Ollas is the answer to use up to 90% less water in your garden.

It is an ancient irrigation technique, self-watering, low-tech, easy to DIY, that will keep your plants watered in the driest conditions.

Ollas are clay pots that are buried underground; the clay walls have a lot of holes in them and water can pass through slowly into the surrounding soil where it is absorbed by the roots of plants that are growing nearby.

This irrigation technique delivers water underground and directly where it is needed; when the soil is less saturated with water, the Clay’s water flow outward, when the soil is fully saturated the water stops flowing outward.

This mean the soil never gets too wet or too dry.

This work according to the Permaculture principle n.4 (from David Holmgren): Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback.

You can combine the use of Ollas with several techniques recommended in Permaculture like raised beds, mulching and Compost Tea.

It’s enough you put your Compost Tea in the Ollas but remember to be careful about particles because you might clog up the pores and decrease the Ollas effectiveness. I recommend to filter very well the Compost Tea before adding that in the Ollas.

You can find more information on Ollas clicking this link

Where can you find Ollas?

You can buy them on the Internet or you might be able to find some at a local gardening store. You can can make them yourself.

Enjoy the video below to learn more about Ollas and several ways you can make them using different resources and techniques.

QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE OR LESSON FROM THIS ARTICLE? PLEASE LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS

Scroll below for links…

RELATED AND RECOMMENDED POSTS

Giuseppe Tallarico
 

Giuseppe is a versatile and results-oriented Agronomist specializing in Permaculture, Food Security, and Environmental Management Systems dedicated to consulting large-scale farms through the transition to sustainable and regenerative agriculture to achieve maximum profitability naturally while creating a greener abundant earth for generations to come. Giuseppe is an Accredited Instructor by the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia and a permaculture consultant for the government of Jordan. Giuseppe serves the world permaculture community as the founder and General Manager of the World Permaculture Association, the head of the Urban Permaculture Laboratory Educational Center, and manager of Rigenera, a Permaculture consulting company. https://www.giuseppetallarico.com

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 3 comments
Sabine

I am sure ollas are very efficient, however I wonder if they don’t prevent roots from growing deeply as they may stick too close to the ollas? Thanks for your explanation!

Reply
    Giuseppe Tallarico

    Hi Sabine, it’s difficult to answer, the circumstances can change a lot the situation. What you’re saing is possible..

    Reply
    Giuseppe Tallarico

    Ollas, or unglazed clay pots buried in the soil, can be an efficient way to water plants as they allow water to seep into the soil gradually and directly to the roots. However, it is important to ensure that the ollas are placed at the appropriate depth and distance from the plant roots to prevent any potential root damage. We recommend consulting with a local permaculture expert or conducting research to determine the best placement for ollas in your specific garden. Additionally, keep an eye on the plants to make sure that the roots are healthy and growing properly.

    Reply

Leave a Reply: