In hectic everyday life there is often little time to take intensive care of our plants. This is where clay pot water dispensers come into play – they are like a reliable aid that keeps you hydrated while you take care of other things.
These homemade irrigation systems work by the clay's natural pores, which release water slowly and evenly. This provides the root zone with optimal moisture without wasting water through evaporation.
The water passes through the natural pores of the clay into the surrounding soil. This occurs through passive transport, where the water diffuses from a higher concentration in the clay pot to a lower concentration in the soil. As soon as a balance is reached between the water concentration in the pot and in the soil, the water flow stops. When the surrounding soil becomes dry, water transport from the clay pot continues.
shape and size
A classic olla has an oval shape, similar to an egg shape, with a funnel-shaped spout that runs toward the neck. Narrowed necks reduce evaporation from the soil surface; larger openings may require more frequent refills. There are already ready-made clay water dispensers on the market, offered by various manufacturers and available in different shapes and sizes.
Smaller ollas work well for potted plants, while larger models can be used in raised beds or garden beds. A small Olla with a one liter capacity is around 12cm in diameter and 18cm long, while a larger Olla can irrigate up to a 90cm radius.
DIY-Anleitung
For your own project, you will need unglazed clay pots that can hold the required volume of water. Deeper pots are more suitable than shallow, wide versions. You can also stack two pots to achieve greater water capacity. The two pots are connected with silicone.
Seal the drain holes with non-porous material such as PU glue or waterproof silicone paste. @eudox_au_jardin_s_emerveille has found a method to make long-lasting, homemade ollas that is simple and effective. With aquarium silicone and glass balls.
- Prepare the opening of the Olla by applying a silicone strip around the edge of the hole.
- Push the glass ball into the hole.
- Add additional silicone to the outside of the Olla to ensure a complete seal.
This method replaces the traditional cork stopper, which is often only semi-waterproof and needs to be replaced regularly. With the silicone glass ball technology you get a long-lasting and reliable seal.
Bury the clay pot about 12 inches deep near the plant roots, keeping the neck exposed above the soil surface. Cover the olla with a matching terracotta coaster.
Another cute DIY tip from Instagram is to glue decorative handles to the coaster to add a personal touch.
Making a water dispenser for plants from clay pots is not only efficient and eco-friendly, but also a worthwhile DIY project for the summer!
How to use homemade ollas in the garden
Dig a hole large enough to completely submerge the water dispenser, leaving the neck above the soil surface. Pack the soil tightly around the pot to ensure there are no air holes and that water is distributed evenly through capillary action. The roots look for the source of moisture and even wrap themselves around it.
Ollas shouldin raised bedsbe placed about 60-90 cm apart; in garden beds the distance is ideally 90-120 cm.
To fill the Olla pot, you can either pour water directly into the opening or use a funnel. It is important to fill the Olla regularly, especially in hot and dry weather, to ensure the plants receive the correct amount of water.
Can Ollas be used on all types of plants?
The clay pot water dispensers are suitable for most types of plants including vegetables, herbs and flowers. Plants with fibrous root systems such as melons, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes and leafy greens particularly benefit from irrigation with Ollas. These can be planted around the Olla to make the most of moisture absorption. Plants with taproots such as carrots or beets are less suitable for irrigation with Ollas.
Gardeners report that they typically don't use the clay pot waterers for long rows of crops like carrots, potatoes, leeks, onions or garlic - or for bedding plants like parsley and cilantro. Simply because of the large quantity needed.
But they are perfect for burying next to individual plants that will continue to produce fruit throughout the season.
How deep should you bury the Olla pot?
The Olla pot should be buried deep enough so that water is delivered directly to the roots of the plant. A rule of thumb is to place the Olla about 2/3 to 3/4 into the ground, leaving the opening above the soil surface.
Make sure the olla is large enough to reach the plant's root system. A tomato plant, for example, sends its roots as deep as possible, and ideally its companion olla is large enough to reach a similar depth.
Can ollas stay in the ground over winter?
This depends largely on the climate of your region. If the ground you plan to garden in never freezes, it's probably fine to leave the ollas in place.
The downside to this, however, is that next year you'll probably want to turn, amend and/or loosen the soil before planting a new crop, and overwintered ollas would get in the way.
If there is a risk of frost, it is better to dig them up and store them to ensure their longevity.
Can Ollas be used in container gardening?
Yes! These plant waterers overcome the main disadvantage of container gardening: Potted plants typically require more frequent watering—often daily—than plants in the ground, especially in mid-summer.
By using ollas one can reduce the manual watering effort to every third or fourth day depending on the size of the olla.
Use for houseplants and during vacation
Ollas are not only suitable for the garden, but are also ideal for houseplants. In hectic times, when regular watering is often forgotten, these water dispensers ensure that your houseplants are always optimally hydrated. They help maintain a constant level of moisture in the soil, which is particularly important for tropical plants and those with high water requirements.
Plus, Ollas are extremely useful when you go on vacation. They ensure that your plants are adequately watered while you are away, so you can travel with peace of mind. Ollas are a practical and stylish solution to keep your green housemates healthy and happy.
You can find more interesting methods with wool threads or PET bottles in the article:Tips for watering your plants on vacation.
Title photo: Instagram@ollas_irrigation
