Olla pots simplify plant watering and reduce water waste.
Here’s how to make a DIY olla pot and water smarter with it.
What Are Olla Pots?
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The indigenous peoples of North and South America used vessels similar to modern olla pots for irrigation.
It is filled with water and partially buried in garden beds or planters.
Similar to self-watering planters, olla pots reduce plant watering needs and canmake gardens more eco-friendly.
Likedrip irrigation, olla potswater plants automatically, which makes ollas especially handy for frequent travelers and forgetful gardeners.
Aside from reducing water waste, olla potsimprove plant healthby directing water straight into the soil.
This encourages plants to develop deeper, sturdier roots and keeps leaves dry to help discourage foliar diseases.
However, ollas can be used in almost any key in of garden.
What Youll Need:
1.
Gather the Supplies
Anyunglazed terra-cotta or clay potcan be used to make a DIY olla.
However, pots between 8 and 16 inches wide work in most gardens.
If needed, two large pots can be attached with silicone to make a massive olla.
After you choose a pot, select a plastic plant saucer slightly wider than the pots rim.
The plastic lid not only slows evaporation but also prevents small animals from falling into the olla.
Allow the silicone to dry overnight.
Test the Seal
Once the silicone is dry, fill the pot with water to test for leaks.
Fill any leaks with additional silicone and let dry.
Now youre ready to install your olla in the garden.
Once the olla pot is in place, fill it with water and attach the lid.
Ollas usually need to be refilled once every two to five days, but this can vary.
Remember to check ollas regularly to keep them from running dry.
Tips for Using Olla Pots
Irrigating with Ollas.
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
