SAVE WATER and GROW BIGGER at the SAME TIME with Olla Irrigation!

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  • Опубліковано 16 чер 2024
  • In this video, I explain how watering your garden beds and container plants with ollas or clay pots can save water. Plus, I give you my review of Thirsty Earth's Olla Watering System as seen here: thethirstyearth.com/
    You can now buy the Thirsty Earth watering system with a discount in Australia and New Zealand by going to yoururbanoasis.co.nz/collecti... and using the code "SSM10" at checkout.
    Raised Garden Beds: Go here to get Birdies Raised Garden beds in the USA, Canada, and UK: lets.growepic.co/self-suffici... for a 5% discount, or use SSME2020 at checkout.
    In Australia, go to birdiesgardenproducts.com.au/ and use Code SSMEbird for a 5% discount. In New Zealand, go to birdiesgardenproducts.co.nz/ and use Code ssmebird22 for 5% off your first purchase.
    Hoselink Garden Products such as hose reels go here l.linklyhq.com/l/5uZu and you will automatically get a 10% discount on checkout!
    Aussie-made Forged garden tools: Go to gardentoolsaustralia.com.au/ and use code SSM10 for a 10% discount at checkout.
    Harvest Right freeze dryer website: affiliates.harvestright.com/1...
    For Australian freeze dryer purchase info, use the link above and contact Harvest Right directly.
    Plant Doctor Fertiliser: Go to www.plantdoctor.com.au/ and use SSME10 = 10% off products (not shipping).
    Rolling Sifter: rollingsifter.ecwid.com/
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    Self Sufficient Me is based on our small 3-acre property/homestead in SE Queensland, Australia, about 45kms north of Brisbane - the climate is subtropical (similar to Florida). I started Self Sufficient Me in 2011 as a blog website project where I document and write about backyard food growing, self-sufficiency, and urban farming in general. I love sharing my foodie and DIY adventures online, so come along with me and let's get into it! Cheers, Mark :)
    *Disclaimer: Some links to products in this description and comments sections are affiliated, meaning I receive a small commission if you follow these links and then purchase an item. I will always declare in a video if the video is sponsored, and since starting my channel in 2011, I am yet to do a sponsored video.
    #gardening #olla #water
  • Навчання та стиль

КОМЕНТАРІ • 627

  • @Selfsufficientme
    @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому +99

    G'day Everyone, I hope you are all growing well! Thirsty Earth's Olla Watering System as reviewed in the video is here: thethirstyearth.com/ #not sponsored. EDIT - You can now buy the Thirsty Earth watering system with a discount in Australia and New Zealand by going to yoururbanoasis.co.nz/collections/your-cotta-pot-watering-irrigation-system and using the code "SSM10" at checkout. Thanks for your support and have fun "getting into it!" Cheers :)

    • @datwistyman
      @datwistyman 10 місяців тому +1

      I'm trying an experiment ATM down the paddock by the creek were the soil is always wet. Dunno how it will go? It maybe to wet? I'd love to plant more seeds and plants but I'm not sure if the cows and kangaroos rabbits so will just eat it all.
      Oh btw I'm not to far from you near Nanango area.

    • @JenkinsB
      @JenkinsB 10 місяців тому +10

      Glue two cheap unpainted/unglazed flower pots (big box store/hobby lobby, etc.) together with construction adhesive and cap off one of the holes, this will be the bottom. Use the saucer as a cap for the other hole which will be on top. Cheap alternative to the custom made versions. I have a ton in my raised beds and they work great.

    • @KatBurnsKASHKA
      @KatBurnsKASHKA 10 місяців тому +3

      the way to say olla is oy-ya :) and it means pot actually. hola is hello.

    • @christopherestewart
      @christopherestewart 10 місяців тому +1

      In Spanish, H is silent, J sounds like an H, and two Ls sound like a Y.

    • @dragani2330
      @dragani2330 10 місяців тому +1

      I'll try it with old, thin-walled hollow bricks. There are also tubular tiles for roof construction. The underside is closed with mortar, the top can be filled up. Such a brick costs about 20-30 cents. Let's see how it goes.

  • @greenbank4800
    @greenbank4800 10 місяців тому +133

    Hi Mark, over the last 5 years I have converted all my raised vege beds ( around 35 sq m) to home made Ollas as we are off grid , I believe in the mountains just to the west of your place. I slowly accumulated clay pots from a well known large hardware chain ( B) when on special at $1 each. Sealed the hole in one pot, attached the other using sealastic on the 2 rims to form a kind of diamond shape, painted the top/base of one (not plugged) to prevent evaporation and have 4-5 per sq m. They each hold just under 4L .Placed a stone or bit of tile over the fill hole to discourage critters.
    Filling them every 5-7 days is the water access equivalent to 2.5 cm rain fall. If it rains can go 2-3 weeks without filing. I have literally over a hundred in and never surface water unless to soak in amendments. I now plant in circles or spirals around each olla, looks cute. 5 years experience and I can safely say large vege beds can be done off grid and the plants absolutely thrive. Occaisionally one will have the sealastic fail, 5 minutes to pull out , wipe clean and reseal for another 4-5 years use.
    Research shows around 95% of the water in ollas is available to the roots compared to around 10% for surface watering. For anyone wanting to make their own very economically there is a great video on YT in the channel "Under the Choko Tree".

