The Best Watering Technique You've Never Heard Of

Summary

Discover the ancient olla, a terracotta clay pot, as an efficient passive irrigation system for gardens. Originating in northern Africa and popularized in Mexico, ollas slowly release water to plant roots, conserving up to 70% of water usage compared to traditional methods. Learn how to bury and refill these unglazed pots in your garden for optimal watering, or create DIY ollas with simple materials. This eco-friendly technique is perfect for dry climates and drought-stricken areas.

Takeaways

• 😀 An olla is a passive irrigation system, likely originating in northern Africa and used for over 2,000 years in China.
• 🏺 Ollas are unglazed terracotta pots that allow water to seep out slowly through the porous material for watering plants.
• 💧 The narrow neck of an olla helps to minimize evaporation, ensuring water is used efficiently.
• 🌱 When buried, ollas release water slowly, which can be absorbed by the soil and roots of nearby plants.
• 🚰 Ollas can be refilled with various water sources, including gray water from laundry or outdoor sinks.
• 📏 The spread of water from an olla is determined by its diameter, with a 6-inch diameter olla spreading water about 4.5 to 5 inches around.
• 🛠 To maximize water usage, plants should be spaced around the olla based on the spread of water, not the size of the olla itself.
• 🌿 In a garden bed, ollas should be placed in a central location to allow for even distribution of water to surrounding plants.
• 🔄 Refilling ollas is necessary as they deplete, ideally when about 50% empty to maintain consistent moisture levels.
• ❄️ In cold climates, it's recommended to remove ollas before frost to prevent cracking due to freeze-thaw cycles.
• 🛠️ DIY ollas can be created using simple materials like terracotta pots, silicone, or mounting putty, but may not perform as well as professionally made ones.

Q & A

What is an olla and what is its primary use?

An olla is a passive irrigation system, typically an unglazed terracotta pot, used to slowly release water to plants in dry or drought-stricken areas, making efficient use of water resources.

Where is the concept of using ollas believed to have originated from?

The concept of using ollas is thought to have originated in northern Africa, with records in China dating back over 2,000 years, and later popularized in the Americas, especially in Mexico and pre-Mexico native cultures.

How does an olla work as an irrigation system?

An olla works by being buried in the soil with a narrow neck exposed. The porous terracotta material allows water to seep out slowly to the exterior, where the soil can absorb it as needed, and roots can draw water directly from the olla's surface.

What are the advantages of using ollas for watering plants compared to other irrigation methods?

Ollas offer several advantages, including efficient water use, reducing water consumption by 50% to 70% compared to traditional methods, the ability to use gray water, and support for direct sowing of seedlings by providing consistent moisture.

How can one determine the spacing for plants around an olla in the garden?

The spacing for plants around an olla should be roughly half the distance of the olla's water spread, which can be estimated based on its diameter. For multiple ollas, ensure there is no excessive overlap or gaps in the water coverage area.

What is the significance of the olla's narrow neck in its functionality?

The narrow neck of the olla helps to minimize evaporation loss, as there is less surface area at the top for the water to evaporate into the air, thus preserving more water for the plants.

Can you use water from non-traditional sources to fill an olla?

Yes, you can use gray water from sources like laundry or sink water to fill ollas, provided it is safe for plants and does not contain harmful substances.

How should an olla be buried in the garden for optimal performance?

An olla should be buried so that its narrow neck is just above the soil level, ensuring the soil touches the clay for effective water seepage and root access.

What is the recommended refilling frequency for an olla?

Ollas should be refilled when about 50% of the water has been drained, which could be a daily or weekly task depending on soil quality, plant needs, and olla size.

How can one create a DIY olla, and what are the performance differences compared to manufactured ones?

DIY ollas can be made using two unglazed terracotta pots sealed together with silicone or mounting putty, or by using a single pot with a lid and putty to seal the drainage hole. However, these DIY ollas may not perform as well as manufactured ones due to differences in design, such as the narrow top that minimizes evaporation.

What are some considerations for using ollas in cold climates?

In cold climates, it's important to dig out and store ollas in a frost-free area before the frost date to prevent the terracotta from cracking due to freeze-thaw cycles.

Outlines

00:00

🌱 Introduction to Olla Irrigation Systems

The video introduces ollas, a type of passive irrigation system, believed to have originated in northern Africa and with a history in China dating back over 2,000 years. The Spanish are credited with bringing ollas to the Americas, where they became popular in Mexico and among pre-Mexico native peoples. Olla is a porous, unglazed clay pot that, when buried, provides a slow and efficient method of water seepage for plants, especially in dry and drought-prone areas. The video explains the importance of the olla's design, including its porous material, narrow neck to reduce evaporation, and the way it's buried to allow soil to absorb water as needed. The host demonstrates how to use an olla in a garden, highlighting its advantages for direct sowing and water conservation, and mentions the possibility of using grey water for irrigation.

