It’s hard to ignore that summers across the United States are getting hotter, and it’s worth thinking about alternative ways of watering plants that don’t use up gallons of water.
The answer lies in a centuries-old technique that surprisingly not many people know about – even I didn’t understand how beneficial an olla would be until I tried one last summer. Now I cannot stop singing their praise.
I’ll admit that while I love gardening, I travel a lot and often forget to water my plants, meaning many of my beloved flowers and containers have perished during a heatwave. An olla was the reason my flowers not only survived the heatwave but they also thrived.
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Garden ollas have been used for thousands of years as an efficient way to water plants in hot weather. They are capable of watering plants for days (perfect if you are on a long vacation) and can be used to take some of the challenge out of watering.
Terracotta ollas are buried with only the neck showing above the soil
(Image credit: Alamy/mediasculp)
Good watering, especially right now when the plants are growing strongly, is key to success. You see it’s easy to forget just how much water plants need and so we may not find we are giving them enough. This is particularly pertinent when a heatwave strikes.
During the growing season, most crops and flowers need about an inch of rain every week, which is nearly impossible in the summer.
If your plants are struggling to get the water they need, an olla may be the solution you’re searching for.
What is an olla?
An olla is a low-tech, relatively simple irrigation method that uses an unglazed terracotta pot to slowly seep water into plant roots – exactly where they need it the most.
Knowing when to water plants can be a guessing game, especially for novice gardeners, but this tried-and-trusted method of irrigation is more than capable of ensuring your plants are watered for several days without you having to worry. If, like me, you always travel a lot, this will be a savior.
This easy trick has been used by expert gardeners and plantspeople for centuries – and even today, it’s still the best way to water plants in the summer.
Shop ollas for flower beds
Olla Plant Watering Globes
Handmade from high-quality clay, the terracotta watering gloves will ensure that your flower beds and container garden stay hydrated even when you’re on your summer holiday.
Olla Watering Pots With Lid, Set of 2
A fantastic, curvaceous option, this easy plant self-watering pot creates a microporous surface that slowly releases water through osmosis as your plants need it.
Self Watering Terracotta Olla Pot
Give the seeds in your flower beds their best start with the Back to the Roots Self-Watering Terracotta Olla Pot. Designed with large spaces in mind, this 4,000 year old watering technique will ensure your plants thrive year after year.
Shop ollas for containers
Olla Self Watering Globes, Set of 4
One of the most stylish ollas I’ve seen, this statement self-watering globe is ideal for container plants, and can even be used for your precious houseplants when you are on vacation.
Plant Watering Takes, Set of 4
If the style of a traditional olla isn’t to your design tastes, try these streamlined watering stakes instead. Designed for small pots and beds, this set of four will perfectly complement a modern garden or indoor garden.
Terracotta Plant Watering Ollas, Set of 4
This set of four colorful ollas will add a bold, vibrant flavor to any garden. Pair them with the corresponding flower color for true ‘drenched’ style. They also come in all white, or all black if you prefer a matching look.