    • @jordellaskincare6843
      @jordellaskincare6843 9 місяців тому +4

      Thank you.. watering is such a key component of growing. Appreciate yr knowledge.. Coll

    • @barbarahowarth4953
      @barbarahowarth4953 9 місяців тому +4

      What size pots did you buy? And what kind of paint did you use? Thanks for your comment. It sounds like you've set up a great system.

    • @redo73
      @redo73 8 місяців тому +2

      Thankyou 💚

    • @rickychopsbarbershop4980
      @rickychopsbarbershop4980 8 місяців тому +3

      So lucky people like you use the comment section. Thank you 🙏🏼

    • @AniishAu
      @AniishAu 6 місяців тому

      Making and installing clay pot irrigation (Under the choko tree)
      ua-cam.com/video/4AGbqrTek44/v-deo.html

  • @rebeccawaddell5114
    @rebeccawaddell5114 10 місяців тому +266

    I've got a few I've made myself from unsealed terracotta pots. Two pots together, sealed with water tank silicone, and a rubber grommet for the top and bottom holes. I seal the bottom hole and leave the top one unsealed so I can just pop out the rubber grommet to refill. They've worked pretty well; key is to have them covered with mulch so they don't heat up and evaporate faster. Very cheap, couple of dollars worth of terracotta (honestly the grommets were more expensive but you can get a multipack) and a couple of days of patience to let the silicone dry.

    • @Slim_Chiply
      @Slim_Chiply 10 місяців тому +32

      I've done the same thing myself with unglazed pots. I used concrete to seal the holes. Filling them was a pain, but after seeing the video, I'm going to use drip irrigation tubing or something similar and hook them all up to a bucket. It will make using them much easier. I like to do diy, so it will be right up my alley.

    • @lothre
      @lothre 10 місяців тому +33

      Any chance you could make a shortt clip to show exactly what you did? I love the low cost solution you made!

    • @theadventuresofbrockinthai4325
      @theadventuresofbrockinthai4325 10 місяців тому +9

      ​@lothre,yeah, I would like to see a video about it too.

    • @sapphyre8646
      @sapphyre8646 10 місяців тому +19

      I've done the same and set it up with an auto timer and tubing to the hose, for automatic top up. The trick is to not seal the tubing to the olla, or you'll end up blowing some up like I did!

    • @Slim_Chiply
      @Slim_Chiply 10 місяців тому +5

      @@sapphyre8646 Thanks for the advice.

  • @Lil-Bear82
    @Lil-Bear82 10 місяців тому +40

    When I was growing up Dad used a 5 gallon bucket with holes punched in the bottom and sides to water our tomato plants. He would fill the bucket with cow manure (yes we had cattle) And water and feed the tomato plants at the same time. We always had so many tomatos we gave them to anyone in our church that wanted them.

    • @lollypop2413
      @lollypop2413 9 місяців тому +1

      Good idea!

    • @lindaspellman2108
      @lindaspellman2108 5 місяців тому +1

      I've done something similar with 4" plastic pots. I can spray heavy into the pot, and it will seep in slowly. Really helps combat poor soil that wants to go hydrophobic

  • @AN-nx9hd
    @AN-nx9hd 10 місяців тому +84

    Olla is an Egyptian water pot. These are low-fired unglazed clay pots that keeps water cool by sweating (since it's unglazed). The heat is let out, and you can have cool water in desert heat!

    • @AN-nx9hd
      @AN-nx9hd 10 місяців тому +3

      The Egyptian pronunciation is two syllables (go figure) starting with ol where the O is pronounced like in "Oh!" and la as you would normally pronounce it. Very similar to how Mark pronounced oyia at the end of the video but replace y sounds with L. No idea what it's called in China, but I would wager they don't call it olla.

    • @mssixty3426
      @mssixty3426 10 місяців тому +8

      Hmm that word is used in Spanish for a similar container, with the ll pronounced as a y.

    • @adam_1144
      @adam_1144 10 місяців тому

      @@mssixty3426 Spain has a lot of Arab influence. Look up Andalusia and read about its origin.

    • @Semiboes
      @Semiboes 10 місяців тому +3

      I think something usefull and easygoing was found in several countries. In Germany they say its from Mexico. Therefore Oyas would be correct. Who cares as long as a good idea is spreading. ❤

    • @thegreengoddess8850
      @thegreengoddess8850 10 місяців тому +3

      Its not Egyptian. It’s a latin word and all the Spanish conquered people used them including Native Americans.
      Mark it’s pronounced oy-ya or even o-ya like tor-ti-lla. Ya ending.

  • @seychb4275
    @seychb4275 10 місяців тому +11

    My mum is chilean so she speaks spanish, "el potto" made her crack up as "potto" can be slang for someone's bottom 😅 love your humour and all your advice ❤ we've grown so much with your help and amazing tips! Love to you and your family for your sincereity and generosity. Keep making such great videos!

  • @eek1759
    @eek1759 10 місяців тому +56

    I made my own with clay pots and I have found them most useful with tomatoes. They absolutely thrive on that steady source of water and there is not problem with wetting the leaves and getting any diseases or mildew.

  • @MyAussieGardenKitchen
    @MyAussieGardenKitchen 10 місяців тому +35

    G'day Mark.
    I'm glad you "lettuce" have a look at the system in your bed as having seen a glimpse of it in the previous video. I'm aware of the practice of using ceramic pots, but have not seen a connected system like this. Fascinating.
    Thanks and all the best.
    Daz.

