Benefits of Olla Pots
Gardening With Olla Waterpot
1 5

Waterpot Bird Olla

$55.00
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Eco-friendly decorative watering Olla saves you time, water and takes the guesswork out of watering your garden

Say goodbye to over or under-watering! Our Waterpot Ollas are ideal for small space and container gardens both indoors and outdoors.

Bury your olla, fill it with water, and check it every few days. No hoses, pipes, timers, or power are required—nothing could be simpler! Take the guesswork out of keeping your plants watered. See them thrive. Save time, save water, and save your plants! We are the home of Ollas in Australia!

Say goodbye to over or under-watering! 

 

Read More

Ships from Sydney

Excellent Service

Quality Guaranteed

Features

Add the whimsy and beauty of the Waterpot Bird Olla to your garden planters and beds and know that your plants are being watered whilst saving you the time, hassle and guesswork!

Bury your Olla, fill with water and check it every few days. No hoses, pipes, timers or power are required - nothing could be simpler! Take the guesswork out of how to keep your plants watered. See them thrive through self-regulating their own water intake. Save time, save water, and save your plants when you are away!

Urban gardening made easy!

Our Ollas are the only known Ollas in Australia tested for heavy metals because we know our customers insist on food safety when growing their edibles for their families. Our Waterpots comply with British Standard BS6748 (Category 2)! We go the extra mile for you!

*Save water

*Save time

* No guess-work watering

* No plastics, no power, just the forces of nature

* An ancient technique brought into the 21st century

The terracotta Waterpot Bird Olla 1-Litre capacity with Topper

* Materials: Low-fired porous Terracotta clay
* Comes with Blue Bird glazed Topper with new branding
* 1 Litre capacity - not to be used as a drinks vessel
* Size: Diameter 10cm x Height 33cm
* Designed in Australia, hand-cast in China
* All products shipped are amply protected by 100% recyclable and/or biodegradable void fills and wrappings for the benefit of the Planet!

We have a range of sizes and shapes of Waterpot ollas for your small space urban container, raised or in-ground garden. Do take a look at the other Waterpot Ollas in our range to suit every gardening situation.

PLEASE NOTE: As these are hand slipcast Terracotta items, there may be variations between one vessel and another in terms of colour, surface texture, weight and shape due to the nature of kiln firing and the natural qualities of Terracotta clay.



Benefits Of Ollas

 

Click HERE if video does not play

How To Use

Solving Your Garden Irrigation Issues

2000 years of olla technology has proven that simple low-tech device can solve important issues such as the irrigation of agriculture. Applied to our urban gardens and rural farm lands, this technique has the potential of getting gardeners through the toughest water shortages and restrictions. Using 50–70% less than normal surface-water irrigation, it makes it considerably better than drip irrigation, and virtually eliminates the surface-runoff and evaporation common in modern irrigation systems.

A clay pot is buried with only the top opening above the soil surface and filled with water. The porous walls of your Waterpot allow for water to dissipate into the soil as needed. Because the pores are small, the water does not freely flow out of the pot. 

A suction force is created by soil moisture tension as well as the plant roots. If soil is dry, the water inside the olla will release faster as the soil roots “pull” it out. Likewise, if there is a recent saturating rainfall the water in the olla will remain until the surrounding soil dries. 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 which prevents bitter tasting greens and cracks developing in tomatoes or melons.

The soil surface remains relatively dry in gardens with olla irrigation which can prevent the growth of weeds and help minimize some unwanted insect populations.

Burying a Waterpot olla in a Rootpouch or plant container

Tips for Using Ollas

• Bury The Waterpot leaving the neck above the pot shoulder remaining above the surface to prevent dirt and mulch from washing inside. Gently pack soil around olla.

• Water from The Waterpot will reach about 30cms  from the center point of the olla.

• Place Waterpots every 30cm in your garden for maximum impact.

• Use The Waterpots in planter containers at least 40 cm in size. 

• Check the water level frequently and refill The Waterpot as needed. The frequency depends upon the soil type, surrounding plant density, and weather. At times it may need refilling every 7 days or as frequently as every other day.

• The lid over the opening will minimize "evapotranspiration" and prevent mosquito breeding.

• Use Your Waterpot in slightly sandy or coarse textured soils. Soils with high clay content do not dissipate water well.

• If you have a very deep soil it is useful to place a saucer or drainage tray at the bottom of the hole where the Waterpot is to be placed. This impedes water seepage bellow while promoting seepage outward.

