Q: Do I plant inside the Waterpot Olla?

No. The Waterpot Olla is buried neck-deep and filled with water. Plant OUTSIDE and AROUND the pot.

Q: How frequently will I need to fill my Waterpot Ollas?

As with other irrigation systems, the frequency with which they need to be refilled will vary by site, but to guide you, consider your plant's specific water needs, garden soil type, time of year, and even the overall environment of your property.

Typically, ollas allow water to flow through them over 24 to 72 hours. It is recommended to check your Waterpot ollas every few days and fill them when the reservoir is below 50 per cent. This frequency helps reduce the likelihood of salt residue buildup over the surface, potentially reducing the seepage rate.

Q: Can I use the Waterpot Ollas to leach fertilisers to my plants?

We do not recommend using ollas to slowly fertilise your plants. Fertilisers can contain sediments and oils that may clog the micropores of the terracotta.

Every two weeks or so, when there has not been rain, give your potted plant with an olla a solid drenching to flush out any salts and toxin build-up and make any fertiliser in the potting mix available.

Q: How far does water dissipate from the Waterpot Olla?

Water will spread away from the olla for about as far as the largest radius of the olla. For example, if the olla’s maximum diameter is 20cm, moisture will reach soil 10cm away from the olla in every direction. This is not a precise measurement, as it depends on the type of soil, its consistency and its water-retentive attributes, as well as how far the moisture will wick away from the olla. When planting seeds, plant them within reach of water and surface-water the seeds until the seedlings are established.

The type and composition of the soil used in conjunction with terracotta ollas can significantly influence their effectiveness. The soil's ability to retain moisture and distribute it evenly is crucial for optimal plant growth. Well-draining soil is preferred, as it prevents waterlogging and ensures the roots have access to both moisture and oxygen. Additionally, incorporating organic matter, such as compost, can improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

Always try to plant in concentric circles around your Waterpot Olla, with plants with longer travelling roots such as Tomatoes a little further away and short-rooted such as lettuce and leafy greens closer to the olla.

Q: I am using the Waterpot Olla with veggies and herbs; are there heavy metals in the terracotta?

This is a complicated topic, as there are many heavy metals, some of which are harmful, and others that are not. We have samples from each shipment tested at an accredited Australian laboratory for heavy metals and arsenic before they are sold to you. This is not a requirement of any horticultural product on the market that we are aware of in any niche, but we have often been asked this question by our organic growers and those growing food for their families, and we ourselves want the assurance that our products are free of these toxic elements. Our Waterpot Olla range complies with British Standard BS6748 (Category 2) and is free of Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic.

Q: Why are Ollas an effective way to irrigate plants?

Plants utilise water based on a pressure gradient that develops as a result of transpiration. Water is taken up by the roots and pulled through the vascular system in response to evaporation through the stomata. Some of the external driving forces behind transpiration are temperature, wind, and light intensity. Since olla irrigation provides a consistent amount of water to the soil, plants within proximity to the vessel will always have access to the correct amount of water regardless of external factors, without danger of over- or under-watering. In fact, many roots will find their way to the source, encircling the olla itself, and taking water directly from the clay pot. Water is delivered to the root zone.

 Q: How Many Waterpot Ollas do I need, and what size?

 What size would suit my gardening situation? The container size will make a slight difference in certain situations. When choosing the plant container, be mindful that the Waterpot Olla's water content will transfer to the surrounding soil at a comparable rate, regardless of container size.

That said, our largest Waterpot Olla, the 3 Litre Round Waterpot, has the advantage of a larger reservoir, reducing the time you need to spend refilling it. This extra space also provides more exterior surface area for plant roots to adhere; however, the size of your plant container or raised garden bed will determine what you need.

Waterpot Ollas come in several different sizes, from our 6 Litre Extra Large Round Olla to our Terracotta Watering Spikes. They have been designed to accommodate all types of growing situations: raised beds, in-garden beds, rooftop gardens, container/potted gardens, community gardens, patios and decks, vegetable gardens or flower gardens. The applications are only limited by your imagination!

The smaller the olla, the less distance the water will spread. In good soils, expect the water to spread at least the width of the olla in all directions. Once the porous terracotta olla is in contact with the soil, water begins to seep into the surrounding soil, directly to the root zone of surrounding plants. The amount of water drawn from the olla varies depending on the soil moisture – dry soil will draw water faster; wet soil slows it down.

For example, if the olla’s maximum diameter is 20cm, moisture will reach soil 10cm away from the olla in every direction. This is not a precise measurement, as it depends on the type of soil, its consistency and water-retention properties, as well as how far moisture will wick away from the olla. When planting seeds, plant them within reach of water and surface-water the seeds until the seedlings are established.

