All About Clay Pot Irrigation + DIY Olla! And FAQs!

Introducing Clay Pot Irrigation, a wonderful solution for efficient and water-conscious gardening.

What is Clay Pot Irrigation?
Clay pot irrigation is a time-tested technique (over 2000 years old!) that harnesses the power of simple, porous clay pots to deliver water directly to the plant roots. This ancient method ensures efficient water distribution, minimizing wastage and giving plant roots exactly how much water they need.

How does it work?
Fill a clay pot with water, bury it in the soil near your plants, and let the principles of gravity and osmosis take over. The porous clay walls of the pot gradually release water, using soil moisture tension as a guide, ensuring a slow and steady supply directly where it's needed most - at the roots.

Benefits of Clay Pot Irrigation:
1. Water conservation: The controlled release of water from clay pots means less water is required, reducing consumption and saving both money and resources.
2. Plant health and growth: By delivering water directly to the roots, clay pot irrigation promotes healthier plants with stronger root systems. This allows for better nutrient absorption and overall plant vitality.
3. Weed prevention: Unlike traditional watering methods, clay pot irrigation significantly reduces water exposure on the soil's surface. This minimizes weed growth!
4. Time-saving: Set up your clay pot irrigation system and let it do all the work for you. of course you will need to refill the pots when they are empty...or you can set up your drip irrigation to refill your Olla whenever it runs.
Here is the link to the original (very popular) video from Tanya Anderson of ‪@Lovelygreens‬ (Thank you, Tanya, for introducing me to the wonderful world of Ollas!)
   • How to make DIY Ollas: Self-Watering ...  

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
02:30 How to make a DIY Olla
06:40 How often do Ollas need refilling
08:10 How deep should Ollas be buried
08:56 Can you add fertilizer to the water in the Olla
09:30 Will Ollas over-water my plants
10:57 What plants benefit most from Ollas
12:05 How close to the plant should you place your Olla
12:45 How close to the Olla can you plant seeds
13:18 Can I use any unglazed pot as an Olla
14:28 Should you bring your Olla inside in winter
15:28 My AWESOME online find!