Terracotta Olla Irrigation

What is it?

Olla irrigation is a traditional method of watering plants that has been used for centuries in arid regions of the world, such as Mexico, Spain, and North Africa. It involves the use of unglazed terracotta pots called “ollas” buried in the soil next to plants, which slowly release water through their porous walls.

Advantages

Using terracotta ollas has several advantages over traditional watering methods. It is highly efficient since the water is delivered directly to the roots of the plants. It also conserves water, as the ollas only release the amount of water needed by the plants without wasting any water on non-growing areas. This steady release of water helps reduce stress on the plant which can improve plant health, increase yield, and reduce the risk of plant disease caused by over or under watering. This makes olla irrigation ideal for regions with limited water resources.

How I make Ollas

Each olla is hand thrown on my potter’s wheel in my studio. The first step in throwing these ollas is to prepare a half pound of terracotta clay. I prefer terracotta without grog, as the small pieces of sand are rough on my hands. I’ve been throwing on the wheel for over 10 years at this point, so wedging and centering the clay are quick processes.

Once the piece is centered, I decide which form I want to create. I have a variety of shapes and sizes for these ollas and they are all helpful for different intentions.

The benefits of using different shapes of olla irrigation pots depend on the specific needs of the plants being grown and the environmental conditions in which they are being grown. For example, cylindrical pots can deliver water deep into the soil, making them ideal for use in dry, arid regions where water is scarce. Wide-belly pots are perfect for planting larger plants that require more water, making them ideal for use in wetter climates or areas with high humidity.

In addition to their unique shapes, olla irrigation pots can also be customized with different sizes and designs to fit the specific needs of the plants being grown and the aesthetic preferences of the gardener.

Once the olla has been formed, it is set aside to dry and harden. Depending on the size and thickness of the pot, it may take several hours or several days to dry completely. Once the ollas are dry, they are fired in my kiln to 1900 degrees F to create a hardened final product. These pieces are durable and last a long time and can be reused over and over.