Dripping Springs Olla
In addition to their water conservation abilities, another benefit to using ollas or clay pot irrigation, is that surface soil stays dry so there are less weeds. So, what exactly is an Olla (pronounced “oy-yah”) ? Here is the definition from DrippingSpringsOllas:
An OLLA is an unglazed clay pot fired at a low temperature. This allows the pot to remain porous. The OLLA is buried in the ground with neck exposed and periodically filled with water. The water seeps into the soil at a rate that provides adjacent plants with a constant water source at the roots.
Here’s what Laura says about using ollas in her garden:

On the left, a homemade olla and on the right, a commercially made olla
Your ollas can be reused every year. If you have mineral build up after using them (depends on your water), you can clean them out once a year with a diluted 1:1 vinegar and water solution. What makes them

Olla in place in the garden bed
I’m still experimenting on how far in a circle I can plant, but it’s usually about twice the diameter of the olla.” Thanks again Laura for this info.
How to Use an Olla in Your Garden
1. Bury the olla in the soil of the garden bed or planter leaving the top slightly protruding (enough so it can be seen and soil won’t spill into the opening when refilling). Ideally the neck of the olla is glazed to prevent evaporation – but you can also cover it with mulch.
2. Fill the olla with water and cap the opening. If you purchased a commercially made olla, it will come with a cap. If you are making your own, a clay plate, saucer, rock or another choice, whatever will prevent evaporation, soil intrusion and mosquito breeding is good.
3. Refill once to three times a week, depending on the soil, climate, time of year and plant needs. It’s best to keep the olla at no less than 50% full to prevent the build up of salts and minerals.
4. Spacing – per drippingspringsollas.com – once again it “depends on plant selection, soil type and temperature. But as a general rule, plant within 18 inches from center of OLLA or 12 inches from the outer wall”.
Benefits to Irrigating with Ollas
- You can reduce watering needs in your garden by 50 to 75%
- They water the roots instead of the surface of your garden or raised bed preventing soil compaction
- Reduce weed growth as soil surface remains dry
- Roots grow deeper and you don’t have to water as often
- No water is lost to evaporation or runoff
Note: ollas may not be a good fit for your garden if you’re not around to refill them as needed.
Where to Buy Ollas
Dripping Springs Ollas
have a 2 gallon size available on Amazon (see lead photo). The bigger sized olla means you won’t have to worry about refilling them as often. They are a slight investment up front, but in the long run you are saving a ton on your water bill by using one of the most efficient forms of irrigation.
If you have a planter that needs watering, a slightly less expensive option is the Plant Nanny
. You dig the Plant Nanny into your planter, fill and empty bottle of wine with water and turn it upside down into the plant nanny. “Each ceramic Plant Nanny Stake is specially designed to release just the right amount of moisture into the soil. You create the water reservoir by filling an empty wine, water or soda bottle with water and attaching the included, drip-free, threaded adaptor. As the soil begins to dry, the device slowly releases more water (through gravity/diffusion).”
Hi Judy! Great job of explaining ollas! Spread the word, save water! Thank you!!
Hi Laura. Glad you enjoyed it! We are always happy to spread the word about saving water. Thanks again for your great info and photos! – Judy
Love this! I am going to start using them this summer before my month long trip. Very easy to remember as in Spanish “olla” just means pot. (Especially in this hemisphere)