• Plant seeds a few centimetres from The Waterpot opening. Water the entire area and continue to surface water until the seeds germinate and continue this until roots are well established

How To Care For Your Olla Waterpot? 

We would recommend that if you live in a frost, snow or ice prone area that you dig up the pots up at the end of the growing season to prevent breakage over cold winter months; or if a container garden, that 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.

 

 

Installation

CLICK HERE for full information and installation details

The plants get just what they need, right where they need it with no gadgets or sensors required!

Olla filled with water and buried in ground irrigates surrounding plants

 

How Plant Roots Love Waterpot Ollas (from the Up on The Rooftop Balcony Garden)

 

How Many Waterpot Ollas or Spikes Do I Need?

What size and how many Waterpot Ollas will suit my garden?

Ollas come in several sizes, from our slender Terracotta Watering Spike sets to the 3-litre large Round Olla.

They have been designed to accommodate all growing situations needing watering, from raised and in-ground beds, rooftops, patios, decks and container/potted gardens to community gardens and urban farms. The applications are only limited by your imagination!

How far will the water disperse from the Olla?

The smaller the olla, the less distance the water will spread. In good-quality 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 the soil approximately 10cm away from the olla in every direction. This is not a precise measurement as much depends on the soil type, its consistency and water retentive attributes as to how far the moisture will capillary away from the olla.

When sowing seeds surface watering will be required regularly until they are established seedlings with established root systems.

How important is soil quality?

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

Always plant in concentric circles around your Waterpot Olla.

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

The Waterpot Large Round Olla covers a growing space up to 50cm to 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 inground 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 approximately up to 25cm to 50cm in diameter.   It’s perfect for:

* Grow bags and pots of 30 Litres 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 Litres 10cm 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 up to 50cm frequencies. Perfect for:

* Grow bags and pots  of 30 L and above

* Planter boxes

* Narrow trough-style pots

Terracotta Watering Spikes - 100 mls 4.5cm Diameter x 18cm Height 

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.

What size and how many Waterpot Ollas will suit my garden?

Ollas come in several sizes, from our slender Terracotta Watering Spike sets to the 3-litre large Round Olla.

They have been designed to accommodate all growing situations needing watering, from raised and in-ground beds, rooftops, patios, decks and container/potted gardens to community gardens and urban farms. The applications are only limited by your imagination!

How far will the water disperse from the Olla?

The smaller the olla, the less distance the water will spread. In good-quality 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 the soil approximately 10cm away from the olla in every direction. This is not a precise measurement as much depends on the soil type, its consistency and water retentive attributes as to how far the moisture will capillary away from the olla.

When sowing seeds surface watering will be required regularly until they are established seedlings with established root systems.

How important is soil quality?

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

Always plant in concentric circles around your Waterpot Olla.

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

The Waterpot Large Round Olla covers a growing space up to 50cm to 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 inground 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 approximately up to 25cm to 50cm in diameter.   It’s perfect for:

* Grow bags and pots of 30 Litres 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 Litres 10cm 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 up to 50cm frequencies. Perfect for:

* Grow bags and pots  of 30 L and above

* Planter boxes

* Narrow trough-style pots

Terracotta Watering Spikes - 100 mls 4.5cm Diameter x 18cm Height 

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.

What To Grow

Ollas work best with plants with adventitious root systems, which are fibrous root systems and above-ground leaves.  The more roots in the subsoil, the better they'll grow and find the Waterpot olla water source.

Examples of such plants are tomatoes, peppers or capsicums, potatoes (and most nightshades), cucumbers, salad greens, kale, herbs, edible flowers, gourds, melons, squash, beans, peas, corn, flowering annuals, shrubs and fruit trees - this is not an exhaustive list by any means!

Plants with taproot systems (one primary root) like carrots, beetroots, radishes, 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 the root system has developed enough to reach the ollas for regular and efficient watering. This may take anywhere from 2 weeks to a couple of months. You will need to monitor this.

A thick layer of mulch placed on  top of the soil is necessary to help regulate the temperature of the soil and minimise evaporation. How often you fill it depends on the plant (some plants are thirstier than others eg Tomatoes), the soil compostion and moisture levels, the weather and many other variables - just keep an eye on the water level every few days or week and the guesswork is taken away!

Fibrous Roots & Tap Roots

 

 

Waterpot Olla F.A.Q

Installation Instructions

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  do I bury my Waterpot Olla?

