Written by Benedict Vanheems | 5 August 2024
Keeping your plants hydrated during hot summers can feel like a never-ending chore. But there’s a centuries-old, ingenious technique that not only saves time but also conserves water: the olla. This unglazed terra cotta pot is an ancient watering tool that efficiently delivers moisture directly to plant roots, saving up to 70% of water. Here’s how to integrate this technique into your garden along with other helpful tips to optimize your watering routine.
Smart Watering Tips for Thriving Plants
1. Make Every Drop Count
For thirsty crops like squash, create soil depressions or build soil rings around plants. This traps water near the roots, preventing runoff. When planting in rows, mark shallow trenches 2 inches (5 cm) deep and sow seeds along the bottom to funnel water precisely where it’s needed.
2. Seedling Care During Dry Weather
To give seeds a strong start, pre-water the seed drill twice before sowing. This locks in moisture, reduces surface crusting, and minimizes the need for frequent watering.
3. Establish Deep Moisture for Larger Plants
When planting fruit bushes or similar plants, fill the planting hole with water twice before backfilling with soil. This saturates the surrounding soil, reducing the need for immediate follow-up watering.
4. Smarter Container Watering
Place saucers under pots to retain water and allow plants to absorb it gradually. Be sure to empty saucers after a couple of hours to avoid soggy roots. For a hands-free approach, consider terra cotta watering spikes paired with glass bottles as reservoirs.
Why Ollas Are a Game-Changer
What Are Ollas?
Ollas are unglazed terra cotta pots buried in the soil up to their necks. They slowly release water through their porous walls, delivering moisture only when the surrounding soil is dry. This method prevents overwatering, saves time, and creates an ideal environment for plant roots.
How They Work
Ollas function through soil-moisture tension: water moves from the pot to the soil when the soil is dry but remains inside when the soil is wet. This ensures plants get just the right amount of water, reducing evaporation and waste.
Affordable DIY Solutions
1. Make Your Own Olla
Transform a simple terra cotta pot into an olla by sealing its drainage hole with waterproof putty. Bury the pot nearly to its rim, fill it with water, and cover it with a lid to reduce evaporation and prevent pests.
2. Upgrade to Double-Height Ollas
For a larger water reservoir, glue two terra cotta pots together, sealing the bottom hole of one. This option reduces refill frequency and minimizes evaporation.
3. Use Terra Cotta Watering Spikes
Insert spikes into the soil and attach a glass bottle filled with water. These work well in tight spaces or containers, delivering moisture efficiently.
Best Practices for Olla Success
- Spacing: Place ollas about half their diameter from plants to ensure even moisture distribution.
- Maintenance: Keep them consistently topped up and avoid adding fertilizers, which can clog the pores.
- Seasonal Care: Remove ollas before frost to prevent cracking and store them dry until spring.
Conclusion
Integrating ollas and smart watering techniques into your garden can revolutionize how you care for your plants. From conserving water to saving time, this ancient method is both sustainable and highly effective. Try these tips and share your results—you’ll wonder how you ever gardened without them!