluestone ( like basalt or dolerite) to line the bottom of a bowl or a little dam/reservoir, then barley straw over the top of the bluestone could potentially help clear up your water a bit and mitigate algae growth. I’m not sure if sugar cane or grass straw will clear up the water or not my thoughts are they will after a few weeks time, but they will not do anything to mitigate algae growth.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Perhaps we can do that for the basins we want to hold water, but otherwise we don't have pooling problems, very sandy soil we have, so really great drainage!😅✌🏾

[@carolwright7503]

Glad to see this video.. to see the progress*♡*and the other suggestions by many who posted Thank You!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much! 😁✌🏾

[@rajshenoy8506]

In India - we do something similar to this too. As a kid well before the rainy season- we as kids contributed to the digging and setting up of stones. We didn’t have these many stones but created pathways for rainwater and all the kitchen water to be let into the trees and plants via a gradient

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's awesome! They do a lot of different earthworks over there, I think in Murali? ✌🏾

[@hirokawiti4932]

It was awesome to see how the zuni bowl catches great propagation media for your nursery on your previous video, truly a multipurpose tool

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Many thanks!✌🏾

[@benjamincornia7311]

This is my first video watching. Instant subscribe. I live in a condo in Dallas, but I like to think that these videos will help me with my environmental goals.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Awesome hopefully they'll be of some help to you! Thanks for joining the journey!✌🏾

[@AuthenticWe]

First timer here, first off ( what’s growing on) is fantastic ❤🎉 and thank you for everything you do and are doing this is amazing

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

😅Awesome! Welcome to the journey! Thank you for helping support the Channel and our project! ✌🏾

[@AuthenticWe]

@@GrowTreeOrganics more than welcome, you literally just helped my next plans here in southwest Iowa to capture and filter the farm toxins before they enter the streams and rivers, we have a mile high wood ash pile in my town and I tend to put that filtering substrate to use

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@AuthenticWe nice! That's awesome!✌🏾

[@Aios_Blaise]

Hi, just wanted to mention some sinilar technics. In the Sahel, Africa, there's a greening technic known as the "half moon" if I recall correctly. Very similar to the zuni hole, the half moon is a hole dig to retain water in arid climate. They - the Africans - are using the half moon with immediate greening on top of it. Hoghly recomended to research in case is a technic you can implement and would serve intended purposes.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Definitely, thanks for sharing! We do actually have half moon basins, I just don't call them that in the videos!😅✌🏾

[@dallassukerkin6878]

Well, for a start, you are a natural at presenting these projects to camera :) Explaining what is going on and what the aim is is very important. That's because, despite all the heavy work that goes into making them, the earthworks and landscape structures are not all that evident when filmed and our small 'view' of it is too constrained to understand how it all interlinks.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much. Constantly improving on camera skills and presenting, I'm not a professional by any means. ✌🏾

[@danielprivate8038]

Keep it it man. What your doing is super impressive. Think I’ll go try some of this out in my foothills.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Nice that's awesome, and thank you!✌🏾

[@paulflute]

i love that 'what's growing on..? ' has become a phrase.. living language evolution..

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Made sense to me saying it!😅 something is always growing on! ✌🏾

[@Dust2LivingSoil]

Great video, it seems like the last week when I worked with nature she’s worked with me and started working on water harvesting structures and then the rains came and we have been in a serious drought. We have tons of rocks and I’ve been looking for more uses for them for water harvesting structures we have several ideas but you are utilizing rocks much better than most people are and it’s obvious you’re having great success thank you for pointing out these different ideas concepts and areas. I subscribed to continue to learn and support!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Appreciate your experience, and thank you for joining the journey!✌🏾

[@jamestoday2239]

I'd be using a pick on that stuff, got one in the shed if you need.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

We've got one!😅 our soil is very sandy with rocks scattered in the layers, so it's easy to dig, just not when you hit a rock! I bust the pick axe out for those!✌🏾

[@OurNewLand]

Man, I'm really enjoying (and learning from!) your channel! I absolutely love the water works you're doing. I'm guessing one of your favorite activities is walking your property during rainfall to see what is working and what needs to be done. Peace!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's awesome, thanks for supporting the channel too! You would be correct, highly enjoy running around watching everything! I have to run around because everyone soaks into the soil so fast after the rain tones down!😅✌🏾