    • @Selfsufficientme
      @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому +9

      LOL... Lettuce not get too carried away with the dad jokes Daz! Cheers mate :)

    • @MyAussieGardenKitchen
      @MyAussieGardenKitchen 10 місяців тому +1

      @@Selfsufficientme Hah, hah, watching your videos does that. 😂

  • @stephenhope7319
    @stephenhope7319 10 місяців тому +10

    After years of experimenting with irrigation techniques here in hot and arid, 9b Sacramento, California, I have resolved to using a method that does not waste water and does a deep watering condition to keep all my planters productive. I use 1/4 inch drip line with emitters every 6 inches buried about 4 inches in good compost and top soil mix then heavily mulched. I use the finger test to check for moisture regularly and run my drip lines 2 times a day in hot weather for 10 minutes each time about 8 hours apart, so 4am and noon. I have had no deaths and good success growing almost anything. Thanks for your fun videos, I love them all.

    • @janeforever
      @janeforever 10 місяців тому +1

      Live in the coastal area of Monterey County. While our temps aren't as hot as Sacto, we've got water issues here. So I'm doing to try this method & see if I can use less water than we do with our regular drip system.

  • @Yupppi
    @Yupppi 10 місяців тому +85

    I'm very happy that the "ancient method" is spreading. This is also what home plant growers have also tried to figure out in modern methods for summer trips. The terracotta just seems so much better than a plastic bottle for this. The difficult part of this has been that you kinda have to DIY your way around the regular terracotta pots for them to work like this, it's not convenient (the shape is not very practical) or very easy. In the future we're gonna need all the ways to preserve water and be efficient in gardening.

  • @davidschreiner6667
    @davidschreiner6667 10 місяців тому +85

    This also works very well for growing out fruit trees in pots in the nursery. I found that my trees grew faster and larger and were worth more than smaller trees at market. Profit increase about 15%.

    • @gattamom
      @gattamom 10 місяців тому +9

      How long did it take you to recoup the cost of the system?

    • @Selfsufficientme
      @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому +23

      Very interesting and coming from a retail perspective that's gold to increase profit and have a bigger healthier product for the customer to purchase. Nice one! Cheers :)

    • @thomasswainston2821
      @thomasswainston2821 10 місяців тому

      For what pot sizes? Which type of olla?

    • @Darkfyre755
      @Darkfyre755 10 місяців тому +1

      I'm also interested in more info on this setup, it sounds awesome!

  • @carsonrush3352
    @carsonrush3352 10 місяців тому +6

    I live in the desert. I used ollas in my first two 4x12 foot gardens (1.3x4 meters). They gave me confidence that I was watering my plants the right amount, and that let me focus on the other hazards that plague new gardeners. I had a blast and had a fun time with them. I've never been able to grow before, and this helped eliminate the hardest part for beginners like me. It's also twice as efficient as drip watering, which is good in drought areas.
    On a different note, Spanish pronunciation is pretty straightforward, but a little odd for us who speak English. Here's some big highlights. The "ll" is said like a "y", the "h" is always silent, "v" is said like a "b", "j" is said like an "h". "C" is said like "s" if it's followed by an "e" or "i", and "qu" said like "k" if it's followed by an "e" or "i". Unless there's an accent (') on a syllable, put the emphasis on the second to last syllable. Lastly, and most importantly, the vowels are always pronounced the following way. "A" is said like "ah" (like in "lawn"), "e" is said like "ey" (like in "hey"), "i" is said like "ee" (like in "leak"), "o" is said like "oh" (like in "spoke"), and "u" is said like "ooh" (like in "book"). Once you know these rules, you can pronounce most words in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, and Japanese (as written with English alphabet), with a few alterations to the rules.

  • @daisyhaven9831
    @daisyhaven9831 10 місяців тому +64

    The terracotta plant spikes that can be purchased on Amazon or other sites, that you put a wine or soft drink bottle into as the water reservoir, work a treat in a smaller garden. They are quite cheap, and much cheaper than that Thirsty Earth system. They may not be so practical for a garden as big as your garden Mark, but good for a smaller garden or gardens with lots of pots. They kept my Western Australian garden alive over a boiling hot summer.

    • @robine916
      @robine916 10 місяців тому +5

      Oooooh, I may check these out!

    • @Lunasgarden2021
      @Lunasgarden2021 10 місяців тому +6

      Me too, Adelaide summers can be stinkers

    • @Jen.O
      @Jen.O 10 місяців тому +7

      I was given long plastic cone shaped watering spikes that screw onto a soft drink bottle, I use them for individual bushes and new plants, got my natives through our southern California summer, so I can recommend those as well.

    • @Lunasgarden2021
      @Lunasgarden2021 10 місяців тому +5

      I’ve just ordered the terracotta ones on Amazon I think I’ll use them on my tomatoes in grow bags because I didn’t have much luck last summer in grow bags, lost too much water too quickly

    • @Selfsufficientme
      @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому +12

      Thanks for the "tip" on the spikes! Appreciate you sharing! Cheers :)

  • @LabelsAreMeaningless
    @LabelsAreMeaningless 10 місяців тому +16

    A good ground-cover and mulch also helps hold moisture in the soil while protecting the topsoil from being displaced.

  • @Gardeningchristine
    @Gardeningchristine 10 місяців тому +13

    Honestly I give your videos a thumbs up at the beginning because I know it’s going to be entertaining and educational even though I’m in Missouri, right in the middle of the USA I always find them useful!

