Sunever Farms is a long-term project and we’re learning as we go.
One thing we’re doing there is attempting to revive the fruit trees that survived five years without irrigation. All of the Jujube trees were robust, and revived instantly, giving us loads of fruit.
On the other hand, almost all of the several hundred Asian Pear trees were dead. A few that we thought were dead actually leafed, though, and those were the ones we mulched and watered. Last year some of those fruited, but most of the fruit was small or eaten by birds and coyotes. Since then Stephanie has learned how to prune these trees for proper growth and fruiting (thank you Bob Morris and 29 Palms Inn), and we’ve applied fertilizer (from very rich homemade compost) and mulch (woodchips from our friend Alma) to all the trees. Now we’re seeing blossoms…
About Jay Babcock
I am an independent writer and editor based in Tucson, Arizona.
In 2023: I publish an email newsletter called LANDLINE = https://jaybabcock.substack.com
Previously: I co-founded and edited Arthur Magazine (2002-2008, 2012-13) and curated the three Arthur music festival events (Arthurfest, ArthurBall, and Arthur Nights) (2005-6). Prior to that I was a district office staffer for Congressman Henry A. Waxman, a DJ at Silver Lake pirate radio station KBLT, a copy editor at Larry Flynt Publications, an editor at Mean magazine, and a freelance journalist contributing work to LAWeekly, Mojo, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Vibe, Rap Pages, Grand Royal and many other print and online outlets. An extended piece I wrote on Fela Kuti was selected for the Da Capo Best Music Writing 2000 anthology. In 2006, I was somehow listed in the Music section of Los Angeles Magazine's annual "Power" issue. In 2007-8, I produced a blog called "Nature Trumps," about the L.A. River. From 2010 to 2021, I lived in rural wilderness in Joshua Tree, Ca.
Learning to Live Here 
Rain this year certainly helped.
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So glad to have found you. My folks have a property in 29 Palms. I used to run and hike at their property when on vacation many decades ago.
I’ve been watching some of the Greening The Desert and permaculture youtube videos. I am wondering if it might be possible to make a desert ‘food forest’ there in 29 Palms. I currently garden in the low desert in Riverside County. I’ve really improved this soil here. I want to plant more trees and have run out of room, so thought the 29 Palms property might work.
I plan to read your posts to glean ideas! Happy Gardening!