What is an Olla and How Do I use it in My Garden?

The Olla is the ultimate "set-and-forget" irrigation tool for any garden, but especially your Raised Beds and Planter Boxes. Buried in the soil, this porous terracotta pot naturally releases water directly to the roots only when they need it. No electricity, no plastic, no wasted water.

We are always looking for ways to combine the natural beauty of Western Red Cedar with high-efficiency gardening. If you’ve ever struggled with wilting plants during a heatwave or wondered how you can cut back costs and time spent watering, the solution might be 4,000 years old.

The science is simple: Soil Moisture Tension. When the soil is dry, it pulls moisture through the clay walls of the Olla. Once the soil is hydrated, the flow stops. Your plants effectively "call" for water exactly when they are thirsty.

Coverage & Sizing Guide

We offer 3 various sizes for your garden space. You can always safely size up to ensure deep hydration during hotter months.

• Small (500ml): Hydrates 1 – 1.3 ft radius. Perfect for smaller planters and herbs.

• Medium (1L): Hydrates 2 ft radius. The "all-rounder", perfect for our most popular 18” x 48”  raised garden bed.

• Large (3L): Hydrates 3 – 3.3 ft radius. Maximum coverage for spaces like our 18” x 72” raised garden bed.

How to Use It

We have kept things super easy:

1. Bury your Olla up to the neck.

2. Plant your flowers or vegetables in a circle around it.

3. Fill it with water and place the lid on top to stop evaporation and pests.

PRO TIP: For the first 2 weeks, continue to surface water as needed while keeping the Olla full. This ensures your new plants stay hydrated until their root systems grow deep enough to reach the Olla’s moisture zone.

The Highlights

• Vacation-Ready: Once established keeps plants hydrated for several days on one fill.

• Water Savings: Zero evaporation; water goes straight to the roots.

• Healthier Plants: Encourages deep root systems and prevents surface-level weeds/fungus.

• 100% Sustainable: Plastic-free, toxin-free, and biodegradable terracotta.

Ready to put Your Garden on Auto Pilot?

Stop guessing when to water and let your plants take the lead. Whether you are growing an organic veggie patch or a beautiful floral display, the Olla is the most sustainable way to ensure a lush, healthy harvest.