    • @Selfsufficientme
      @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому +4

      Thumbs up at the start is worth two in my opinion - thank you! All the best :)

  • @johniwan1
    @johniwan1 10 місяців тому +12

    I went to the website and for my 3'x8' raised beds the kit recommended was $109.95 US plus shipping. I have 6 beds so almost $700 for a watering system is a bit pricey for my tastes. I think I'm just going to stick with a nice relaxing evening of enjoying my garden and hand watering.

    • @SodaCrackers-ej5le
      @SodaCrackers-ej5le 9 місяців тому +1

      I prefer hand watering too, but I also use my ollas during the height of summer, so I'm also standing there with a hose filling up cheap, terra cotta pots (fixed to their bases).
      My beds are 4x8 with 3 10" pots per bed (12 pots at $10 a pot, 7 years ago).
      If it's not zone 8+ then you'll be digging them up every fall & putting them to bed so they don't break.

  • @wildkev1010
    @wildkev1010 10 місяців тому +26

    Would love if you did a series on pest control. I've seen your previous videos on some of the stuff you do, but it would be really nice to see a multi-video series where you follow a few plants from seedling to harvest. Love your videos and keep up the good work !

  • @itsporkroll3401
    @itsporkroll3401 10 місяців тому +5

    I've used this method of watering in a section of my garden. The water comes from a rainwater collection tank that feeds to 6 olla per raised bed that are linked together trough weaping hose. I connected 3 raised beds together to the tank. The olla's are just 2 clay lots glued together with one end covered up. Works great!

  • @fionab2333
    @fionab2333 10 місяців тому +9

    I love using my homemade ones (made with clay pots and blu tac) to see how well my hand watering is going. If my olla is constantly empty than I’m not watering enough, if it’s always full than I’m watering too much and if it’s about half full than I’m watering the perfect amount.

  • @karabean
    @karabean 10 місяців тому +10

    My terra cotta watering spikes I use in my potted plants work so well that I started using them in my tiny garden too. They are great. I love this system that ties them all together with one big water source!

  • @AngelaRichter65
    @AngelaRichter65 10 місяців тому +16

    I just bought some olla pots for my flower beds out front. We're in a severe drought here in Central Texas, so I was really lucky to see your recent video about this. The pots should be here soon. If they work well out front, I'll put them in the back butterfly gardens.

    • @woodlandsartgal
      @woodlandsartgal 10 місяців тому +2

      Houston area here.
      The 110° F heat here killed most organic veggies the raccoon skipped in May, so not many ollas needed now.
      Wondering how hot will the water get, the one in my hose comes out boiling at 7:00 pm.

  • @robine916
    @robine916 10 місяців тому +12

    Our 2 new peonies were stressed due to the unusual heat we were having. I made 2 ollas from terracotta pots, (like the clip you inserted at 2:41, I siliconed a rock over the hole in the bottom, and placed the pot tray over the top) placing them behind the shrubs close to the base. It has made a tremendous difference in their health! I think a set-up like you received would be excellent for gardeners who vacation often or who just have a busy family schedule. 💕

  • @elizabest007
    @elizabest007 10 місяців тому +2

    me in utah - watching an aussie - learning about a company in utah to water my garden. love the internet lol

  • @TAMSTERMAN
    @TAMSTERMAN 10 місяців тому +27

    Being in the uk this ain’t a problem at the moment but realistically this is a good tip for the future for alot of countries and folk. Cheers Mark. Your one of a good number of elite teachers which share their knowledge and kindness (in your case with a bit of cheekiness! Love it). Appreciated

    • @Selfsufficientme
      @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому +12

      Thank you! I'm not sure about "elite" but I appreciate you saying so and I do try my best... Cheers :)

    • @redo73
      @redo73 8 місяців тому

      We Aussies don't do 'elite' 😅

  • @lectric
    @lectric 10 місяців тому +23

    That watering method is really, really old!
    Here in spain people use old clay pots for that purpose. They seal the bottom hole, bury the pot and fill it with water, and then place a lid on top of it.
    It works really great

    • @AhrayahLaban
      @AhrayahLaban 10 місяців тому +1

      Does it have to be fresh water or can you use a compost tea to have the extra stuff seep out too?

    • @mbern4530
      @mbern4530 10 місяців тому +1

      So there are no holes at all? The water goes through the clay wall of the pot? What if the pot is glazed, would that affect the water seeping through it?

    • @lectric
      @lectric 10 місяців тому +1

      @@AhrayahLaban People use fresh water usually

    • @lectric
      @lectric 10 місяців тому +3

      @@mbern4530Yeah it has to be an unglazed pot so the water 'sweats' through the pot if that makes sense

    • @AhrayahLaban
      @AhrayahLaban 10 місяців тому +2

      @@lectric Good to know, thanks!

  • @dustysgarden2254
    @dustysgarden2254 10 місяців тому +3

    I have about 3 purchased from a company. Then made some for my self from with pots from Bunnings. BEST THINGS EVER.

