Ollas: The Ancient Watering Method Every Garden Should Know
If you’ve ever struggled to keep your garden consistently watered—especially during hot weather—there’s a simple solution that has been used for thousands of years!
It’s called an olla (pronounced oy-ya)!
Recently I shared a short video showing how ollas work, and it resonated with a lot of people. So I wanted to go deeper and explain why Ollas are such a cool tool for modern gardeners.
What Is an Olla?
An olla is a porous clay pot that is buried in the soil and filled with water. The clay slowly releases moisture into the surrounding soil exactly when plants need it. The olla you see in this picture is five years old! If you take care of them, they will last!
Because terracotta is naturally porous, water slowly seeps through the walls of the pot when the surrounding soil becomes dry.
Instead of watering from above like a hose or sprinkler, ollas deliver water directly to the root zone, where plants actually need it. Watering above can be a huge waste because water is not directed where it needs to go! Also, watering from above can cause fungal issues, which is a bummer after spending so much time and care just to get your garden going.
Overall, using ollas in your garden means --> less evaporation, less water waste, healthier plants, and less frequent watering!
Why Ollas Work So Well
The beauty of an olla is that it is self-regulating. When the soil around the pot is moist, water stays inside the pot. When the soil begins to dry, the soil pulls water through the clay walls. This slow underground irrigation keeps soil consistently hydrated without overwatering. Depending on weather and plant size, many gardeners only need to refill an olla every 3–5 days.
Let's re-cap: Benefits of Using Ollas in Your Garden
Saves Water
Because water goes underground directly to the roots, far less water evaporates from the soil surface.
Healthier Plants
Plants grow stronger root systems when water is available consistently below the soil and are less likely to have fungal issues from overhead watering.
Less Work
Instead of watering daily, you may only need to refill your olla a few times per week.
Great for Busy Gardeners
If you forget to water or go away for a few days, ollas help keep plants hydrated.
Perfect for Small Spaces
Ollas are ideal for:
-
Raised beds
-
Backyard gardens
-
Container gardens
-
Urban gardens
How to Use an Olla
Using an olla is simple.
-
Dig a hole in your garden bed.
-
Bury the clay pot so only the neck remains above the soil.
-
Fill the pot with water.
-
Place a lid or stone on top to prevent evaporation.
-
Plant crops around the pot.
- At the end of the season be sure to dig up your pot and store it. This will make your olla last longer!
All Sorts of Plants Can Be Grows in a Garden Bed With Ollas
They are great for a veggie bed with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, etc. You can also plant your annual herbs around them--chamomile, cilantro, dill and more. Just keep in mind you will want to dig them up later, so anything you plant should be something that dies back at the end of the season. Basically any plant that prefers consistent soil moisture can benefit.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the best solutions in the garden aren’t new—they’re ancient.
If you’re looking for a low-tech way to save water and keep your plants healthy, an olla might be the perfect addition to your garden.