05:00

🛠 DIY Olla Construction and Garden Planning

The second paragraph delves into how to construct a DIY olla using simple materials such as terracotta pots, a lid, and mounting putty or silicone. It explains two methods for creating a homemade olla, one using a single pot and putty to seal the drainage hole, and another using two pots and silicone to create a larger, more effective water reservoir. The host also discusses the importance of proper spacing when planting around ollas, providing a chart to estimate the water spread based on the olla's diameter. Tips for refilling the olla and considerations for cold climates, such as removing and storing ollas to prevent cracking, are also included. The paragraph concludes with advice on planning a garden around ollas, ensuring optimal plant placement for maximum water utilization.

Keywords

💡Terracotta Clay

Terracotta clay is a type of natural clay that is typically used for making pottery due to its porous and water-absorbing properties. In the video, terracotta clay is used to create an olla, which is a passive irrigation system. The script mentions burying a 'terracotta clay face' in the garden to demonstrate the olla's function.

💡Ollas

Ollas are unglazed clay pots used for irrigation, particularly in arid regions. They are buried in the ground and filled with water, which slowly seeps out to the surrounding soil, providing a slow and steady supply of moisture to plants. The script discusses the history and benefits of using ollas as a passive irrigation system.

💡Passive Irrigation System

A passive irrigation system is a method of watering plants that does not require active human intervention or external energy sources. In the context of the video, ollas serve as a passive irrigation system by slowly releasing water to the soil around them. The script explains how ollas can be an effective water-saving method in dry and drought-prone areas.

💡Evaporation Loss

Evaporation loss refers to the reduction in the amount of water due to its conversion into vapor and subsequent loss to the atmosphere. The video mentions the narrow neck of the olla as a design feature that helps minimize evaporation loss, ensuring that more water is available for the plants.

💡Porosity

Porosity is the property of a material that allows it to absorb or pass through liquids or gases. Unglazed terracotta ollas are porous, which allows water to seep out slowly from the pot to the surrounding soil, as described in the script.

💡Water Seepage

Water seepage is the process by which water moves through porous materials, such as soil or the walls of an olla. In the video, the concept of water seepage is central to how ollas work, as the water slowly seeps out of the olla and into the soil, providing moisture to the roots of nearby plants.

💡Direct Sowing

Direct sowing is a gardening technique where seeds are planted directly into the ground rather than being started in a nursery or container. The script mentions that using ollas can be beneficial for direct sowing, as they provide the necessary moisture for seedlings to germinate and grow.

💡Gray Water

Gray water refers to domestic wastewater that can be used for irrigation purposes after being filtered or treated. The video suggests using gray water, such as from laundry or outdoor sinks, to fill ollas, which is an environmentally friendly way to reuse water.

💡Diameter

In the context of the video, diameter refers to the measurement across the widest part of the olla, which is important for determining how far the water will seep out from the olla in the soil. The script uses the diameter of the olla to explain how to plan the spacing of plants around it.

💡DIY (Do-It-Yourself)

DIY stands for 'Do-It-Yourself,' which is a method of creating, modifying, or repairing something without the aid of experts or professionals. The video provides two methods for creating a DIY olla, demonstrating how viewers can make their own passive irrigation system with simple materials.

💡Refill

Refilling, in the context of the video, refers to the process of adding more water to the olla as the water level decreases due to seepage. The script advises viewers to refill the olla when it is about 50% drained to maintain a steady supply of water to the plants.

Highlights

Introduction to the concept of using terracotta clay pots, or ollas, as a passive irrigation system.

Historical origins of ollas, tracing back to northern Africa and China, and their introduction to the Americas.

The effectiveness of unglazed terracotta pots in dry and drought-stricken areas for water conservation.

Explanation of how the porous nature of terracotta allows for slow water seepage to the exterior.

The role of the olla's narrow neck in reducing evaporation loss.

The process of how soil and plant roots absorb water from the buried olla.

Advantages of using ollas for direct sowing of seedlings, ensuring adequate moisture for germination.

Potential water savings of up to 50% to 70% when using ollas compared to traditional irrigation methods.

The possibility of using gray water from laundry or sinks to fill ollas for sustainable irrigation.

