Sonia Ray

I have typical 0.19acre urban plot that is more or less flat. I want to start by building some earthworks into it to capture as much rain water as possible and create microclimates. Which books, videos  have you found most useful in planning and implementing such earthworks. Thanks in advance for your help.

I live in San Antonio, Texas. We get about 30in of rainfall on an avg. There is a spot on my property that is facing the southeast and is guarded from the north by the house itself. So it does get scorched by the summer sun.  I was wondering if I can grow a small tropical food forest in there. I need some reference materials to research what species of plants I can grow there and how they might perform. I prefer plants including trees that can serve multiple functions. Any idea on what earthworks might be helpful in creating even a better environment for these plants? Thanks in advance for your help.