For the person who asked for moisture saving techniques; maybe you could try biochar? It pretty much acts like a big sponge for moisture and also for nutrients, so it's doubly awesome. And it's really easy to make a biochar kiln yourself for cheap out of a metal paint can or a metal drum or anything like that (look up "TLUD biochar" on youtube and there's a bunch of tutorials on how to make one). Oh and it's carbon negative even though you're burning stuff which is super cool!