How to grow plants in dry, barren soil. A spiral shape is ideal for retaining water for long periods and preventing it from seeping away, allowing plants to grow even with minimal water. Typically, plants are planted in raised ridges of soil, with furrows created to improve drainage; however, in Ushtobe, the opposite is done: plants are planted in the furrows, and water is retained by the ridges. It’s like “Robert Smithson” meets vegetable gardening.