Jeannie Williams

It's quite flat. It was graded to be level as we use microjet sprinklers. Annual precipitation average is about 10 inches. But since the drought we have less than 2 inches. I think Death Valley got more rain than we did. What I have in mind is more to direct what water we do get to flow toward the trees. The orchard floor is flat the trees are 16 feet apart and 18 feet between rows. rainwater that falls in the center of the row gets wasted. I think that if the land were sloped toward the trees then the water that fell in the middle would flow toward the trees. But I dont know how much of an angle or how deep and close to the tree to go. I could do trial an error. But if someone out there already has the answer I'd rather not make a costly mistake. I don't have any runoff. The ground is good and it soaks in. I also need advise weather or not it is doable to try to harvest water from our 1/4 acre parking lot. It's level and covered in a couple inches of wood chips. I was thinking that if it were sloped toward drain pipes. I could catch some of that water and divert it into a cistern or reservoir. I've already set up to collect the easy water. (water from rain gutters are diverted into a french drain that feeds planter boxes.

Hi folks,
I have a small organic u-pick orchard and farm in Central Ca. Where the drought is at it's worst. The problem is that we are on flat ground. I would like to sculpt my land to capture what little rain we get and make sure that every drop goes to good use. I do have a few things going in my favor though, my land is certified organic, full of life and very productive. We are on a no-till program, and I have amassed a mountain of wood chips to use to help re-vegetate the land wherever we excavate. Would it be possible (and beneficial) to create swales in established orchard by excavating some soil between the rows of trees? I need help.but I'm too broke to pay a professional to design it. Is there a non-profit organization to help small farms? Is there a book that deals with my situation, which is, an established orchard on flat ground in an area that doesn't get much rainfall and is prone to drought? Where can I go for help. I can't afford to take a permaculture course. Please help, I will greatly appreciate it.