  • @arthuurwong49
    @arthuurwong49 10 місяців тому +11

    I’ve punched tiny holes in the bottom & sides of sturdy plastic water or soda bottles & burying them next to seedlings when I plant them - cheaper alternative - can do with a circle of bottles around newly planted trees- some people bury the bottles upside down with a hole in the cap & a few tiny holes on the bottom half of the buried bottles & cut the bottoms of the bottles which is exposed above ground & filled with water from a hose😊

  • @dminard1
    @dminard1 10 місяців тому +23

    This might work well for tomatoes because they benefit from constant but not to much water. You could also just put a put right next to each tomato plant

    • @karabean
      @karabean 10 місяців тому +6

      I have a couple terra cotta water spikes around my tomato plant this year and they really flourished!

    • @deusdragonex
      @deusdragonex 10 місяців тому +3

      This year has been my first year with an Olla and my tomatoes love it. Every year before, I'd gotten blossom end rot because I just couldn't get the watering schedule correct. This year, with the Olla, it's taken all of the guesswork out and I haven't gotten any blossom end rot (except for a tiny amount on a couple of my San Marzano tomatoes, but I think that's because we've gotten a TON of rain over the last couple of months).

  • @I.M.creations
    @I.M.creations 10 місяців тому +2

    Thank you 🙏 Mark, always appreciate your honest opinion sharing your experiences and knowledge with us. 🙂

  • @BeatFiction
    @BeatFiction 10 місяців тому +1

    whenever i read „Save water“ ..
    i think „shower with a friend“ !
    the plants look awesome!

  • @dn744
    @dn744 10 місяців тому +2

    This would be good for people who's work takes too much time up, but want to grow. Set up before work and go 😊

  • @marvinharms1891
    @marvinharms1891 10 місяців тому +27

    Thanks Mark. I've experimented with a similar system in a large pot with a tomatoe. Instead I used flexible tubing with the most tiniest holes punctured every say 40mm apart. I arranged it in a spiral configuration down the pot. Hooked up to a reservoir. Oh, I had another next to it that I hand watered. The tube watering tomatoe grow more quickly and more vibrant with better yeald. I'm disappointed with myself because I didn't record anything. I did give both an organic liquid fertilizer and gypsum. I cut the dosage of the tube feed by half as I thought it would block the holes. Which it did at the bottom ones. All in all a success I say. Maybe try a similar on in your beds. The thing you have to play with is the height of the reservoir. Higher more pressure, more water. ✌

    • @Selfsufficientme
      @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому +6

      I love the experimentation! Thanks for the tip on the reservoir height. Cheers :)

    • @johnndavis7647
      @johnndavis7647 10 місяців тому +3

      .44 psi per foot.

  • @Plant-Parenthood_9001
    @Plant-Parenthood_9001 10 місяців тому +12

    I made some from two terra cotta pots and used silicone to stick them together. I was shocked how watertight they got. I ended up refilling mine every other day or so, but I love the idea of attaching it to its own reservoir (bucket). It's been great for areas that are too far away for my regular automatic drip irrigation.

  • @emilyfrank3511
    @emilyfrank3511 10 місяців тому +3

    I purchased the Thirsty Earth system for my greenhouse beds. I have it connected to my outside faucet and it atomically fills the buckets. So far it has worked great. I enjoyed listening to you talk about your experience with them.

    • @Selfsufficientme
      @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому

      Good to hear you're happy with the system! Cheers :)

  • @ARoseGrowsInHarlem
    @ARoseGrowsInHarlem 10 місяців тому +9

    Lovely demonstration! I use terracotta vases in my fabric raised beds. I agree their reach is not very far. I lifted the vase and found the networks of roots in the shape of the pot. It was wild but they need to be right on top of it. Probably depends on the size of the olla but then you start to lose growing space. I agree this is fantastic for smaller pots that dry out quickly
    Thank you for sharing!! 💕🌱

    • @gattamom
      @gattamom 10 місяців тому +1

      I’d love to know about your fabric raised beds!

    • @teebob21
      @teebob21 10 місяців тому

      @@gattamom Search for "grow bags"

  • @flyfly29
    @flyfly29 7 місяців тому

    Howdy. This summer I used terracotta stakes to water the garden while we were gone for 5 days on vacation during a heatwave in California. The stakes I used are hollow and you use a narrow mouthed bottle (like a wine bottle) to keep the stake full of water. My garden definitely needed watering when we returned, but they were not dead. I found that when I used them after I returned, I just needed to do some top watering. My whole garden is containers. Our house was a vacation home by a lake so the previous owner(s) renovated to have more cement for parking vehicles including boats than to preserve access to dirt. Container gardening requires watering more often, so I found I watered for less time using the stakes than without, and I had a lot of growth on my tomato plants in particular and the pots with my California poppies and snapdragons. Also, I noticed that where I used this stake during the hotter months of summer, my everbearing strawberries were lusher than those in wicking containers. I cannot use it as a main irrigation system for long term use, but did the work of keeping the plants alive till I got home. Happy gardening.

  • @faye1084
    @faye1084 10 місяців тому +1

    always a joy to learn about self sufficient gardening from australian russel crowe

  • @JoanneS-um9zd
    @JoanneS-um9zd 10 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for that video. It was interesting. I use a plastic bottle for my large hanging baskets. They are large wires with moss or 16" fiber pots. I put the cap on and slice about 4 or 5 cuts down the side of the bottle to allow the water to seep out, and cut off the bottom of the bottle. I put it upside down in the middle of the basket, and the bottom faces up. Plant the basket and you have a self watering pot. Just top it up with water. 😊

  • @LailandiAdventures
    @LailandiAdventures 10 місяців тому +7

    I think this would be perfect for my balcony garden! Thanks for the heads up!

