Dripping Springs Ollas
I planted something special in my garden this month. Ollas. If you aren’t familiar with Ollas, keep reading because this is exciting stuff for those of us who garden in hot, dry regions. Like the South.
Simple yet brilliant, Ollas is an unglazed, porous clay pot used for irrigation. Instructions are easy peasy. Bury the pot in the garden. Leave the neck exposed (a lid is included).
Planting Ollas in my garden.
Fill with water a couple of times a week. That’s it. Ollas will provide constant, steady irrigation to nearby plant root systems.
Crafted by Lori Haynes of Dripping Springs, Texas, her clay pot design is based on an ancient method of watering. And bonus…the pots are lightweight and easy for one person to maneuver from vehicle to garden. For more information and details on where to buy visit www.drippingspringsollas.com.
just add water
Now for an update on what’s growing in my garden (besides my Ollas)—three types of tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, several varieties of hot peppers and orange bell peppers, basil, dill, strawberries, swiss chard, carrots, lettuce, arugula, radishes, and onions.
And lots of earthworms. Yay! 
Everything looks happy in my community plot at Promise of Peace Garden. Magic in the middle of an East Dallas parking lot…
My garden. April, 2014
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”
― Margaret Atwood
Musical Pairing:
Counting Crows – Big Yellow Taxi
Your garden looks great. It’s amazing what you can grow in small places. I’ve never seen the ollas but I will look for one.
Thanks Angie! Yes, I would love to have a large garden, but making use of small spaces is fun and creative.
That is flipping GENIUS!!!!!! I NEED one of those in my life immediately. Your garden looks beautiful and as for the quote, I am in total agreement.
I think so too! Plus the way it works, the roots are watered but the top level of soil stays dryer which keeps weeds from growing.
What a great idea. I’ve used glass globes before, but they don’t work especially well. They have a hard time with hail:) Go figure. Don’t you just love all of the surprises that show up in the garden in the early season? Each morning brings a new one.
Yes Debbie, such a wonderful time of year:) I’ve used smaller ones too in pots. They work okay when we are out of town for a week.
You are such a clever girl! I’m very impressed with your garden. How is your celery doing?
Celery looks great! Bright green. I have no idea when it is ready – LOL
Soooo…how do you like living in the Dallas area? When the husband graduates…cross fingers it’s next spring, he has a standing job offer there. Scary! I do love this idea as Utah is extremely dry. My garden’s going in…in a few weeks. Common lore says not to do it before Mother’s Day or you will regret it. And considering I think it was in the 20’s last night, I surely would have.
Heather, I’ve been in Dallas since 1986. It’s a great city to raise a family. Plenty to do, lots of jobs, etc. The summer heat gets to me though. Now that my kids are gone, I have dreams of moving back to Arkansas. Thanks!
I hadn’t heard of ollos but it sounds like the answer for your garden. I must confess I’m jealous about your crops. It would be gobbled up at my house but not by humans.
I’m really excited to see how they work during the summer but I may still need to build some sort of shade canopy. Too hot!
What a great idea!
Ollas, what a great idea! Your garden is really looking good. The farmer is coming out.