Bury the Waterpot with enough of the neck exposed so that soil and mulch do not wash into the pot. Ollas should be buried about 60cm apart.
Dig a hole that is about twice the size of the olla itself. Ollas should be completely buried below the surface except for the opening at the top and
about one inch of the neck. Ollas should never be less than half full, or water will not seep out into the soil.

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 much depends on the type of soil, its consistency and water retentive attributes as to how far the moisture will capillary away from the olla. When planting seeds, plant them within the reach of the water and surface water the seeds until the seedlings are established as seedlings.

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, mixing organic matter such as compost can improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

Always try to plant in concentric circles around your Waterpot Olla.

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

 What Size would suit my gardening situation?

Waterpot Ollas come in several different sizes from our 3 LitreLarge Round Olla to our Terracotta Watering Spikes/ They have been designed to accomodate 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 rootzone 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 much depends on the type of soil, its consistency and water retentive attributes as to how far the moisture will capillary away from the olla. When planting seeds, plant them within the reach of the water and surface water the seeds until the seedlings are established as seedlings.

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, mixing organic matter such as compost can improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

Always plant in concentric circles around your Waterpot Olla.

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 inground 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 approximately up to 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 uised in large areas but with more frequesncy. We would recommend the Waterpot Large Round Olla for this situation.

Waterpot Tall Olla or Waterpot Bird Olla - 1 Litres 10cm 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 thee lattter, plant more frequeently at up to 50cm frequencies. Perfect for:

* Grow bags annd pots of 30 L and above

* Planter boxes

* Narrow trough style pots

Terracotta Watering Spikes - 100 mls 4.5cm Diameter x 18cm Height

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 plant with the Waterpot Olla?

You can use the Waterpot Olla with any plant: vegetables and flowers, of course, but also trees and shrubs. Putting an Waterpot Olla by a new tree or shrub will help get the plant through that 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 eventually crack it. Wisely use the Waterpot Olla to get these plants established, however long that takes, and then move the Waterpot Olla to use on another plant.

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

The surrounding environment greatly affects the performance of self-watering terracotta spikes. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure can influence the rate of evaporation and transpiration, directly impacting the water requirements of your plants. Assess the environmental conditions in which your plants thrive and make necessary adjustments to the self-watering system to accommodate these factors.

Q: Will my Waterpot Olla freeze? 

It can happen! If you live in a climate that has hard freezes for 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 live where snow and dusting mean the same, or where frost frolics with ice crystals, but that’s it, then the Waterpot Olla may be one in the ground year around. No matter what you choose to do, make sure the Waterpot Olla is dry in the winter. We advise you err on the side of caution.

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, all 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 with a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water if your water is full of minerals. Pour one gallon of water AND one gallon of vinegar in your Waterpot Olla and let it sit for a few hours. Use a scrub brush for removing debris on the outside. First, remove the Waterpot Olla from the ground if using a vinegar cleaning.

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 out an Australian pottery manufacturer and were unable to find a factory with the capacity, ability to scale, and consistency of quality at an affordable price. There are many wonderful small potteries in Australia producing premium hand made vessels however, with the exorbitant postal 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, to show our confidence and desire to develop the partnership. We were satisfied with the working conditions of the employees and their ability to support our growing business. 

HOW TO USE THE WATERPOT OLLA IN YOUR URBAN GARDEN

2000 years of olla use has proven the efficacy of this simple low-tech device in solving the issue of irrigation of gardens, pots and raised beds. Applied to our urban gardens and rural farm lands, this technique has

the potential of assisting gardeners through the toughest periods of water shortage and restrictions. Using 50–70% less water it is considerably better than drip irrigation, and virtually eliminates the surface-runoff and evaporation.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

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, the water does not freely flow 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

STEP 1

 

Bury the Olla to the Shoulders


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 edge. 

 

STEP 2

Plant n Concentric Circles

Plant seedlings around the Waterpot, or if planting a shrub, place the shrub in the centre and the pot to the side of it. 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 make the most ofthe olla's watering abilities. Think concentric circles instead of 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 smaller 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 big success rate.

