This page is a compilation of the best sources that teach desert food growing, most with a focus on permaculture.
Focus on the lessons that are closest to your climate and situation. Learn a bit, then take a small action and keep repeating. Focus on what is working for you!
Desert Permaculture Youtube Playlists
Greening the Desert Project Playlist: legendary permaculturist Geoff Lawton gives walkthroughs of his food forest project in Jordan, one of the harshest arid climates there is. He shares his insights from decades of permaculture design.
Northern Arizona Desert Playlist: a great resource with many videos about water harvesting in the desert. They show many ways of capturing vital rainwater.
DIY Pond in the High Desert Playlist: 24 vids about desert homesteading, rain harvesting and building a pond.
Permaculture Water Management Playlist: 26 lessons by permaculture teacher Andrew Millison that covers a broad range of topics including desert greening case studies.
Youtube Channels for Desert Growing
Growing in the Garden: a popular, active master gardener in Mesa, Arizona. Hundreds of vids and endless practical advice.
Desert Gardens Homestead: from Tuscon, Arizona. He shows tactics of natural farming, permaculture and keeping animals.
Greening the Mojave Desert on the Elephant Farm: videos about earthworks and growing with minimal rainfall.
GrowTree Organics: a northern Arizona property that relies heavily on rainwater harvesting through earthworks such as dams and swales.
Dustups: converting 320 acres in Texas from wasteland into a desert forest.
Desert Gardening Websites
Growing in the Garden: hundreds of articles and guides from beginner to advanced.
Guides and Articles
Desert Food Forest: a compact introductory guide with some quick case studies from Grow Perma. It’s a great place to start.