Guidance on planning garden layouts around ollas, considering their water spread and plant placement.

How the size and diameter of an olla affect the area of water seepage and plant spacing.

Instructions on burying an olla in the garden for optimal water distribution to plants.

The importance of refilling the olla when it's drained to about 50% to maintain consistent moisture.

Recommendations for protecting ollas in cold climates to prevent damage from freeze-thaw cycles.

Introduction to pre-prepared ollas and their benefits over DIY ollas in terms of performance and water conservation.

Two methods for creating DIY ollas using terracotta pots, lids, and mounting putty or silicone.

The practicality and limitations of DIY ollas compared to professionally made ones for garden irrigation.

Encouragement to explore passive and effective irrigation methods in gardening, with a farewell note to viewers.

Transcripts

(air whooshes)

- This is a terracotta clay face.

I'm gonna bury it in my garden

and I'm gonna show you why it just might be

one of the best passive irrigation systems you'll ever use.

What I have in front of me today are ollas.

These two over here are ollas.

These will become ollas

as I show you how to build a DIY one later in this video.

But what is an olla?

Well, it is a passive irrigation system

thought to have been originated in northern Africa.

In China, there are records

going back over 2,000 years for ollas.

And the Spanish, since I live here in San Diego,

are thought to have brought it in to the Americas,

where it's become popularized,

especially in Mexico and the native peoples in pre-Mexico.

So why is this such a fantastic system for watering?

Well, in dry lands, in drought-stricken areas,

much like we have here in San Diego,

a buried, unglazed clay pot

is a tried-and-true method

for making the best use of the water that you have.

So let's take this little clay face

and I'll show you exactly how it works.

(pot clanks)

It's an unglazed terracotta.

Unglazed because you actually do need seepage

out of this material.

This is a porous material that slowly does let water

get out to the exterior that you've poured inside.

So that's key number one.

Number two is the narrowed neck

helps with evaporation loss.

So it's a narrow neck.

There's not that much up here at the top,

'cause it's gonna seep upwards as well,

for it to then get evaporated

and go into the air, not into the soil.

And then number three,

the real strategy here is, here's your soil level.

You bury it down, you fill it up with water.

The water slowly seeps out.

If the soil needs that water,

it's basically going to suck the water off of this surface.

And roots, actually,

if you plant a plant near it or around it,

and we'll get into a couple different layouts you can use,

it will actually grow around

and the roots will sort of suck the water

right off of this surface here.

So it's an incredibly effective use of water in the garden.

So a few advantages to using ollas

compared to other systems,

or maybe even in tandem with other systems.

Number one, if you are a gardener or a farmer

who really likes to direct sow your seedlings

and then you know they need a lot of moisture

as soon as they come up,

I'm thinking things like maybe carrots or tomatoes,

you can go ahead and direct sow in rings around an olla,

knowing that

they're actually going to get the water they need,

so you don't freak out

and it doesn't wither as soon as it germinates.

One big benefit there,

for vegetable growers, like myself,

and hopefully a lot of you watching,

you can save up to 50% to 70%

of your water use that you would traditionally irrigate,

let's say, if you had an overhead hose.

You're gonna get a lot of benefit from that.

And then you can use things like your laundry water.

You can use things like your sink water.

If you have an outdoor sink,

take that gray water and fill up your ollas.

And speaking of, you're probably wondering,

"Okay, cool.

How much does this actually spread out?

How much space does this cover?

And how do I actually plan a garden

around the use of ollas?"

So let's take this directly into the garden.

The way to think about an olla

is not so much how big the olla itself is,

it's how big the spread of water seepage around the olla is.

So we have a chart that displays roughly,

based on the diameter of the olla,

how far it actually spreads out.

So call this about a six-inch across olla,

it's going to have a diameter of 9.5.

So that's diameter.

That means that on each side,

it's gonna be roughly 4 1/2 to 5 inches spread.

So when you put this down into the garden,

let's just imagine I'm placing it right here,

you only have that spread to play with.

Otherwise, the water is simply just not going to reach.

So what you need to do when you're placing an olla,

especially in, let's say, a round bed like this,

is you need to place it in an area that has maximal spread.

So obviously, right in the center

where this basil's hanging out would be the ideal spot,

and then plant plants around it,

roughly half the distance of that spread.

So I would plant very, very close to this olla.

It's only gonna come out to about here or so,

but in a container, that's actually perfect.

And then I'd cut that in half and plant around it,

based on the plant spacings that you're growing

for whatever plant it is.

So with beans, peas, et cetera,

you'd space them around in sort of a circle

and you'd be in a good spot.

