Have you read masanobu Fukuokas sowing seeds in the desert? He used an acacia tree since it was a fast growing tree and was a nitrogen fixer. I live in ibiza and here there is so much open ground .. everything cooks(dies) in the summer. I started using a acacia tree this year and I’m already so impressed. I also started planting close together, sometimes this is good and other times it’s not. My friend uses aloe plants to keep humidity in the soil especially when she is starting seeds. Good luck! Find some acacia trees!! They give a million seeds - I really think it’s the key to combatting desertification.