🌿 An age-old gesture for a modern garden
The Olla is one of the oldest irrigation techniques in the world, used for over 4,000 years in the arid regions of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The principle is disarmingly simple : a porous terracotta jar, buried deep in the soil, releases water gently and steadily around itself. No timer, no programming, no waste : the plant itself dictates the amount of water it needs. When the soil is dry, osmotic pressure increases and water flows out ; when it is moist, it remains in reserve. This natural regulation produces plants with better root systems, greater resilience to heat waves, and significantly less susceptibility to overwatering. A return to basics, perfectly suited to a contemporary garden, an urban vegetable patch, or even a balcony.
💧 Three sizes, one philosophy
Agrotonome offers these Ollas in three sizes to suit all spaces and crops. The 15cl version is designed for pots, window boxes, or herb planters : compact, it fits easily without obstructing roots. The 30cl version is perfect for balcony planters or medium-sized raised beds, where leafy greens, edible flowers, or fledgling tomato plants are getting established. The 50cl version is the most versatile for water-hungry vegetables, such as zucchini, peppers, and eggplants, or for covering a larger area in the ground. In all cases, a single Olla can irrigate a radius of 20 to 40 cm around it, allowing you to create a network if you have several plants growing side by side.
🛠️ Installation in minutes
No special tools are needed. Simply dig a hole about 20 centimeters deep, close to the roots but without disturbing them, and push the Olla into the ground until its neck protrudes slightly above the soil to facilitate filling. Lightly firm the soil around it to ensure contact with the ground ; this contact allows for capillary action. Fill with clean water, plug the opening with a cork or a flat stone to limit surface evaporation, and that's it. Depending on the season and the type of plant, a refill lasts between 3 and 14 days. In summer, with thirsty vegetables, you will refill more often ; in autumn or with less thirsty herbs, it can last for more than a week. Mulching around the neck further enhances its effectiveness by limiting surface evaporation.
🇫🇷 Made in France, to last
These Ollas are handcrafted in Alsace from raw, natural terracotta, without any chemical treatment. The choice to leave the material untreated is deliberate : it is precisely this natural porosity that allows water to percolate. Local production guarantees consistent quality, aligning with a sustainable gardening approach : we use less water, we buy local, and we avoid plastic. With proper care, these jars can grace your garden for years to come. In winter, if you live in a frost-prone area, remove them from the ground and store them in a sheltered location : terracotta does not withstand repeated freeze-thaw cycles well. A few simple precautions for objects that deserve to last.
♻️ Maintenance and usage tips
A limescale deposit can gradually clog the pores over the seasons ; this is normal and easy to treat. Soak the Olla in vinegar water for a few hours, rinse thoroughly, and the pores will regain their original permeability. Avoid household cleaners or disinfectants that could leave residues in the soil. If you are growing organically or using an aquaponic system nearby, this precaution is even more important to preserve the soil's microbial balance. Between seasons, complete drying before storage is sufficient to keep the Olla in perfect condition for the following years.