STEP 3

Fill the Waterpot

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

STEP 4

Plant Your Seedlings

Apply a thick layer of mulch of your choice eg Sugar cane mulch or bark and DON’T FORGET to check the water level and try not to let it fall below half way to prevent mineral build up

TIPS FOR USING THE WATERPOT OLLA

  • Bury The Waterpot leaving the neck above the soil surface to prevent dirt and mulch from washing Next, gently pack soil around The Waterpot Olla.
  • Plants or seedlings around The Waterpot Olla should be placed approximately 30cm around the Olla, although this will depend on the root
  • Place The Waterpots approximately every 30-60cm in your garden for maximum impact. This may take some experimentation to find the best distance apart. The closer the units, the more available water there is 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 build. The frequency depends upon the soil type, surrounding plant density, and weather. At times it may need refilling every seven days or as frequently 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 sytems like carrots, radishes, parsnips are less lilkely to work with Ollas. Ollas should not be used to sprout of germinate seeds. Seeds and young seedilngs need to be surface watered until the root systems has developed enough to reach the ollas for regular and efficient watering. You will need to monitor this.
  • Your Waterpot can remain in situ for many season and can be cleaned when you re-pot or change over the plantings. See below for cleanig instructions.

CAN I USE MY WATERPOT OLLA TO FERTILISE MY PLANTS?

Theoretically, if the fertiliser you are using is completely water soluble (dissolves entirely in the water) it could work. But 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 soluable 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.

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

Waterpot Ollas in a Pot

Watch the video -

How does a Waterpot Olla Work?

Waterpot Olla Video

How To Clean Your Waterpot Olla

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.

How  do I bury my Waterpot Olla?

Bury the Waterpot with enough of the neck exposed so that soil and mulch do not wash into the pot. Ollas should be buried about 60cm apart.Dig a hole that is about twice the size of the olla itself. Ollas should be completely buried below the surface except for the opening at the top andabout one inch of the neck. Ollas should never be less than half full, or water will not seep out into the soil.

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 much depends on the type of soil, its consistency and water retentive attributes as to how far the moisture will capillary away from the olla. When planting seeds, plant them within the reach of the water and surface water the seeds until the seedlings are established as seedlings.

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, mixing organic matter such as compost can improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

What plants can plant with the Waterpot Olla?

You can use the Waterpot Ollawith any plant: vegetables and flowers, of course, but also trees and shrubs. Putting anWaterpot Ollaby a new tree or shrub will help get the plant through that first year. If you feel the root system is well developed after one year, dig theWaterpot Ollaup 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 eventually crack it. Wisely use theWaterpot Ollato get these plants established, however long that takes, and then move theWaterpot Ollato use on another plant.

What effect does environmental factors have on the performance of the Olla?

The surrounding environment greatly affects the performance of self-watering terracotta spikes. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure can influence the rate of evaporation and transpiration, directly impacting the water requirements of your plants. Assess the environmental conditions in which your plants thrive and make necessary adjustments to the self-watering system to accommodate these factors.

Will my Waterpot Olla freeze? 

It can happen! If you live in a climate that has hard freezes for 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 live where snow and dusting mean the same, or where frost frolics with ice crystals, but that’s it, then theWaterpot Ollamay be one in the ground year around. No matter what you choose to do, make sure theWaterpot Ollais dry in the winter. We advise you err on the side of caution.

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.

How long will my Waterpot Olla last?

Your Waterpot Ollawill last for years, with a little TLC. If leaves or light things fall into the olla, all the olla with water and as the item floats up, swish it out. If you and a lot of dirt has accidentally gotten in theWaterpot Olla(it happens), dig theWaterpot Ollaup, tilt in on its side and spray the inside with your hose until the dirt washes out. You can clean yourWaterpot Ollawith a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water if your water is full of minerals. Pour one gallon of water AND one gallon of vinegar in yourWaterpot Olla and let it sit for a few hours. Use a scrub brush for removing debris on the outside. First, remove theWaterpot Olla from the ground if using a vinegar cleaning.

Why are the Waterpot Ollas produced in China?

We have been asked why we do not produce in Australia. When we started, we sought out an Australian pottery manufacturer and were unable to find a factory with the capacity, ability to scale, and consistency of quality at an affordable price. There are many wonderful small potteries in Australia producing premium hand made vessels however, with the exorbitant postal 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, to show our confidence and desire to develop the partnership. We were satisfied with the working conditions of the employees and their ability to support our growing business. 

How do you use Waterpot spikes?

For indoors or outside use, the Waterpot spikes are ideal for plants that need a consistent water supply.

Simply insert, fill, invert.

The Waterpot Spike fits between your plant and the pot wall. Water seeps steadily through the semi-porous ceramic, slowly wicking into the soil below the surface.

