Feel Free To Share!
Using Ollas aka Olla Pots in Your Garden
Are you tired of constantly watering your garden and still seeing your plants wither? Maybe you need to reduce the water even more even though you have a drainage system. Discover the ancient method of ollas also known as olla pots!
These unglazed clay pots have been used for centuries in arid regions such as Latin America, North Africa, and the Middle East to provide consistent and efficient watering.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into what olla pots are, how they work, and how you can use them to create a more sustainable garden.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking the link I may make a small commission at no charge to you.
These are the ollas I recently purchased and are using in my Bespoke Greenhouse! So far so good. I bought 3 to start with and now just ordered some more to use in the dishes.
See this video to find out more about our DIY Bespoke Greenhouse that anyone can build.
What are Olla Pots?
Olla pots are a simple yet effective method of irrigation that dates back thousands of years. These clay pots are buried in the ground and only the necks are exposed.
The porous nature of loose clay allows water to slowly seep into the surrounding soil, providing constant moisture to the roots. The general shape of an olla is like an upside down, old lantern but when I did an internet search I found different shapes and types of ollas.
Obtained from Territorial Seed Company
Originating from ancient civilizations around the world, olla pots have proven their worth in both arid and temperate regions. They ended up not being well known for introducing drip irrigation.
The use of ollas is gaining popularity again as farmers look for sustainable ways to save gallons of water and support plant health.
In the past, I have used terra cotta spiked wine bottles called Plant Nanny and to make them pretty I even painted the bottles!
Painted Wine Bottles and Plant Parents
How Ollas Works
Olla irrigation works on the principle of capillary action. As the soil around the pot dries, it draws water from the walls of the ollas, this is called soil moisture concentration, which ensures a gradual release of moisture.
This process uses less water by targeting plant roots directly, promoting healthy plant growth.
The main advantage of olla pots lies in their ability to save water. By reducing evaporation and runoff, they make the most of each drop.
Additionally, they encourage deep root growth by providing constant moisture, resulting in hardy and robust garden plants. Usually you will find the roots growing towards and maybe even in the olla pot.
Choosing the Right Pots for the Garden Olla
Choosing the right olla pots for your garden is essential to maximizing its effectiveness. Consider the following:
Size:
Choose small ollas for container gardens, medium ollas for vegetable beds, and large ollas for larger plantings.
Make sure the size of the pot matches the area you intend to water. Usually, the packaging or product description will tell you how much space it will cover.
Remember, the type of soil will affect how often you may need to refill.
Important:
If you want to try and DIY ollas then use unglazed terra cotta pots. Glazed or painted jars will not allow water to penetrate effectively.
The unglazed terracotta pots used for planting are usually fired at high temperatures while ollas are fired at low temperatures. This may affect or affect the release of moisture from the surrounding plants. Just an FYI in case you decide to make your own ollas.
Also, another caveat, I have found that some pots sold as terracotta are cheap concrete looking material with a terracotta coating, these do not have the same porous nature as real clay pots.
Placement:
At the beginning of the growing season, place the olla pots near the roots of the plant as recommended by the size of the ollas and bury them deep enough so that only the neck is exposed.
Proper burial ensures proper water delivery and minimizes water loss through evaporation. This will also help keep small animals out of the way.
How To Use Ollas In Your Garden
To successfully incorporate olla pots in your garden, follow these steps:
1.Prepare the Ollas:
Soak olla pots in water for a few hours before use to fill the clay and improve water release.
I just added some and the instructions didn’t tell me to pre-soak so this may not be necessary, but you should follow your ollas directions.
2. Dig Holes:
Create holes deep enough to bury the pots with only their necks above the soil.
3. Position and Fulfillment:
Put the pots in the holes, fill them with water, and close the necks to prevent waste from entering. Keep in mind your water source to fill up, you want it to be easy.
4. Planting:
Arrange the plants around the pots, making sure that their roots are within the moisture zone. Adding mulch can help reduce evaporation and retain soil moisture, especially in sandy soils.
Storing Your Olla Jars
Proper care ensures the longevity and efficiency of your olla pots:
Note Water Levels:
Regularly check the water level and refill the pots, especially during dry periods.
Clean Periodically:
Clean the pots to prevent the formation of soil and algae. Gentle scrubbing with a brush can keep them in good working order.
I plan on cleaning mine as I dig to store them for the winter but if you have hard water you may want to check them more often. Hard water can build up and clog pores.
Check for Damage:
Look for cracks or damage and replace any damaged pots immediately. This is easily done when you clean them.
Benefits of Using Ollas
Olla pots offer many benefits to farmers:
Water Performance:
They greatly reduce water use by delivering moisture directly to plant roots instead of the soil.
Healthy Plants:
Consistent moisture promotes deep root growth and healthy plants. Perfect for both flower and vegetable gardens.
Eco-Friendly:
It is made of natural materials and reduces the need for frequent watering, supporting sustainable farming practices.
Possible problems and solutions
Although olla pots work well, they come with a few challenges:
Initial Costs: Olla pots may have a higher upfront cost compared to other irrigation methods. The big ones especially can be expensive but remember, most of them are handmade but they can be used for a very long time.
Space: Some say that large containers take up valuable space in small gardens.
Availability: Finding the right type and size of olla pots can be difficult in some regions. I found many places sold large containers of olla.
Solutions include:
DIY Olla Pots:
Make your own using unglazed terracotta pots. Many online courses can guide you through the process.
I plan to create some for myself and will share them here on the blog. Make sure you sign up for my email newsletter and you’ll be notified when I post that.
I will make sure that what I use is real terracotta and not faux.
Olla pots offer a classic, practical solution for modern gardeners looking to conserve water and promote plant health. By understanding how to choose, use, and care for olla pots, you can transform your garden into an easy-care and sustainable place.
Have you tried using olla pots in your garden?
If you are new to gardening, try olla pots and see the difference they can make. For more eco-friendly gardening tips, check out our other blogs and resources.
Happy Gardening!
Feel Free To Share!
Source link
