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In general, the more draught tolerant a plant, the farther it's roots will travel to find water and the further from an Olla it can be planted.
Although Ollas do transfer water to the surrounding soil, they become truly efficient when plants' roots find the Olla and surround it. The roots create suction, eventually drawing water through the walls of the Olla as needed . . . this is when things get REALLY interesting . . . In dry environments, plants will send a LOT of their roots to the Olla, drawing the water they need to thrive, even as the soil is dry (as you can see in this great photo sent by a lovely buyer!) On the other hand, we are in Wisconsin, where our garden enjoys regular rain . . . here, plants' roots don't pack as tightly around the Ollas . . . Instead, they divide up . . . plants send some roots to the Olla, and others into the surrounding soil. Either way, once roots' find them the Ollas approach near 100% water efficiency! Nature is so smart! Here are some planting tips to use with our large 1.25 gallon Ollas: Generally tender herbs, lettuce, spinach and other greens like to be close to the Ollas . . . so draw a circle about 30" in diameter and plant a 1.25 gallon Olla in the middle, then broadcast seeds or plant greens within the circle. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, soy, potatoes, etc., can all be planted within a 36" circle, or even larger (up to 48"). They will all be happy with one Olla in the middle of 2, 3, or 4 plants. Just keep in mind that the more plants sharing one Olla, the more often you'll have to fill it. Squash, melon, zucchini and other vining plants will fill your whole bed, but really only need one Olla. No need to overhead water all the vines . . . just fill the Olla! Skip the Ollas for plants that are roots or bulbs (onion, garlic, etc) as they will distort the shape because the roots will try to grow toward the Ollas. Contact us with what you plan to plant, and we can help you figure out optimal spacing. |
Some of the plants that love Ollas
Tomatoes Herbs Lettuce & other salad greens Spinach Kale Herbs Cucumbers Squash Melons Chiles Chiltepines Peppers Peas Beans Potatoes Corn Sunflower Tomatillos Saplings Shrubs |
A few plants that don't love Ollas
Carrots
Beets Onions Garlic Radishes |
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Our large Ollas hold 1.25 gallons, although we also make quart- and pint-sized Olla, and I can throw custom shapes and sizes to your specifications. Contact us with questions!
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