[@dankeener3307]

@@GrowTreeOrganicsHere in Lancaster PA I use rain gardens to capture rain so it doesn’t leave our tiny, less than a quarter acre lot. I also walk around in the rain to see how the 7 collection points are working. As a small boy I loved directing water during rains. Now it’s super practical for keeping our fruit trees and native plants for attracting birds thriving, even during a dry summer as we just experienced. In our unique location, we have the advantage of collecting from our neighbor’s large driveway runoff and also water running down our side of the street can be diverted into a street-side rain garden. It’s all about being a good steward of the blessing of rain God had given us. Enjoyed your video! Thx!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@dankeener3307 thank you for sharing! Appreciate your support!✌🏾

[@salimufari]

This reminds me of some of the techniques taught by Andrew Millson & his permaculture projects from Oregon State's online lesson plan. Also check out the Indian greening & food forest projects & the Al Baydha water project.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I've seen both! Definitely learned a lot from Andrew Millison! The projects in India are also very inspiring!✌🏾

[@alansmith5604]

I like what you have accomplished so far with your water structures. I suggest that you also think of sunlight as a resource. Grass likes full sun. All of your trees are limiting the amount of sun hitting the ground. Prune them as high as you can reach and be amazed at the bounty of life that comes.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly! And thank you, we're actually pruning the trees for exactly the reason you said!✌🏾

[@NikClinton]

Great video Brandon! Thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work man

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you, appreciate it!✌🏾

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

Where is your backhoe Brandon. Much easier method of digging zuni bowls 😊 That is tough hand digging my friend. That is why my vote was for rock berms/leaky weirs. They are quick and easy to build and you have all the rock you could possible want readily available for the cost of loading it onto your trailer. Zuni bowls sound and look cool - but they are way too much work for the benefit. and you can't shovel out the sediment that is sure to collect. Just dig a hole and line the top edge with rock if you really want small pools. At least you can shovel the sediment out of a simple dug pool. 👍

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Some spots are so sandy, it really doesn't take too much time and when the rocks are right there... but the backhoe is on back hold...😅 until further notice, so it'll be hand digging for now, but don't be too depressed you said exactly what I've got in the works next, you just said it before I did!😅 besides... we want to make the landscape have a bit of a natural ascetic "coolness" im in no rush! Definitely appreciate your input though and for stopping by!✌🏾

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

@@GrowTreeOrganics Thank you Brandon. I hope the tractor is feeling better soon. 😉

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Likewise my friend!✌🏾

[@deandranicole421]

Put as much mulch down everywhere you can. It will help the soil retain more moisture and prevent evaporation. With the sun beating down, I think it'd do wonders!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Yes sir indeed!✌🏾

[@b_uppy]

These can also be called zai pits. I used these and they have been great for establishing shrubs without a lot of extra watering. A bigger (wider) pit does better than smaller, mine were about 2', when 3-1/2' would have yielded more vigorous growth.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

They are also called that! Nice glad yours are working excellently! I'd agree in some situations, the width and depth can depend on on the situation and person!✌🏾

[@b_uppy]

@@GrowTreeOrganics Think I only watered them three times. Twice in the first year, once in the second. We live in a temperate, Mediterranean climate area that experiences little summer rain. This was a lot easier than dragging the hose around...

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@b_uppy nice I bet! It'll be like that soon here, no hose dragging!✌🏾😅

[@ab3534]

Wow, you're such a hard worker! Keep up the good work wishing you all the best all the way from South Africa, may the Lord bless the work of your hands and make you fruitful in everything you do❤😂

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Really appreciate the support, thank you!✌🏾

[@ceedee2570]

I learned about the Zuni bowl from you. I have been using it not just for capture, but to slow the flow.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's awesome! Glad it's been helpful!✌🏾

[@clamoreistesaeculum6988]

Your technique reminds me of two methods I once saw in documentaries about desert renaturalization. The first was that spirals were laid with stones to hold water and the other was made up of semicircles arranged like cascades with a similar depth to your bowels. Maybe it will help you. all the best on your journey

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's actually a video I'm working on.... putting a little design into the design!✌🏾

