Ollas and Clay Pot Irrigation: Ancient Water Saving for Australian Gardens

How Ollas WorkAn olla (pronounced "oy-ya") is an unglazed clay pot buried in the ground with only the neck exposed. Filled with water, the porous clay slowly seeps moisture directly into the surrounding soil. Plants extend their roots toward the olla, creating a dense, productive root mass at exactly the depth and moisture level that suits them. The soil surface stays dry, dramatically reducing evaporation and weed germination. Studies show ollas reduce water use by 50–70% compared to surface …