Leaving town during the growing season can feel stressful especially when you’ve put so much time into your garden. If you don’t have an irrigation system or a self-watering setup, it’s easy to worry about coming home to struggling plants.
The good news? There’s a simple, low-cost solution you can make yourself using items you probably already have at home: a DIY olla (sometimes called an “oya”).
This method has been used for centuries to keep plants hydrated.
What Is an Olla?
An olla is a buried clay pot that slowly releases water into the soil as your plants need it. Because the clay is porous, moisture seeps out gradually, keeping roots evenly hydrated without overwatering.
It’s especially helpful when you’re away for a few days (or even longer), and it requires almost no maintenance once set up.
How to Make Your Own DIY Olla
- Choose your clay pot
Grab an unglazed clay pot, these are key because they allow water to seep through. A deeper pot will hold more water and last longer between refills. - Plug the Drainage Hole
Use a cork to seal the hole at the bottom. If needed, trim it slightly so it fits snugly and prevents leaks. - Bury the Pot
Dig a hole in your garden bed and place the pot in the ground, leaving the top opening just above the soil. Position it between your plants so the moisture can reach multiple root systems. - Fill with Water & Cover
Fill the pot with water, then place a clay saucer on top. This helps prevent evaporation and keeps debris or insects out. - Let It Do the Work
That’s it! Your plants will draw water as they need it. Now you can head out of town knowing your garden is taken care of.
Before heading out, I like to give everything a good soak and tidy up the beds. Having the right tools on hand makes this process much easier and more enjoyable.
I’ve been using products from Digz Gloves for my gardening tasks, and it’s made a noticeable difference. I especially love their gloves for comfort and grip, and a kneeling pad that saves my knees during longer sessions in the garden.
