All too often, we swap tried-and-tested techniques for newer alternatives that seem more convenient. But with hotter, drier summers and hosepipe bans becoming more common, some of the smartest gardening solutions are proving to be the oldest.
One method that's sustainable, inexpensive, remarkably efficient and should be a garden staple (in our opinion) is the olla (pronounced oh-yah) – an unglazed, surprisingly stylish clay pot buried beneath the soil with only the neck or lid above the surface for filling. It slowly releases moisture into the surrounding soil, keeping plants hydrated.
'By delivering water directly to the roots, ollas help keep moisture where it's needed most, reducing evaporation and using up to 70 per cent less water than traditional watering methods,' says Matthew Dickinson, head of garden centres (North) at the RHS.
Why ollas are so effective
Perhaps the beauty of this product lies in just how little it asks of you. 'Because the clay is porous, moisture slowly seeps out into the surrounding soil. The process is remarkably simple, but it's stood the test of time for a reason,' says Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys.
Guy Barter, RHS chief horticulturalist, says: 'An olla is a clever way to water plants as it responds to the conditions around it. When the surrounding soil is dry, moisture moves through the clay into the soil, but when the soil is already moist, very little water is released. Plant roots naturally grow towards this reliable source of water, resulting in deep, healthy root systems and much more efficient watering.'
Why ollas are making a comeback
This ancient irrigation technique is suddenly feeling more relevant than ever. 'It's a beautifully simple solution that encourages healthier plants, reduces evaporation and shows that sustainable gardening doesn't always require new technology; sometimes it simply means rediscovering old wisdom,' says Nat Jones, gardener at National Trust's Oxburgh Estate.
With hosepipe restrictions affecting parts of Britain and putting thirsty flowerbeds under pressure, now's the time to get creative with how we water our gardens.
While we can't do much for your lawn's identity crisis, these humble clay pots can help herbaceous borders, vegetable patches and potted plants stay hydrated as they 'provide a steady supply of moisture rather than cycles of drought and drenching', says Luke. This is because the clay is porous, allowing water to slowly release into the soil and 'far less lost to evaporation compared to surface watering with a watering can, sprinkler or hose'.
How to make your own olla
Even better? You can make your own using items you probably already have at home. Pop a cork into the drainage hole of a terracotta pot, partially bury it beside a plant, fill it with water and top it with a terracotta saucer.
Water smarter with time-tested techniques
Giving plants a good soak when they start slumping may provide a short-term pick-me-up but, in just a day or two, your irregular watering has likely evaporated. Guy Barter explains that 'many gardeners unknowingly water too lightly and too often, which encourages shallow rooting'.
There are plenty of other age-old habits worth adopting, too. 'Mulching is one of the best things any gardener can do, as it helps lock moisture into the soil and keeps roots cooler during hot weather. Watering early in the morning reduces evaporation. Collecting rainwater whenever possible and prioritising newly planted specimens over well-established plants also helps make the most of limited supplies,' adds Guy.
Typically only needing to be refilled every few days, even in hot weather, you could also look to ways of recycling water to make your gardening routine even more sustainable. If you 'ummed' and 'ahhed' over splurging on an air-conditioning unit this summer, here's one unexpected way to feel a little better about it.
The condensation water it collects can be used to keep your plants topped up instead. Interior designer and home lifestyle expert Nick Smith suggests using 'grey water, rainwater collection, air-conditioning condensation water and dehumidifiers. Recycling some of these older methods is the way to go!'
Whether it's burying a clay pot, spreading mulch around thirsty plants or making better use of the water you already have, these time-honoured techniques prove that some of the smartest solutions just can't be beaten.
The pots that do the watering
