Yes, water crystals do help you to get a LOT more growth than you will get without them. Since it is such a simple addition, it really makes no sense to try growing without adding them. Add crystals and a good amount or organic amendments and you can get good growth if your in an area with average or above average rains. You can add more than the recomended rate but be carefull not to overdo it too much. Over a certain point and you end up with your whole planting bed turning into a jelly like mess after a rain. I suggest starting w/ 1.25 the rate on the label. You can always carry water when and if you can during dry times, but it's best to prepare the bed in a way that you will get good growth without bringing in the extra water. As far as getting water from a nearby stream or pond or such, the best way is a 12 V battery, a marine type bilge pump and some plastic hose / tube.