Now if you were gonna put these in a series,

in some sort of rose-style garden,

or maybe in one of our larger raised beds,

then what you want to do is play with this diameter.

So I know I have about five inches on this one,

five inches on this one,

so 10 inches here is roughly how I want to space them.

And then you can put plants

anywhere in that circle of spread that you're building.

So when you have multiple ollas,

you just want to make sure

that you're not crazy overlapping the spread,

but you're also not leaving any wide gaps.

So let's show you how to actually bury one

and use it in your garden.

I've got this incredible in-ground bed here,

and I'm just gonna site it

right in the middle, for simplicity's sake.

But of course, remember everything we just said

about olla spacing.

So what I need to do is get it down

to roughly here, (pot clanks)

if not a little bit more.

But going right at that narrow neck is is perfectly fine.

So what I'm gonna do is just dig in.

So I'm just going to dig out

as much as humanly possible here,

to make sure I have a nice snug fit.

In goes our face.

(olla lid rattles)

I think we're in a good spot right about there.

Now what I want to make sure and do is backfill around,

'cause remember, the soil needs to be touching

the actual clay

for it to have that seeping or that suction effect.

(upbeat music)

Now that we have our olla buried,

just wanna pop the top off and fill it up all the way.

(upbeat music)

There we go.

Top always remains on.

You do not want this to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

So a couple things here.

You need to make sure and refill it as it gets drained,

not all the way down.

So at about 50% or so, you're gonna wanna refill it.

That might mean it's a daily job for you.

It might mean it's a weekly job for you.

Depends on the qualities of your soil,

the plants that are growing around it,

as well as the size and diameter of your olla.

So a little bit of gardener's wisdom there.

And then if you are in a cold climate,

it's a good idea at that frost date

to dig these out, clean 'em off,

and put them in an area

that they're not going to be subjected

to a ground freeze and thaw, and freeze and thaw,

which of course with terracotta, makes it prone to crack.

Now, these are prepared ollas.

These are manufactured ollas.

These are actually handmade in Mexico

by an incredible company.

We offer them on our store.

But you might not want to do that.

You might just want to DIY an olla.

So I'm going to show you how to do that right now.

If you want to make your own olla, it is certainly possible.

I'll give you two really easy methods,

but I will say, it simply isn't going to perform as well.

Doesn't mean you shouldn't do it,

but these are purpose-made,

and the reason why they work so well

is 'cause that narrow top prevents a lot of evaporation

at the very top,

which means you just have to fill it less often.

But let me show you two methods.

The first one requires one terracotta pot, one lid,

and a little mounting putty.

So this is from

Gorilla Glue. (package crinkles)

All you're gonna do here is grab some of the putty,

just enough to fill

the bottom drainage hole.

Better yet, maybe a pot that doesn't have a drainage hole.

Still has to be unglazed terracotta, though.

So in we go.

Once it's set,

you can actually flip this upside-down,

fill it up with water, dig a hole out,

and then lid goes right side up.

Boom. (lid clinks)

And you have a makeshift olla.

Now of course, with this amount of surface area,

it is gonna need to be filled up a little more often.

You don't have quite as much, but hey,

it requires a lid, a pot, and some putty.

So you're good to go on a budget olla.

Now let me show you another method

that gives you a little more surface area

and is maybe a bit more true to the spirit of the olla.

So what you need here, two terracotta pots and that's it.

What you're gonna do

is with either silicone or mounting putty,

I'll just use mounting putty because it's very simple,

you're going to plug up the bottom hole

of the one that's on the bottom.

So I'm gonna choose this one for my bottom.

And now,

we want to take it and stack it just like this.

I'm gonna actually turn it this way,

'cause that's the way that it would be faced

in our olla situation.

And what you want to do here

is take a caulking gun with some silicone,

waterproof, watertight, all that kind of stuff,

and come around the edge here

and lay a bead

of silicone

around this entire system here.

Once your DIY topsy-turvy olla is sealed off,

the silicone has dried,

all you really need is to just bury it,

much like I've already showed you.

Grab something, I just have a little pebble here,

to block the top,

make sure no mosquitoes get in, make sure less evaporation,

and you have a much larger olla.

So the spread here and the water volume

are a lot larger and it's still a DIY.

So whether you're grabbing a pre-prepared olla,

I'm absolutely a huge fan of this large one,

then the small one with the face is just kind of cute,

or you're making your own,

try to think about different ways

to irrigate your garden passively and effectively.

And until next time,

good luck in the garden

and keep on growing.