  • @robinhaupt9119
    @robinhaupt9119 10 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for reviewing these products Mark. Excellent video.

  • @kathrynbillinghurst188
    @kathrynbillinghurst188 10 місяців тому +8

    I’m going to try make my own based on this concept! Thanx for the ideas Mark…these days we have got to be resourceful as possible!! ❤

  • @juliepoolie5494
    @juliepoolie5494 8 місяців тому

    I bought this system for my containers on my deck. It’s fantastic! Especially when you go away for a week and don’t have anyone to take care of the watering!

  • @Itsabeautifuldayalways
    @Itsabeautifuldayalways 10 місяців тому +2

    Wow Mark your garden is looking great.

  • @stevesmodelbuilds5473
    @stevesmodelbuilds5473 10 місяців тому +2

    Great video, Mark! I've been looking at irrigation options for my little garden, and this will be #1 on my list next Spring.

  • @kjnz2804
    @kjnz2804 10 місяців тому +2

    I was just thinking of making my own ollas 3 days ago. Great video Mark

  • @VEButterfly
    @VEButterfly 10 місяців тому

    Oh awesome, I've been waiting for this review to come through! Thanks!

  • @jacquisouza5008
    @jacquisouza5008 10 місяців тому +1

    Hi Mark, I have seen other videos on these. But yours was the best because you showed the results of your experiment. Really generous of you to put your money out there to show us a product and how it works to save us the expense. I'm going to give it a go.Thanks!!👍

  • @kakown
    @kakown 10 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for doing the experiment and sharing the results with us.

  • @ronhopwood1955
    @ronhopwood1955 10 місяців тому

    Very interesting Mark. As always you do a great job in informing us and explaining.
    You are helping and inspiring many many people. Me included. Cheers
    Ron, Tasmania

  • @eriklandstrom5890
    @eriklandstrom5890 10 місяців тому +3

    Ollas are great for water-scarce areas. I'll give a simple pronunciation tip to follow: double L in Spanish is pronounced like a J or a Y. So in future say it like Oya and it will sound great ;) long-time subscriber, love the content!

  • @Dinkyjean1
    @Dinkyjean1 10 місяців тому

    What a wonderful idea!! We have watered through buried pvc pipes with small holes all around the lower section...but it all drains out into the deeper soil very fast. I love this idea!

  • @sharingthejourney5285
    @sharingthejourney5285 10 місяців тому +1

    The most lovable gardener on UA-cam!

  • @allisonl9214
    @allisonl9214 10 місяців тому +1

    Mark- so glad you are trying this. I have used ollas for 3 years now and the plants that benefit have done so much better than others that I hand water in this hot summer!

  • @diannew5264
    @diannew5264 10 місяців тому +1

    With how hot is been in the climate this year this is a very good topic to bring up. I live in Northern Minnesota we have not had the 110 etc degree temperatures but, we also have not had very much rain, so I have been watering quite frequently. I have been researching ways to water more efficiently. And I am surrounded with more than 400 lakes in a 25-mile radius!

  • @kbjerke
    @kbjerke 10 місяців тому +1

    Oh, yeah... Love the idea. May give it a try. Thanks, Mark!!

  • @marymcdonald1205
    @marymcdonald1205 7 місяців тому

    I have learned so much from your video's and can't thank you enough for posting them, I know we live in very different climates considering your in Australia and I'm in Virginia but your technics are priceless. I just ordered the Olla and can't wait for planting season this spring, I'm always looking for the best way to do my planting and I like using containers because I have limited mobility. Keep making the video's and I really need to learn more about how to raise chickens.

  • @pollyspaner9719
    @pollyspaner9719 10 місяців тому +3

    I've used a similar set up with a clay pot to root cuttings.

  • @Bateluer
    @Bateluer 10 місяців тому +2

    Always like seeing innovative, low maintenance irrigation techniques since I live in a desert. I did some experiments with a simple clay pot from the local hardware store, but I had to fill them each manually and trying to deploy them in my ground beds was way too much of a pain in the butt. Might have to pick up one of these for my raises beds though.

  • @eddiewilson8119
    @eddiewilson8119 10 місяців тому +2

    Thank you so much for sharing this video! And information, I greatly appreciate it!

  • @kpaintedfeather
    @kpaintedfeather 10 місяців тому

    Hi Thank you for your posting and sharing your experience, I’ve experimented with Ollas and I use them throughout my garden I’ve put terracotta pots together and fill them accordingly they work fine I’ve put 3 and 4 together and buried them the plants love it they are an inexpensive way to set up your garden Great show !

  • @HLBear
    @HLBear 10 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for the honest review. I prefer slow self watering, whether mist or drip, so this is a good option. I'll look into it, thank you!

  • @garulusglandarius6126
    @garulusglandarius6126 10 місяців тому +1

    I’ve watched every episode ( some more than once ) of both your channels Mark and you never disappoint ! Excellent as always, best wishes to you and your family, from Britain 👍👍🇦🇺🇬🇧

    • @Selfsufficientme
      @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for all your support! All the best to you and yours also mate. Cheers :)

  • @karladenton5034
    @karladenton5034 10 місяців тому +2

    I've used the terracotta pot homemade version in one of my beds that's up on 'stilts' instead of being a full bed (got my first Birdie's Bed from Epic Gardening and I LOVE it!). I did three eight inch pots down the center of a 2 foot by 4 foot bed. The 'planter style' raised bed dries out crazy fast and the ollas need to be filled daily, but it's let me have some very nice lettuces this year, despite the heat. I'm about to put in my fall crop.

