This post may contain one or more affiliate links, which means I will get a small commission when you buy a product via the provided link at no cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclaimer here.
In a world where modern technology and gadgets often are preferred over old-school techniques, something is refreshing about incorporating ancient techniques into our daily lives. One such method that’s been gaining popularity among gardeners is the use of olla pots in kitchen gardens.
Pronounced “oy-yah,” this clay pot hails from ancient civilizations like the Romans and native Americans. But what exactly is an olla, and how can you harness its power to benefit your gardening? You’ll find out in this blog post!
What is an olla?
An olla is a porous, unglazed clay pot, traditionally used for irrigation purposes. Its design is an ancient technique and is simple yet ingenious: a round-bodied terra cotta vessel with a narrow neck and often a lid. The porosity of the clay allows water to seep through its walls, gradually hydrating the surrounding soil. By making use of a few terracotta ollas you’ll be much more efficient with your watering, you could say you use clay pot irrigation!
Benefits of using an olla
1. No need for plastic irrigation materials in your garden
First of all a great benefit, in my opinion at least, is you don’t need a plastic hose with a drip system to water your plants. Nowadays I’m very hesitant when using plastic materials in general. I don’t like using plastic or silicones in the kitchen when preparing food for my family or vegetable garden, or anywhere where it will directly come into contact with food, drinks, or our bodies in general.
Maybe I’m a bit hefty on this topic but I just don’t like the idea of microplastics, plasticizers, and such in my direct surroundings. It probably isn’t all bad but by making use of materials that are directly from our surroundings, like clay, I feel much better than something that is heavily chemically adjusted to serve a purpose.
2. Watering your vegetable plants at, or actually beneath, the soil level
I think in almost every blog post about “how to grow (insert vegetable plant name)” I explain why it is important to water your plants at the soil level. It will prevent a wide range of problems like fungus infections, diseases, or pests that will destroy or harm your kitchen garden.
I often spoke of a drip irrigation system that will provide your plants with a steady flow of water. When using an olla you’ll only fill the olla with water, the olla is in the ground next to your plants, so the water will spread directly into the soil. In short, by making use of an olla you’ll make yourself an irrigation system while making use of a natural material.
Furthermore, unlike traditional watering methods like sprinklers, or drip hoses, which wet the soil surface, an olla delivers water at the root level. This is a great way to encourage plants to develop deep, strong root systems, making them more resilient to drought and heat stress.
3. Water usage
Because you can pour water directly into the olla’s or clay containers, you won’t waste any water that will fall on the leafage of the plants and evaporate during the day. Sure some water will still evaporate from the porous terra cotta pot but the combination of making use of a lid and the cool soil surrounding the water reservoir will prevent most evaporation. It is an efficient way to water your vegetable plants. Furthermore, you can open the olla and check if there is still water present. If so you’ll know you don’t need to add any water.
4. Reduced weed growth in your garden
It is said that by using an olla, weeds don’t grow as fast as when you water your plants with a hose. I haven’t yet experienced this benefit because I only started using olla irrigation starting this growing season. But, because the soil surface stays dry, you only water the olla instead of the complete patch of soil, weeds that rely on surface moisture will have a harder time growing in your garden.
Bonus points if you use ollas and mulch on your kitchen garden patch! The mulch will block sunlight and prevent weed seeds from reaching the surface of the soil and the olla will make sure the surface will stay dry.
5. Adding extra nutrients
By adding liquid fertilizers your plants will receive a slow stream of nutrients deep into the soil. Be sure to add liquid fertilizer so it won’t clog the porous clay.
A few things to keep in mind when using an olla
While using an olla for irrigation is generally more efficient and conservative compared to traditional watering methods, it is still possible to overwater your plants if certain precautions aren’t taken. Here are some scenarios where overwatering can occur with ollas and how to prevent them:
1. Inadequate drainage
If the soil surrounding the olla becomes waterlogged due to poor drainage, it can lead to root rot and other moisture-related issues. To prevent this, ensure that your garden beds or containers have adequate drainage, such as by incorporating gravel or perlite into the soil mix and using raised beds where appropriate.
2. Excessive watering frequency
While ollas provide a consistent supply of moisture to plant roots, they may still require adjustments depending on environmental conditions and plant needs. During periods of heavy rainfall or high humidity, you may need to monitor the water level in the olla more closely and reduce the watering frequency to avoid oversaturation of the soil.