The type and composition of the soil used in conjunction with terracotta ollas can significantly influence their effectiveness. The soil's ability to retain moisture and distribute it evenly is crucial for optimal plant growth. Well-draining soil is preferred, as it prevents waterlogging and ensures the roots have access to both moisture and oxygen. Additionally, incorporating organic matter, such as compost, can improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

Always try to plant in concentric circles around your Waterpot Olla, with the plants with longest roots at the outer perimeter and the shorter-rooted plants closer to the Waterpot Ollas

Waterpot Large Round Olla - 3 Litres 16cm W x 23cm H

The Waterpot Large Round Olla covers a growing space approximately up to 50cm to a 80cm in diameter. It’s perfect for:
*Large grow bags/garden beds of minimum 75L
* 1 for each 1m x 1m square of raised bed
* Large in-ground beds planted in frequencies of 60cm

Waterpot Small Round Olla - 1.25 Litres 12cm W x 18 cm H

The Waterpot Small Round Olla covers a growing space of approximately 25cm to 50cm in diameter. It’s perfect for:
* Grow bags and pots of 30 L and above
*Planter boxes
* 60cm x 60cm wide raised beds
* Can be used in large areas but with more frequency. We would recommend the Waterpot Large Round Olla for this situation.

Waterpot Tall Olla or Waterpot Bird Olla - 1 Litre 10 cm W x 26 cm H (Bird Topper is 6cm Tall)

The Tall and Bird Waterpot Ollas cover a growing space up to 2 feet in diameter 25cm in diameter. The taller length is perfect for narrow bags or pots and beds alike. In the latter, plant more frequently at intervals of up to 50 cm. Perfect for:
* Grow bags and pots of 22 L and above
* Planter boxes
* Narrow trough-style pots

Terracotta Watering Spikes - 100 mls 4.5cm W x 18cm H

These are perfect for hydrating individual small plants, both indoors and outdoors. We recommend 1 per small pot or plant. Whilst we sell small flat lids for the Spikes, we strongly recommend that the inverted water bottle be used to keep the Spike full and at a glance, know when it needs to be filled.

 Q: What plants can I plant with the Waterpot Olla?

You can use the Waterpot Olla with any plant: vegetables and flowers, of course, but also trees and shrubs. Placing a Waterpot Olla near a new tree or shrub will help the plant through its first year. If you feel the root system is well developed after one year, dig the Waterpot Olla up and use it somewhere else. Your local nursery would know more about normal tree and shrub root growth. Keep in mind that woody roots from trees and shrubs are very strong and, over 2 or more years, could wrap around the pot and eventually crack it. Wisely use the Waterpot Olla to get these plants established, however long that takes, and then move it to another plant.

Plants best suited to Ollas have fine fibrous roots that travel towards water sources. Tubers such as dahlias or potatoes don’t benefit as much because their roots are short and are basically the tuber; however, water delivered via the olla still reaches the surrounding soil, so it can help tubers in a small, containered situation, and ollas can be used in close proximity to these.

Q: What effect do environmental factors have on the performance of the Olla?

The surrounding environment significantly affects the performance of self-watering terracotta spikes. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure can influence the rates of evaporation and transpiration, directly affecting your plants' water requirements. Assess the environmental conditions in which your plants thrive and make any necessary adjustments to the self-watering system to accommodate them.

Q: Will my Waterpot Olla freeze? 

It can happen! If you live in a climate with hard freezes lasting more than a week, you should lift the olla out of the soil in the winter and store it in a dry place. If you do not lift the olla, you can insulate it in a container with thick mulch and make sure the Waterpot Olla is dry in the winter. 

Q: Do I need to water my new plants/seeds?

Yes, when seeds or young plants are put into the ground, they will need topical water until the roots are established enough to draw from the Waterpot Olla. After that, the Waterpot Olla will do all the work.

Q: How long will my Waterpot Olla last?

Your Waterpot Olla will last for years, with a little TLC. If leaves or light things fall into the olla, fill the olla with water and, as the item floats up, swish it out. If you and a lot of dirt has accidentally gotten in the Waterpot Olla (it happens), dig the Waterpot Olla up, tilt in on its side and spray the inside with your hose until the dirt washes out. You can clean your Waterpot Olla once it is removed from the soil with a 1:1 vinegar-to-water mixture. Pour water and vinegar into your Waterpot Olla and let it sit for a few hours. Use a scrub brush to gently remove debris from the exterior. 

Q: Why are the Waterpot Ollas produced in China?

We have been asked why we do not produce in Australia. When we started, we sought an Australian pottery manufacturer but were unable to find one with the capacity, scalability, and consistent quality at an affordable price. There are many wonderful small potteries in Australia producing premium handmade vessels; however, with the exorbitant postal and warehousing charges within Australia, none could produce the type of product we required. We were forced to look abroad and found a small factory that matched our requirements, values and needs. 

Since 2019, we have established a good relationship with our manufacturer and visited their head office and manufacturing site in the country in late 2020. We were satisfied with the employees' working conditions and their ability to support our growing business. 

Q: Are Ollas a new invention?

No, they are an ancient low-tech device. There is evidence that ollas have been used for over 2000 years in the most arid of lands across the globe.  

Using 50–70% less water, it is considerably better than drip irrigation and virtually eliminates surface runoff and evaporation.

Q: How do they work in the soil?

A terracotta olla is buried with only the top opening above the soil surface and filled with water. The porous walls of The Waterpot Olla allow for water to dissipate into the soil as needed. However, because the pores are tiny, water does not flow freely out of the pot.

