How I'm using terracotta pots to water my garden throughout unpredictable rain Cycles

If you’ve ever gardened in New Jersey, you know how unpredictable the rain can be. One week, we’re drowning in rain, and the next, the ground is bone dry. Instead of constantly adjusting my watering schedule, I’ve decided to work smarter, not harder this year by installing DIY ollas in my garden beds.

I believe in putting in the effort upfront for an easier time later, and these buried irrigation systems are a perfect low-maintenance way to keep plants hydrated through dry spells without overwatering when the rain finally returns.

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What Is an Olla?

An olla (pronounced "oy-yah") is a porous, unglazed clay pot that is buried in the soil and filled with water. As the soil around it dries, the water slowly seeps out, delivering moisture directly to the roots. It’s an ancient irrigation technique that helps reduce water waste and support deep root growth.

Why I’m Adding Ollas to My Garden

✅ Less Frequent Watering – Plants take what they need, reducing the need for daily watering.

✅ Water Efficiency – Uses up to 70% less water than surface watering, with less evaporation and runoff.

✅ Better Root Growth – Encourages deeper, stronger roots for healthier plants.

✅ Perfect for Unpredictable Rain – Keeps plants hydrated during dry spells without flooding them when the rain comes back.

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How to Build a DIY Olla with Terracotta Planters

Instead of buying a pre-made olla, I’m making my own using two same-sized pots, a smaller pot, and a saucer. This custom design holds plenty of water while keeping pests out.

Materials Needed:

✔ 2 unglazed terracotta pots (same size) – Forms the main water reservoir

✔ 1 smaller terracotta pot – Acts as the filling chamber

✔ 1 terracotta saucer – Fits over the small pot to keep debris out

✔ Cork or rubber stopper – To plug the bottom pot’s hole

✔ Gorilla Glue or waterproof cement – To seal the pots together

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Step-by-Step Guide

1️⃣ Plug the Bottom Pot

Take one of the large pots and seal its drainage hole using a cork or rubber stopper. This keeps the water from draining too fast.

2️⃣ Stack & Seal the Second Large Pot

Flip the second large pot upside down and glue the wide rims together, forming a sealed water reservoir inside.

3️⃣ Attach the Smaller Pot on Top

Align the drain holes of the small pot with the top pot and glue them together. This creates an opening to fill the olla with water.

4️⃣ Cover with a Saucer

Place the terracotta saucer over the small pot’s mouth to prevent evaporation, bugs, and debris from getting in.

Installing & Using Your Olla

🔹 Dig a hole deep enough to bury the olla, leaving the small pot exposed.

🔹 Fill it with water through the top opening.

🔹 Cover with the saucer to keep it sealed.

🔹 Let the plants drink up—only refill when needed!

By setting these up now, my garden will stay hydrated all summer, even during those inevitable dry spells. And when the rain comes in waves, my plants will already have deep, strong roots to handle it.

Would you try this in your garden? Let me know! 🌱💧