Apparatus and method for establishing and growing vegetation in arid environments

A method for cultivating vegetation at an inhospitable location, the method comprising:

• providing a mat;
• providing a super-absorbent polymer (“SAP”) cooperative with the mat;
• providing seeds of a selected variety of vegetation incorporated in the mat;
• providing a water reservoir below grade at the inhospitable location;
• placing the mat substantially at grade over the water reservoir;
• extending at least one wick from the mat into the water reservoir, said wick being configured to draw water from the water reservoir to the SAP of the mat;
• extending at least one hollow tube from the mat to the water reservoir, said hollow tube being configured to allow excess water to flow from the mat into the water reservoir;
• covering the mat by placing a cover made from a transparent or semi-transparent material directly onto and in physical contact with substantially all of an upper surface of the mat, or suspended above the mat;
• said cover forming a physical barrier configured to cause water vapor beneath the cover to condense on an underside of the cover and drip onto the mat;
• said cover being perforated at locations that are spaced apart, thereby allowing rain that falls onto the cover to drain through the perforations and be absorbed by the SAP that is cooperative with the mat.