for Desert Gardens Wise Watering...To be “water wise” – think about: 3/7/2017 The Desert Oasis Teaching Garden Soil Sun ... Plants of the Southwest Epic Seeds Native Seed SEARCH

Wise Watering for Desert Gardens

THANKS to

3/7/2017 The Desert Oasis Teaching Garden

for their collaboration and

commitment to community education

• WUA links and rebates

• DOT Gardens at Albuquerque Academy Tiana Baca-Bosiljevac, Garden Manager

• Climate change news

• Importance of soil carbon

• Water-saving techniques for the garden

• Questions?

• WALKING TOUR of the DOT Gardens!

WaterSmart Gardening Class


“The take-home message of the desert: one must learn patience and tenacity

…” - Gary Paul Nabhan


The Desert Oasis Teaching Gardens

Feb 2018 The Desert Oasis Teaching Garden

Started in Fall 2013

2 acres of gardens

We are an experiential learning space


We are a school AND community program!


We grow bounty in the desert

Climate Change in the Desert


We know that

Groundwater is being over-pumped, wetlands are drying out, lakes are shrinking, and large rivers are so tapped out that they rarely reach the sea.


Climate-warming trends over the past century are due to human activity.


Really good news – each of us can help


A 2% increase in the carbon content of the planet’s soils could offset 100% of all greenhouse gas emissions going into the atmosphere

So, no matter…


what size your garden is

or what shape…


We can all create Regenerative Systems

By growing organically & sustainably, we are:

Regenerating soil health & saving water

Restoring our health

Fostering wellness for the whole planet


Innovations + Traditions


Lorenzo CandelarioFamily farming here for 300 years!

To be “water wise” – think about:


SoilSun

Water Seeds/PlantsAmendments

Challenges for growing here

• Too sunny

• Too hot

• Too windy

• Low rain

• Low humidity


= Evapotranspiration deficit


Our soil quality is variable

What’s your Soil Type?


What makes great soil?


Organic Matter

How does soil capture carbon?

3/7/2017

This is why Soil Carbon Matters!


Healthy soil captures carbon & holds more water!

Location in DOT Gardens Organic Carbon in top 0-4”

Infiltration Rates for 1” Rain

Lawn, Turf grass (hardpack sand)

1.8% 34 minutes

Orchard (wood mulch, Aug 2014)

4.3% 15 minutes

Meadow (cover crop, April 2014)

5.2% 14 SECONDS

Improving soil – the life below ground

• Organic matter

• Compost

• Manures

• Worms & castings

• Teas

• Mulch

• Cover crops

• Mycorrhizal inoculant



What we plant matters!

Think about what WANTS to grow here


Change our palates!


Analogous Landscapes

Choose Seeds for Success

Save your own!

Share with gardeners

Bernalillo County Library

Plants of the Southwest

Epic Seeds

Native Seed SEARCH

Seed Savers Exchange

Baker Creek Seeds

Wild Garden Seeds


‘Plant guilds’ & polycultures save water



Plant in Sunken Beds


Foster microclimates


Irrigation technologies save water


Where to use Ollas


How do Ollas work?


MicroSprayers


Swales and Berms


A swale is a shallow trench dug along the land’s contour, with a berm on the downhill side.

Swales and Berms


1” of rainfall x 1000 sq ft = 620 gallons

Soil Sponges


Water Trees at the Drip Line


WaterSmart review at DOT Gardens• Collect rainwater:

• Soil sponges

• Swales

• Cisterns

• Use drip irrigation

• Try Ollas

• Grow in a sunken bed

• Use shade structures

• Create microclimates

• Select regionally adapted seeds and plants

• Practice “Regenerative Agriculture” & improve soil health


Wise Water Books


Visit our website:

Like our Facebook page:

Instagram:


www.thedotgarden.org

Facebook.com/TheDesertOasisTeachingGarden

https://www.instagram.com/dotgarden/

stay connected with the DOT Gardens

http://www.thedotgarden.org/

https://www.instagram.com/dotgarden/

Documents

for Desert Gardens Wise Watering...To be “water wise” – think about: 3/7/2017 The Desert Oasis Teaching Garden Soil Sun ... Plants of the Southwest Epic Seeds Native Seed SEARCH