コレクション: Ollas by Osa

An Ancient Solution for Sustainable Gardening

An olla (pronounced oy-ya) is an unglazed terracotta pot used for efficient, water-saving irrigation. Ollas are fired to lower temperatures so that they remain porous. Buried in the soil with the neck exposed, the pot slowly releases water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and waste. This simple yet ingenious method has been used for millennia to nurture crops in arid climates, making it a cornerstone of sustainable gardening and permaculture practices. 

Ollas trace their roots back over 4,000 years, with origins in ancient China and North Africa. They were later adopted by Indigenous communities in the Americas and remain a testament to the wisdom of traditional agricultural practices. Today, ollas are celebrated by modern gardeners for their ability to conserve water and promote healthier plants. You can save up to 70% on water usage compared to surface watering with a hose, with the water being channeled directly to plant roots, encouraging deeper root growth. For maximum water conservation, we fill our ollas with rainwater and mulch our garden beds to further reduce water loss through evaporation.

They work wonderfully in both garden beds and containers alike. Simply bury the olla and encircle with plants. The irrigation span depends on soil temperature, climate, the size of your olla, etc. However, generally, plants are placed a 6-9" radius around the pot. This means that if you're using multiple ollas, they should be placed 18" apart. I've included some photos of olla installations within the product listings.

Frequency of refilling also depends on a number of factors. You'll need to refill more frequently as the temperature rises and plants become more mature. I've gone about two weeks between refilling my 1.5L ollas in temperate weather.