Choose a terracotta plant pot that can carry at least a quart of water.
Choose a terracotta plant pot that can carry at least a quart of water.
Photo credit: lovelygreens.com
Photo credit: lovelygreens.com
Ensure that it is unglazed, meaning that there is no paint or glaze on any portion of it; otherwise, water will not be able to pass through to the soil.
Ensure that it is unglazed, meaning that there is no paint or glaze on any portion of it; otherwise, water will not be able to pass through to the soil.
Remember a bigger olla can last much longer between refills. Smaller ollas, may be more effective in smaller places though.
Remember a bigger olla can last much longer between refills. Smaller ollas, may be more effective in smaller places though.
The bottom of most plant pots has a drainage hole. Fill up this hole so that water cannot escape.
The bottom of most plant pots has a drainage hole. Fill up this hole so that water cannot escape.
Photo credit: lovelygreens.com
Photo credit: lovelygreens.com
I've experimented with many materials, and my favorites are non-toxic mounting putty and a cork.
I've experimented with many materials, and my favorites are non-toxic mounting putty and a cork.
Photo credit: lovelygreens.com
Photo credit: lovelygreens.com
Next, put the pot in the soil 6-12" away from where you want to grow a plant.
Next, put the pot in the soil 6-12" away from where you want to grow a plant.
Make sure the pot's neck is above the soil surface.
Make sure the pot's neck is above the soil surface.
Photo credit: lovelygreens.com
Photo credit: lovelygreens.com
Fill the DIY olla with water and cover with a lid. A lid lowers surface evaporation and keeps animals out of the olla.
Fill the DIY olla with water and cover with a lid. A lid lowers surface evaporation and keeps animals out of the olla.
Photo credit: lovelygreens.com
Photo credit: lovelygreens.com
Plant your crops within the olla's root range and water them from the surface until they're established.
Plant your crops within the olla's root range and water them from the surface until they're established.