[@h.e.pennypacker4728]

This is cool, going to give it a shot in my colorado backyard!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That'll be awesome!✌🏾

[@savannahsmiles1797]

been there planted that...Freeze, fry, hail or flash flooding...the Rockies can make growing a challenge

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@savannahsmiles1797 most definitely can!✌🏾

[@ZenThruAnger]

I love this approach. I hope to do something similar one day when I can retire. The best to you.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Best of luck! And also thank you!✌🏾

[@delphina1111]

I hope y’all are good after hurricane.❤Thank you for this video!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

We're good over here, thank you!✌🏾💚

[@shannoncalhoun3684]

I assume hay is scarce in your area but any dead vegetation you could gather and lay on top of the bare soil that is gathering water would help retain the captured water in the soil. This would assist the latent seeds to germinate and grow vegetation native to your region.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

We'll be getting more hay and straw actually, but I did a previous video showing how I'm laying straw, compost and cover crop seed in our bare areas!✌🏾

[@340wbymag]

I'd like to make a suggestion regarding your Zuni pits. I noticed that there are plenty of dead branches in your trees, along with other grasses and materials that you could use to shade the pits to reduce evaporation. A bit of shade would make your Zuni pits a wonderful place to plant seeds, and it would provide shelter for the critters, which would in return add fertilizer to your soil. It appears to me that you have a lot of plant material to utilize. I sure admire what you are doing!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Definitely a great idea! We're not completely finished with everything, but we will be doing what you're saying, and more! ✌🏾

[@340wbymag]

@@GrowTreeOrganics I watch for your videos because I am so in love with what you are doing. The ancient peoples had beavers to do your work, and roughly ten percent of North America was covered with wetlands. When the beavers were gone, the ancient people harvested water as you are doing. Somewhere along the way humans developed technologies that changed our way of life, and the old ways were lost. It will be folks like you that bring that knowledge back to humanity.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

@@340wbymag thank you. It's simply learning from our past, but also incorporating 21st century tech and knowledge. Slowly more people are learning!✌🏾

[@toomuchtroble]

some places when i was in nevada had a dustier powdered clay that would soak itself then becume a impermeable layer and just make water runnoff . but if you mixed it with woodchips teh woodchips will hold teh water and let it drain deeper into ground and add natral composting to it

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

We've got plenty more to do for revitalizing the soil, but we're trying to stay focused also. We'll be Doing more with the soil later winter!✌🏾

[@savannahsmiles1797]

rock abundance...that is definitely something can relate to, as we have 2 things potatoes and lots and lots of rocks in Idaho...

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Hard spuds and soft spuds!😅✌🏾

[@grumbeard]

You should look up Brad Lancaster. A good fellow that knows what he is doing. Even though I do not have any use for it I have his two books on dryland water harvesting. A facinating read and exactly what you would need.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Yep I've definitely investigated most of his work and any work he was included in! Appreciate that! Brad has definitely put some good information out there!✌🏾

[@grumbeard]

@@GrowTreeOrganics Good. You can never go wrong with his advice. Going to take a peak at your backlog now as it seems quite interesting.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly! ✌🏾

[@adityasonakia]

Something new to learn everyday with you Brandon.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

That's great! Hopefully educational as well as entertaining!✌🏾

[@LS-ot4ho]

Australia has had some great work done re-greening over grazed land

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Definitely has!✌🏾

[@DaevorTheDevoted]

Thank you. I appreciate your detailed explanations. Subscribed. I'm about to embark on a "food forest in the Karoo" (South Africa) project. The plan is to use earthworks like swales, half-moons & zai pits to slow, spread and sink water. And thanks to you, I can add Zuni bowls to the arsenal 🙂 These structures should help with soil hydration. For fertility I intend to implement the "Chicken Tractor on Steroids" (one of Geoff Lawton's videos). I'm a developing a succession plan starting with hardy nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs to eventually end up with a productive forest. Thanks for the tips and tricks! Sharing information and learnings make us all better. Much appreciated. 🙏

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thanks for joining the journey! Awesome to hear of your venture! Glad you can add some more tricks and tools! ✌🏾

[@carolannhartley359]

Daevor, my father in law farmed in the Ciskei till his death in the 1960s. He was looking into making mini-dams in the dongas by packing them with silt & rock in the dry season. He hoped they would catch & hold some water for the stock.