At a glance, a low water level in the bottle tells you it’s time for a refill. These Spikes have been designed to accommodate smaller bottles to provide a discrete, elegant solution to watering your houseplants.

We've designed these spikes to be used primarily for  indoor applications, however they can be used with equal success in pots outdoors where a bottle can be safely upended into the neck opening. We would recommend one spike per pot plant in the same way as you would use them indoors. Where larger pots are concerned, we recommend the use of the Waterpot ollas in the main range.

HOW PLANT WATERING SPIKES WORK

The Waterpot Spikes work on the olla principle where a low-fired terracotta vessel is buried in the ground and leaches water into the surrounding soil at the root level. More information can be found on our website The Science of Ollas Irrigation 

YOU WILL NEED

1x long-necked bottle per spike 200ml - 360ml recommended. These are usually available as single-serve Tonic or Soda waters and other mixer drinks. A larger bottle, such as a wine bottle with appropriate neck may be used with care however we  would recommend the smaller long-necked bottles and frequent checking for safety's sake. Large bottles we find are unstable in the necks and if moved will often crack the collar of the Spike.

Not recommended bottles for Terracotta Spikes

Recommended Bottles for Terracotta Spikes

 

PRIOR TO PLANTING

Water your plant well before preparing to install the Waterpot Spike

Soak the Spike in water for an hour prior to burying it. Spike should be fully saturated. this saturating of the porous terracotta ensures the Spike will work quickly once in the soil. If you miss this step, it won't matter too much.

STEP 1

Dig a hole in the soil before slotting the watering Spikes into the soil.

Do not attempt to push the Spike into your pot soil without preparing
a hole as you are likely to damage it. We recommend the use of our Narrow Trowel for this purpose.

STEP 2

Insert the damp watering Spikes into the wet soil with the open-top sitting flush with the soil level (recommended) or leave the collar above the soil. The more of the Spike buried, the less evaporation from the
Spike surface will occur.

The deeper the Spike, the more stable it will be, the more moisture will get to the planting media as a larger surface will be in contact.Water travels through the soil on contact, so pack the soil around the Spike firmly.

STEP 3

Fill the Spike with water.

STEP 4

Half fill the long-necked bottle with water then flip it over into the Waterpot Spike opening.

TIP - cover the opening of the bottle with two fingers when you
invert it to prevent too much spillage.

STEP 5

Remember to place the bottle straight upright. Do not have it tilted or slanted as this will not be stable and the bottle may tip over.

STEP 6

Check the bottle periodically to ensure they still have water.

You don’t need to take out the stake, just lift the bottle out and refill the bottle when it is empty.

 VIDEOS

HOW TO USE OUR OLLA WATERPOTS

Customer Reviews

Based on 218 reviews
93%
(203)
4%
(9)
3%
(6)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
D
Denise Guray
Water bird olla

I love my water bird ollas. They add a touch of colour to my garden. They are so practical and they work! My fruit trees never looked better

K
Kris
Cute life savers

These little blue bird ollas give me 2 days of grace in my half wine barrel pots that live under the verandah but get the afternoon sun.
The cute blue birds are a lovely and gentle visual reminder to water my plants and fill the ollas. Am appreciating the benefits of using ollas.

S
Shirley Foster
Waterpot Bird

I placed a waterpot bird in a large pot with two tomato plants in my hothouse, I went away for 10 days returned to two live plants, they did require water 💦 but survived very well. Highly recommended.

J
Jo B
So Unique, So Practical

As a novice gardener, I am amazed by this ancient idea, fantastic! Considering I have a small courtyard and have established a few plants in pots, it seemed beneficial and practical especially throughout the spring/summer months. So, I ordered two of these Olla Bluebird Waterpots (?species of bird) and absolutely love them. They look gorgeous in my terracotta pots, therefore, will surely look after my two very special Magnolias (Stellata (Rosea). I cannot wait to order more of the Olla Pots (unintentionally purchased the Bluebird lids separately) over the next few months to place in my many other pot plants, housing a variety of Camellias. Thank you also for the prompt and friendly service. 🦚🦜

Hello Jo!Certainly made us very happy to see the Blue Bird of Happiness Toppers in your beautiful pots! Wendy & The Team

C
Carina Srinath
Working well

These not only look cute in my grow bags but they're also working well at watering my plants. Even my two year old loves filling them up with water. I'm eager to see how my veggies grow with the ollas and grow bags.

General FAQ's

When do you process orders?

Kindly refer to our Shipping Information for all shipping questions

Do you accept returns?

Please refer to ourReturns Policy

How do I make changes to an order I've already placed?

Send us an email to info@upontherooftop.com.au and changes may be possible if your order has not proceeded to fulfillment. Don't place two orders because sometimes we will not see two consecutive orders due to our processes and you will then receive two shipments and pay 2 shipping fees. Send us the email as soon as you can.

How long will my order take to arrive?

Normal shipping times may be affected many factors outside of our control including high volumes going through the postal services or extreme weather events. We fulfill orders as quickly as possible and usually within 3-4 business days. We cannot accept responsibility for delays after the parcel leaves our warehouse. The confirmation email we send you allows you to track the progress of your parcel throught the frieght partner systems. Please allow enough time (and more) for your order to arrive if there is a need to receive your parcel quickly. 

We generally only offer standard post however, if you nevertheless require Express post please send us an email and we will invoice you the postal charge prior to fulfillment. 

Why we generally don't have sales

Click Frenzy! Single’s Day! Black Friday! Cyber Monday etc! Why will you not receive an enticing email at during those times?

You know that famliar cycle of annual sales - it’s the exhausting time of year where your inbox fills with sale offers, social advertisements offering discounts and SALE is the most popular 4-letter word. Despite the retail pressure, as a brand we are committed to rarely going on sale and we’d like to take a moment to explain why.

Integral to our business are the values of authenticity and sincerity. Authenticity to us means being transparent  in what we communicate and always looking for opportunities where we can improve. We always try to do what feels right as a brand and in line with our values. Kindness means treating everyone with understanding and respect, from our suppliers to our customer and everyone in between.

With these ideals in mind, first, we want to ensure that we can offer ALL of our customers the lowest possible price all year round. To do so, we design, produce, and price our products to their true value and we do not price our products to go on sale. Besides guaranteeing fairness for all our customers, it also helps us ensure that we are paying our suppliers fair and living wages.

We think that there is nothing more frustrating (in retail) than when you buy something and then see it on sale 2 weeks later! We don’t want our community to feel that buyer's remorse, so we try to keep it consistent for everyone, year round.

Additionally, the past few years have been very challenging for small businesses and you will have read that many businesses, both bricks and mortar and online,  have closed their doors due to staffing issues and spiralling costs that are beyond a small businesses' ability to recoup and make a profit to make it worthwhile. Price increases are the only way for many to survive the escalating operating costs. We too have had to dig deep to try to make ends meet and yet not compromise any of the quality of our products or service. To partake in endless "SALES" cycles means we simply don't have fat in the system to weather the increases elsewhere in the accounts.

Our sales are usually to clear slow moving lines, promote an aspect of gardening or celebrate an event, or to clear some space in the warehouse.

We have created or insist that all our  products are high-quality items that will work as expected season on season, year on year and we stand behind every item sent out. We check every order as thoroughly as a busy fulfillment process can allow and if there is a problem, we invite customers to let us know..."don't be sad or mad".

Have you considered the impact of your packaging on the planet?

We sure have!  You will notice when you receive your order that the boxes containing your Waterpot Ollas is fairly basic. No fancy printing, no designer construction...just a box with a sticker or simple instruction card. Here at Up on The Rooftop we don't see the value in investing too much in attractive packaging - the products are beautiful enough!

The composition, recycle-ability and/or biodegradability of our packaging  is of utmost importance to us...so important that we invested in a state-of-the-art shredder to provide useable void fill from our shipping cartons and packaging from other businesses in our building!

Our corn starch packing peanuts and post satchels are home compostable in your compost or worm bins under the Australian Standard AS5810/ABAP 20001. Recycled shredded paper, cardboard filling and cartons are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. Our clear tapes are biodegradable film with an organic adhesive liner, making it non-toxic and eco-friendly. It has been certified by REACH, RoHS & FDA. Please note the tape is not home-compostable so should be removed from the boxes before adding to the compost bin or worm farm.

Our bespoke tissue paper is printed with soy ink and is acid free and we are a member of the Eco Packaging Alliance and entitled to display the stamp that certifies our tissue packaging as environmentally friendly.

Please consider how you dispose of the packaging - worms will love eating it, your compost bin will enjoy the cardboard and paper carbon. It all goes back into the soil and growing great food and plants!