The Olla (pronounced (Oy-ya) irrigation system is an ancient practice, and very simple in concept. Ollas are made of unglazed terracotta and filled with water, which seeps through the walls.The olla is buried in the ground next to the roots of the plant to be irrigated, with the neck of the olla extending above the soil. The Ollas efficiency is owed to practically no water loss due to evaporation or run-off.
This system can be applied to almost any type of garden, although plants with woody root systems may damage the pot. If you're quite adept at the clay wheel, they seem to be a pretty basic project, or perhaps there's a terracotta pot store near you where you can either order one or fashion one out of something they sell.
Here's a short video about the olla:
Images sourced from Pasadena Housewife
So it's fired, but not glazed, correct? And how fast does the water seep through the terra cotta pot? Enough to water the nearby plants all by itself?
ReplyDeleteOne doesn't even need to fire these pots, Anni - just make sure they are thoroughly sun dried. The water inside the pots keeps the pots wet enough for the roots to wrap around and receive sufficient water for growth and a healthy life.
DeleteThe OLLA spacing will depend on plant selection, soil type and temperature. But as a general rule, plant within 18 inches from center of OLLA or 12 inches from the outer wall.