[@1millionpumpkins542]

I enjoyed watching you build that bowl. Zeedyk videos are so inspiring, excellent citation. 👏 Love the function stack of getting materials + mini earthworks. Blessings!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Glad you enjoyed it thank you! I enjoy Bill Zeedyk as well! ✌🏾

[@ClimateActionTime-oy9bt]

Will this also help improve the water table, having an effect beyond just the local area? I was wondering where this work is taking place -- Mojave desert? I'm interested in learning more about the extent of our efforts to revitalize the land, and where we are (and are not) helping to reverse desertification.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

We're in Northern Arizona! This will help the water table beyond our property line! Plenty more to learn and do!✌🏾

[@321ozzy]

New subsciber here, the poject looks great and it seems I will learn a lot. All the best from the jungle in Mexico 🙂

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Welcome aboard!😅 and thank you!✌🏾

[@johnmcclure2912]

You have the use of the Zuni bowl backwards. All of the water retention is done by the dam across the channel. That functions to raise the water table. The bowl is to allow water to flow from the water table into pit as a water cache in between rains. The rocks are to filter the sidewalks from collapsing into the bowl. Makes more sense doesn't it.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Multiple uses for the Zuni Bowl, it would be silly to think there's only one way to use them, nature is diverse in form, but also function. Bill Zeedyk used these mainly in washes, along with one rock check dams and piling rocks on the "cutting edge" of the bank. The Zuni people used these in various locations and sizes. ✌🏾

[@grahamvirgil]

Good job ! I am doing the same thing in Tubac Az. Also with 10 acres... Virgil Graham

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Nice that's awesome! And thank you!✌🏾

[@christofferraby4712]

Enjoyed your videos. Watching from South Africa.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Nice! Thank you!✌🏾

[@marquaha5059]

Great, very effective for such a small earthwork

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much!✌🏾

[@insAneTunA]

Bill zeedyk sounds as if he has dome Dutch heritage. With such a name you have to do something with water. Not so long ago I was reading a little about the Dutch heritage in relation to water. And I learned that the first existing earthworks that they have found so far and dated, go back to 2000 years ago, and those were similar small earthworks as I see in the many videos that I watch today. In this case it were rammed earth walls backed by wooden stakes and such, because we do not have any rocks here in the Netherlands. Anyway, thanks for sharing 👍

[@jasoncorlee5579]

I'm sorry.. are you saying white people did it first? Maybe think about that and look into age of the zuni people.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Many cultures were doing earthworks, and designing these water holding techniques. Every place and culture was different according to their location, their own ideas, and materials available!✌🏾

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Very old culture!✌🏾

[@insAneTunA]

@@jasoncorlee5579 Oh absolutely not. It was just something that I recently learned after I did some research about how the early people who lived in this part of the world dealt with the water. The most early really big water works in the Netherlands were done by the Romans, so that were not the early Dutch people who can take credit for that. The Romans even changed the course from the oldest continuous flowing river in the world, the river Maas, just so that it was easier to use for shipping. The Finke river in Australia is the oldest river in the world, but it is not continuously flowing. Many many cultures and civilizations across time have worked with and against the water in various ways. It is more that it was a personal discovery for me to learn that bit of information about the history from this country, the Netherlands. We have a very close relation and long history with water, earthworks, and turning sea into fertile and productieve land. But I was never aware when that exactly started, so I did a little research about the history from my own country. Just to give you an idea. The Netherlands is about 180 miles long and about 173 miles wide at the longest and widest point. But we have 13670 miles of dikes to protect the land and the people against the water. And 18% of the totals surface area is water. The entire country has a complicated system with pumps and canals and swales to keep the ground water level always at a certain range. So that we can keep our feet dry. Because of our water management and also because we have one of the largest ports in Europe the Netherlands has become the second largest agriculture trading country in the world after the US. That is in terms of total value. The total value in 2023 was somewhere around 124 billion dollar. And around 80 billion was produced domestically, with a huge amount of surplus of food and flowers and other products that is being sold globally. And the other 40 billion or so was from international trade, since we are also an international trade hub for the European continent due to our harbor and infrastructure. Personally I like gardening and greening the desert projects of all sorts. And to learn more about it from all cultures and people. I admire all the people who who have the courage to do it, and who like to share their knowledge and experience. And to me it is a joy to watch the videos. But it was a good question. And I was happy to answer it. It is good to fight against racism of any kind. And I also think that it is good to create awareness for different cultures.

[@thegiggler2]

I donated to help you guys along. Much luck. Why not do many shallow on-contour swales with the backhoe? It would go pretty quickly and cover a lot of ground and you would have to do less spot treatment of particular areas. Plus also things aren't soaking because the ground compaction needs to be broken up. Maybe consider a way to perforate the soil.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Really appreciate that! There are little spots that need smaller earthworks, but we've got more to do, bigger and smaller earthworks!✌🏾

[@SFQS]

Interesting notion - Zeedyk's last name actually translates to sea earthworks(zee dijk), so it's interesting to see that same theme come up in a different context. Such awesome initiative, results are clear to see!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Yea very interesting! Zeedyk doesn't get the most credit on his ideas and work compared to people like Geoff Lawton and others. But thank you the proof is in the pudding!✌🏾

[@janelast5177]

Brilliant work guys!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much!✌🏾

[@xavierroy5254]

nice video,I like to see the progress on your project.Also I learn a new thing ,the zuni bowls.Thanks and keep the good work.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you! Cheers!✌🏾

[@Robert-ew7qk]

I like your building ideas. I live in Arizona also and have been wanting to move up north and enjoy the cooler weather. I am currently down in the mount graham area. I try and go up north as often as possible for fishing and enjoying the quiet.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you! Definitely pretty nice up here!✌🏾

[@Robert-ew7qk]

@@GrowTreeOrganics If you want to retain more ground water get rid of as many evergreens as you can they use a lot of ground water and plant other native trees that don't use as much water. Other white mountain native trees include maple beech birch, aspen-birch cover type trees, Gamble Oak, Rocky mountain white oak, or Utah white oak. Hope everything goes well for you all.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you very much!✌🏾

[@AndrewLale]

You don't know how jealous I am. I'd love to be doing what you're doing. Best of luck with everything.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

I appreciate that! Thank you!✌🏾

[@1voluntaryist]

"What's growing on everyone?" is also the opening at: "Green Dreams" in Florida, USA. It's a global salutation for nature loving plant nurturers. Brandon: Why did you use a shovel when you have a "front loader"? Mark all Zuni-spots after careful inspection, then the tractor will be 100 x faster. Rock dams, rocks to slow flow, but not rocks in the bowl, just hay, organic matter, plus seeds. Start with lots of indigenous trees, e.g., mesquite, nitrogen fixers. Then fruit trees, pomegranate.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Oh nice! I didn't know! But this was more a demonstration video, too give the idea, we have other Zuni bowls that are deeper, but they're are plans for more! We've only done the earthworks so far for the material to build the gabion!✌🏾

[@ahmadhasif979]

I heard of the story man called Yakuba Sawadogo, he dig holes put cow dung in middle of dessert like their ancestors, Glad to stumble upon this video and found about Zuni ball

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thanks for sharing that! Thanks for stopping in!😅✌🏾

[@CaedenV]

In Ohio we call this mosquito farming lol Out here where we often get too much rain, as well as occasional dry periods, it is common to do some form of a french drain. Same basic idea of a bunch of loose rocks, often around some kind of void, but then wrapped in a sediment filter and buried. It prevents water buildup and wash-out on the surface, while promoting a slow even release for the week or two after when we might get no rain.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

The concept isn't for everybody and it also depends on your soil. But no mosquitos over here!😅✌🏾

[@nestorpanik2312]

Bill Zeedyk! His name literally means 'sea dike' in Dutch, and here he is holding back water in Arizona. Nominative determinism strikes again. :) Keep up the videos.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you. Definitely someone I learned a lot from!✌🏾

[@innerscapearts]

Very satisfying build, can't wait to see your spot green up!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

You and me both!😅✌🏾

[@maggiem.5904]

There are a lot of trees for such dry soil. It seems like there must have been some consistent moisture deeper in the soil for a while for there to be that many trees.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly, this area used to be pine forests and the caliche shows higher vegetation that used to be here and abruptly was taken out!✌🏾