  • @Josh_Fredman
    @Josh_Fredman 10 місяців тому +1

    I got some tiny ones for my houseplants a number of years ago since I was going on vacation and didn't have anyone to come water my plants for me. So there's definitely that angle of the convenience and usefulness of time-release water.

  • @rinamorgan8795
    @rinamorgan8795 10 місяців тому

    Great ideas for olla use. We're in a very long drought here and I wish I had some for the fruit trees! Thank you for the testing data. 🌏

  • @thehideout1
    @thehideout1 10 місяців тому +1

    Nice idea and set up. We use olla type watering in northern New Mexico ( USA) it’s pronounced, oy-ah. Thank you for showing how well it works! Really enjoy watching your cast.

  • @malk6277
    @malk6277 9 місяців тому +1

    Terrific video mate, thank you. I think you are right about the constant access to water on demand being at the 'root' of the good growth you saw. But the other half of the equation is oxygen: using this technique theoretically means your soil is rarely over-saturated with water (only after rainfall), meaning the roots have optimal access to water but also oxygen at almost all times. A winning combination for sure!

  • @fuzzynippleman
    @fuzzynippleman 10 місяців тому +1

    Yes they absolutely work well. I have always seen them as a big round container with a small opening on the top.

  • @slomo1716
    @slomo1716 10 місяців тому +7

    Great Video Mark! I agree the usages for this product would be my grow bags or larger containers for watering. I've been using plastic or milk jugs with pin holes at the bottom, filled with water to water. Thanks for the new product review, nothing I'd purchase however, much too pricey.

  • @thunder_vtuber
    @thunder_vtuber 10 місяців тому +3

    LOVE YOU MARK!!

  • @valenfock
    @valenfock 10 місяців тому

    Never heard of this Method before! Thank you Mark!!!

  • @adventuredogs8773
    @adventuredogs8773 10 місяців тому +1

    Thanks so much for sharing this Mark. I have a tiny courtyard garden in NZ, and my plants nearly died last summer when I was away for 2 weeks, even with kind neighbours giving them a bit of water. I thought there might be some things I can't grow this year as I'm always away for the 2 hottest weeks in summer. But now you've given me a solution. I'm going to DIY some small single ollas and plant all my fave summer veg. Thank you! 🌱

    • @Selfsufficientme
      @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому

      Good stuff! Yeah, I think a few DIY ollas would be a simple solution in your case 👍

  • @fredazcarate4818
    @fredazcarate4818 10 місяців тому

    Sir thank you for sharing your horticultural expertise!🧐🤔👊👍

  • @Chocamatoes
    @Chocamatoes 10 місяців тому +2

    Great information. Thank you. Don’t worry about the pronunciation. The important thing was in the information.

  • @jerryjack6976
    @jerryjack6976 10 місяців тому +2

    Love this channel ❤️ very informative and inspiring 👏

  • @babsk4071
    @babsk4071 10 місяців тому

    Hey Mark, nice to see you come up in the feet on UA-cam. That sounds like a great idea. Looks good.❤👍

  • @EileenHjertum
    @EileenHjertum 9 місяців тому

    Wow! Your supersized cos lettuce, I thought it was a cabbage its so big! Good on you for trying out a new system and sharing, not only the installation, but the comparitive outcomes. Really impressive stuff.

  • @cherylolsen4420
    @cherylolsen4420 7 місяців тому

    Thank you for sharing my go to Grower, I learn so much from you Cheers !!!!

  • @atomicbus360
    @atomicbus360 10 місяців тому

    Cheers, thanks for the video mark. I've noticed when using my Ollas, I need to refill them when they reach about half full because gravity does the work to drain the water out the bottom of the olla. Especially with smaller ollas, it might be half full but the soil around it or the pot that it is in can be dry. That's a cool method of using the 5 gallon bucket as a reservoir and I'll look in to it..

  • @simplifygardening
    @simplifygardening 9 місяців тому

    I looked at these last year but thought for the size of my garden wouldn’t be cost effective but they are a great idea for the people you mentioned mate

  • @jillhumphrys8073
    @jillhumphrys8073 10 місяців тому

    Cool set up using drip tubing! Ive done this in large containers using milk jugs. I just put small holes all over it with an ice pick. Bury it up to the neck in the center of the container and fill with water. I keep the cap on it so dirt doesnt get inside, but keep it very loose so the water will drain out.

  • @danallshaw1131
    @danallshaw1131 10 місяців тому

    What a super idea. Great upload.

  • @janiedillingham3190
    @janiedillingham3190 10 місяців тому +1

    Good information! I've used terra cotta pots for watering Japanese Maples in large ceramic pots, which work fairly well. But I've never had to water a large vegetable garden this way. It's good to know this system may not work so well in a large garden. But, experimentation is key. What works for some, may not work for everyone. Thanks!