Gently pack soil around the olla. Water will not disperse in air pockets and roots will not grow in air pockets. Use ollas in slightly sandy or coarse-textured soils. Soils with high clay content do not dissipate water well so we do not recommend them for very clayed soil.

The roots of nearby plants will grow towards and around the pot. The process works by soil moisture tension: the water is pulled out when the soil is dry. When the soil is moist, the water is slower to leave the Waterpot.

Olla irrigation promotes deep watering and dense root growth which facilitates more efficient nutrient and water uptake. Soil and roots do not go through extreme drying and wetting cycles, preventing bitter-tasting greens and cracks from developing in tomatoes or melons

The soil surface remains relatively dry in gardens with olla irrigation. This is something you need to get used to if you are used to wetting soil. This can prevent the growth of weeds and helps minimise some unwanted insect populations.

Q: How do I install my ollas?

STEP 1

 

Soak the Waterpot Olla in a tub of water for an hour to overnight so that the pores are completely saturated.

IN POTS: Situate the Waterpot in the middle or off-centre depending on what you are planting. Keep the Olla away from the edge by packing soil between the Olla and the edge. 

 

STEP 2

Plant seedlings around the Waterpot, or, if planting a shrub, place the shrub in the centre and the pot to the side. In garden beds, plant seedlings in radiating circles.

Like most things in nature, Waterpot Ollas don’t have hard edges or corners–they are beautifully round.

That means you should plant around your Waterpot Olla in a circular configuration to maximise the olla's watering capacity. Think in concentric circles rather than uniform rows.

The basic rule of thumb when planting around your Waterpot Olla is to plant your thirsty drinkers to the centre or closer to the olla and the lighter-drinking, more drought-tolerant plants to the outside. Also, longer, more creeping root systems are more able to travel through the soil to reach the water in the olla, while the shorter rooted plants need to be closer to reach and get what they need. Because of the watering efficiencies of Waterpot Ollas in raised beds and containers, inter-cropping and growing up (trellis) is encouraged and can provide a high success rate.

STEP 3

When planting is complete, fill the Waterpot olla with water and water in your plants well with a hose or watering can. Keep regular surface watering for at least 2 weeks, or until the roots have settled.

STEP 4

Apply a thin layer of mulch of your choice, e.g. sugar cane mulch, and DON’T FORGET to check the water level and try not to let it fall below halfway to prevent mineral build-up up

OTHER TIPS

• Bury the Waterpot, leaving the neck above the soil surface to prevent dirt and mulch from washing in. Next, gently pack soil around The Waterpot Olla.
• Plants or seedlings around The Waterpot Olla should be placed approximately 30cm from the Olla, although this will depend on the plant's roots. Plant short-rooted seedlings closer to the olla, e. g. lettuce, and ones with longer roots that will grow towards the water source further away.
• Place the Waterpots approximately every 30- 60 cm in your garden for maximum impact. This may take some experimentation to find the best distance apart. The closer the units are, the more water is available for your plants.
• Use The Waterpots in planter containers at least 40 cm in diameter
• Check the water level frequently and refill to keep the plants hydrated and prevent mineral buildup. The frequency depends upon the soil type, surrounding plant density, and weather. At times, it may need refilling every 7 days or as often as every other day.
• The lid over the opening will minimise evaporation, prevent mosquitoes from breeding and slugs from entering.
• Use The Waterpot in slightly sandy or coarse textured soils. Soils with high clay content do not dissipate water
• Continue to surface water the young plants for at least two weeks after planting until established. You may need to continue this until the plants' roots have established and found the water source.
• Plants with taproot systems, such as carrots, radishes, and parsnips, are less likely to work with Ollas. Ollas should not be used to sprout or germinate seeds. Seeds and young seedlings need to be surface-watered until their root systems have developed enough to reach the ollas for regular, efficient watering. You will need to monitor this.
• Your Waterpot can remain in situ for many seasons and can be cleaned when you re-pot or change over the plantings. See below for cleaning instructions.

Q: Can I use my Waterpot Olla to fertilise my plants?

The tight pores of the terracotta will act as a filter for any larger particles and could clog, SO WE DO NOT RECOMMEND IT. Potted plants in particular benefit from watered-in soluble fertilisers. 

When you plant in your garden, the root systems have space to spread out. They have a lot of access to any water and fertiliser that is in your soil. Occasional fertilising for plants in gardens is usually all they need. When these same plants are in a container, they have a lot less root space. They can only pick up water and nutrients from the confined space of the pot. Hence soluble fertilisers are the best option for potted plants.

Q: Is there any special treatment for the Waterpot Olla?

If you live in a frost, snow or ice prone area, it is recommended that you dig up the pots at the end of the growing season to prevent breakage over cold winter months; or if a container garden, you move the containers to protected spaces.

When turning over your soil at the end of a growing season, clean off any clinging roots and scrub to remove any salt or soil build-up to free the pores of the Waterpot If you have a high mineral content in your soil, a solution of 1:1 vinegar and water left inside the vessel for a few hours will help dissolve the mineral build-up

Watch the video -

How does a Waterpot Olla Work?

How To Clean Your Waterpot Olla