Vegetation can be cultivated at an arid location by rooting immature vegetation in a mat combined with a super absorbent polymer ("SAP") and, in embodiments, fertilizer, sand, and/or soil; placing the mat at the location; and covering the mat with a perforated, transparent or semi-transparent cover. Most or all of the apparatus can be biodegradable or removable. The sand or soil can be similar to indigenous sand or soil. A water barrier can be placed below the mat. The cover can be placed on or suspended above the mat. SAP, seeds, and/or additional water barriers can be placed between mats in a stack. The opacity of the cover can be increased to emulate shade from natural vegetation. A water distribution system can provide continued support of the vegetation, and can include a water reservoir and/or a solar still.