3. Incorrect placement
Placing the olla too close to plant roots or in areas with shallow-rooted plants can lead to localized overwatering. It’s essential to position the olla strategically, taking into account the water needs and root spread of your plants. Additionally, rotating the olla periodically can help distribute water more evenly throughout the root zone.
4. A cracked, leaky olla
If the olla has cracks or leaks that allow water to escape too rapidly, it can result in excessive watering of nearby plants. Ensure that your olla is properly sealed and free from any damage that could compromise its water-retention capabilities.
5. Environmental factors
Factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight intensity can influence the rate of water evaporation from the olla and soil. During hot and dry conditions, the soil may dry out more quickly, necessitating more frequent refilling of the olla. Conversely, in cooler or more humid environments, less frequent watering may be required to prevent overhydration.
6. Changes in seasons
Don’t forget to remove your ollas at the end of the growing season especially when you live in an area with harsh, frosty winters. The olla may crack, which in turn will be a hazard to your plants next growing season. A cracked pot will, of course, release a lot more water into the soil than a non-cracked pot!
If you live in an area where there will be no frost, or you have a greenhouse that will prevent the frost from reaching the olla, you should be safe by just keeping it in the ground.
How to use an olla in your kitchen garden
- Size matters: Choose a size of the pot that matches the needs of your plants and the size of your garden beds. A large olla will hold a greater amount of water and is suitable for thirsty plants or bigger areas, while smaller ones work well for containers or individual plants.
- Bury the olla: Dig a hole in the center of your garden bed or container deep enough to accommodate the olla. Place the olla upright in the hole, exposing the neck above the soil surface.
- Fill the olla: Once the olla is in place, fill it with water until it reaches the brim. You may need to add water more frequently during hot weather or as your plants grow and demand more moisture.
- Monitor and refill: Check the water level in the olla regularly, especially during dry spells. Refill as needed to ensure a consistent water supply to your plants.
- Maintenance of an olla: Clean the olla at the end of each growing season to prevent clogs and mineral buildup.
Where to obtain an olla
There are several ways to obtain an olla. You can simply buy one via Amazon. There are a lot of options and various sizes available, you can search for a local pottery to buy one, or craft one yourself. I very much prefer to buy olla’s by a local potter, as I’ve never crafted my own olla or clay pot from scratch, but that’s my personal preference. I just like to support local craftsmen and a small pottery is just such a thing that brings a bit of romantic charm to your neighborhood.
There are not a lot of people these days who are a master of their craft and so many products are coming from big factories. I just think that buying an olla at a small pottery enhances the charm of incorporating such an ancient tool in your garden that will provide food for your family. Or.. maybe it’s just because I’m getting old. That can also be an explanation.
​DIY olla, a cheaper alternative
What if I told you that you can easily make your own olla right at home? Making your own olla involves simple materials and techniques, resulting in a cost-effective and natural way of watering your vegetable garden.
Materials
- A clay pot: While an olla is a clay pot, not every clay pot is an olla. Opt for unglazed terracotta pots, preferably with a wide body and a narrow neck. You can find these at garden centers or pottery supply stores. An olla is very often quite pricy. You can also use another unglazed clay vessel like an ordinary unglazed terracotta plant pot, with a saucer to close it off as a lid.
- A cork: To close the tiny hole in the middle of the bottom of the plant pot you can use a cork. This will prevent the water flow from leaving the clay pot directly into the soil. Your DIY olla will then evenly ‘leak’ water to the surrounding soil through the teeny tiny small holes in the porous terracotta.
Step-by-step DIY guide
- Start by plugging the clay pot with the cork.
- That’s it, your olla is ready to be put into the soil.
Using your DIY olla
- Dig a hole in your garden bed or container deep enough to accommodate the olla. Place the olla upright in the hole, leaving the top exposed above the soil surface. You should be able, of course, to fill the olla with water after all!
- ​Once in place, fill the olla with water until it reaches the brim. The porous clay will gradually release water into the surrounding soil, providing consistent moisture to nearby plants.
- Check the water level in the olla regularly, especially during dry spells. Refill as needed to maintain optimal soil moisture for your plants.
Crafting your own olla is probably one of the easiest DIY projects you’ve ever done. It will also be a sustainable gardening practice that promotes water conservation and plant health.
With just a few simple natural materials and steps, you can create a timeless watering solution that will benefit your garden for seasons to come and save you gallons of water.
This post may contain one or more affiliate links, which means I will get a small commission when you buy a product via the provided link at no cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclaimer here.
