How to Make DIY Ollas

Step 1

Choose a terracotta plant pot that can hold at least a quart of water, if not much more. Ensure that it's unglazed – so no paint or glaze on any part of it – otherwise, water will not be able to travel through to the soil. Remember, a larger size olla can last much longer between refillings. Smaller ollas can be more effective for smaller spaces though.

Step 2

Most plant pots have a drainage hole at the bottom. Fill this hole so that water cannot leak through. I've tried various materials, and my favorite solutions are non-toxic mounting putty and a cork. You could remove either and use the pot used for plants again if you wanted to. Duct tape works, too, as does moldable putty that hardens. A more permanent solution is to fill the bottom of the pot with concrete*. I made one like this seven years ago, and it works a treat!

Step 3

Next, bury the pot in the soil within about 6-12" of where you plan on growing a plant. Ensure that the neck of the pot is above the soil surface.

Step 4

Fill with water and place a lid on the DIY olla. A lid reduces surface evaporation and stops animals from getting into the olla. Small animals can drown in them when the water level isn't full to the top. Mosquitoes and other insects can get inside to breed too. I used terracotta plant saucers in the past, but I've found that plastic ones work much better.

Step 5

Plant your crops within roots' range of the olla and keep them watered from the surface until they're established. Keep the olla topped up that entire time so that the plant senses the water source and can grow roots towards it.

Step 6

Top up the olla so that it never empties. The frequency of filling times varies based on the size of the olla, time of the year, number of plants planted around it, and other factors.