[@johnbaker1256]

If you have plenty of rocks, stack a large pile on the bowl. The rocks on the centre will never be heated by the sun, so they stay cool. Any time there is moisture in the air some will condense on the cool rocks and drip down into the bowl.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Yea! Appreciate that!✌🏾

[@martacipriani3576]

Wonderful! Super good job!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you! Cheers!✌🏾

[@RedFlyerMedia]

Great explanations and visuals! I am working on an erosion issue in the Texas hill country and will utilize some of this in my projects.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Awesome, hopefully this concept will help you out!✌🏾

[@CSH-y3w]

Incredible! Thanks for sharing.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you!✌🏾

[@RandomsFandom]

Start collecting grass seed, and start your own plants close to home, so you can guve them good attention

[@a_fellow_homesteader]

We sure have been doing plenty of all that! ✌🏾💜🌍

[@RandomsFandom]

@@a_fellow_homesteader if only you had a skid steer, you could do way more per day. You could do a years worth of work in a day. Even an old Ford jubilee tractor with a back blade can do furrows or pits

[@a_fellow_homesteader]

@@RandomsFandom we have limited access to some big toys to dig and such. But we prefer the slow build up for most things. So we can experience how things are functioning and make more permanent tweaks. We are in no hurry, this is a lifelong project.

[@bubblerings]

Woww. You have heavy equipment.. A series of level berms.. Can keep nearly all of the rainwater on your land.. That changes the whole ecosystem quickly. Am happy for you.🐳⚡❤😊🍻

[@bubblerings]

The most under-rated water harvesting tool... The backhoe.😁😉

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you! Still more to do!✌🏾

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Most definitely 😅✌🏾

[@bubblerings]

@@GrowTreeOrganics I probably remember it inaccurately.. But, in or bordering Saguaro Nat'l Monument, west of Tucson.. There is an area (a few acres or less), where berms/ swale was installed. Memory fails me. 50 or a hundred years ago.? Anyhow, the native Palo Verde and mesquite trees are really big.. Tall grassy meadow inside.. Tons of wildlife use that spot, just from the pooling of monsoon rains. The surrounding area is rather barren. Some creosote and Saguaros. Nature loves your efforts!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Yea Bill Moloson had created those in the 80s to demonstrate the concept. It's definitely a great example!✌🏾

[@GreenEnvyFPV]

Love this stuff! Great job

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you! Cheers!✌🏾

[@sr4169]

Very good Zuni bowl information I may use in my property in northern NM! thanks!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Nice, glad this was helpful! Good luck on your own Zuni Bowl!✌🏾

[@Healitnow]

In Africa, I have seen them put semicircular rock retainers on mild slopes, holding water for up to an acre or so. It is a lot like this.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Exactly!✌🏾

[@richardr5878]

Is there any science as to the depth in relation to diameter etc? Cool idea. My immediate instinct was to have a deeper bowl, but my mindset is more toward a pond or mud hole. Glad I came across your channel. I’ll be checking out more of your work!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

You could definitely calculate how much water you want the bowl to hold and design from that! It also depends on the location, your goals, etc. Thanks for coming across my channel!😅✌🏾

[@elijahsanders3547]

Very cool. Make sure your straw hasn't been sprayed.

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Definitely thank you!✌🏾

[@norellweiner3341]

So basically you are being a human Beaver using rocks (available) instead of trees (not available). Love it!!!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Basically!...😅✌🏾

[@achimschaffeld9653]

Wow, that's awesome! Keep up the great work, man!

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Thank you!✌🏾

[@annak804]

Maybe try a bigger hole? More water caught and more top soil caught. Swales are great but you can also do directed water flow with some trenches and the more you focus on the collection of water in the ground in the beginning the faster it will progress

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

We do have bigger bowls! We're also not done with this project! Everything is just the sketch outline so far. Still more to come!✌🏾

[@RandyZimmerman-pp5wj]

I'm 69 yrs old first time I ever heard about a zuni bowl keep education for most in your video don't stop the party rocks

[@GrowTreeOrganics]

Definitely won't stop! Thank you very much!✌🏾