  • @Joey-vw1id
    @Joey-vw1id 10 місяців тому

    Another great video Mark, I love your videos 💚🌿💯

  • @P1xelat3d89
    @P1xelat3d89 10 місяців тому +1

    I really wish I had learned about this method back at the beginning of spring when I was building my first little garden 😅 I just built a little pipe that runs from one bed to another and created a little water reservoir underneath with rocks and landscaping cloth then filled it with soil. It works great, except for the past month or so when we've had WAY too much heat here in Texas.
    I think I may have to try this out in my next raised bed I do! Thanks so much for all your helpful videos! 😁

    • @Selfsufficientme
      @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому +2

      Congratulations on your first garden and for "getting into it!" Like me and all gardeners, we're always adapting and experimenting and finding solutions to problems. It's part of the fun and satisfaction of self-sufficiency 👍🙂

  • @edi9892
    @edi9892 9 місяців тому

    I'm using them right now. They're a major improvement for my balcony, but I still need to water my plants on top every day right now!
    Before, I could see moist soil in the morning and wilting leaves in the evening. Now, my plants are far more robust and I need to only water here and there a little on top. It made things a lot easier, but adjusting hydration isn't that easy. One small pot and a micro ola and it's constantly moist. One medium pot and a thirsty plant and even two mini ones aren't enough!

  • @JacobAnawalt
    @JacobAnawalt 9 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for the nice review and lead on the Thristy Earth system! My lettuce seems to struggle in my raised bed despite 2x day watering. I think I need a lot more organic matter in the top, but I also think Ollas can help buffer things for them based on your results.

  • @alysoffoxdale
    @alysoffoxdale 10 місяців тому

    Nifty! I already knew about ollas long since, but it had never occurred to me that they could be linked and automated!

  • @NordeggSonya
    @NordeggSonya 10 місяців тому +1

    You're a good bloke!!!

  • @sebastiantrost6409
    @sebastiantrost6409 10 місяців тому

    Ah Festo, love their tubing stuff!

  • @WMHhomestead
    @WMHhomestead 10 місяців тому

    I’ve been meaning to try a system like this out. Seems very beneficial

  • @jaredmccutcheon5496
    @jaredmccutcheon5496 10 місяців тому +10

    That’s a very cool system, but like Mark mentioned it would be pretty expensive to set up a large garden. I use buried drip tape in my garden and it works in a similar way although much faster. Very low pressure and the emitters put a tiny bit of water out and since it’s buried you don’t lose any as it’s delivered directly to the roots. I plant directly on top of it so it ensures all plants get adequate water.

    • @TAMSTERMAN
      @TAMSTERMAN 10 місяців тому +4

      This sounds interesting to alot of people who find terracotta pots expensive. Maybe Mark could try this and let us know the results. Please tell us more about the materials you use, the plants from your experience and anything else that could help people financially do well in gardening. Thanks for sharing 👍

    • @woodlandsartgal
      @woodlandsartgal 10 місяців тому +3

      Doesn’t it get clogged?

    • @Selfsufficientme
      @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому +4

      That's a good idea! Cheers mate :)

    • @jaredmccutcheon5496
      @jaredmccutcheon5496 10 місяців тому +6

      @@woodlandsartgal you would think so but no it doesn’t. It’s been designed to be buried and works great. Typically clogs are more of an issue if you are on well water and have a little sand in your water, easy fix is to run a filter after your pressure regulator and no issues.

  • @2Hearts3
    @2Hearts3 10 місяців тому

    Enjoyable presenter and always helpful content. You have a great sense of humor! and remind me of Jonathan Winters (comedian of many years back). Thanks for the information 😊👍🥬

  • @gattamom
    @gattamom 10 місяців тому

    That arugula looks luscious!

  • @TheEmbrio
    @TheEmbrio 10 місяців тому +1

    I love the olla on drip idea but some drip irrigation on a solar timer, and a rain collection bucket, works wonders too. Or just gravity tape irrigation finely tuned for constant slow watering

  • @HomesteadingGeek
    @HomesteadingGeek 8 місяців тому

    Awesome content Mark. I'm definitely going to give this system a try in one of our raised beds next season seeing as rain here in Arkansas after a particular time in the summer can be hit or miss at our property. Thanks for the info. Getting into it👍

  • @russelldean2085
    @russelldean2085 9 місяців тому +1

    I’ve had two largish Ollas for a couple of years - probably not enough for the are I grow vegetables in - and they work really well. However, I got cheesed off burying in our heavy clay soil each year so now one keeps my worm farm cool in summer. However, seeing this video I might invest in some more and start using them for their proper purpose again.

  • @plant_boy_kev4041
    @plant_boy_kev4041 10 місяців тому +3

    Awesome video Mark! I have been using ollas to water my container mandarin trees, hydrangeas, and wacky tobaccy! Thank you for blessing us with your knowledge and sharing this technique! Ollas were commonly used in so many civilizations and it’s neat that modern gardeners are reverting to how our ancestors grew food.
    Small tip cost saving tip, if they are any where near you, a Mexican supermarket will have lots of unglazed terracotta pots/cups for cheap! I bought three 1 liter ollas for $10-$15 a few months back. They are commonly used in mexican culture, and at mexican parties, for parties.

    • @Selfsufficientme
      @Selfsufficientme  10 місяців тому +2

      Great to hear all those uses and even wacky tobaccy (sounds like a Star Wars character) lol... Yes, I'll keep an eye out for cheap pots! Cheers :)

  • @adeleferguson663
    @adeleferguson663 10 місяців тому +1

    I have Olla pots buried in my 32” 3.5’ by 5’ Vego garden beds (2 medium sized pots in each bed) and let me tell you , they work GREAT! They are buried in the soil and not part of a “system” with tubing and a bucket, so I have to fill them myself but they are passively watering my cucumbers, zucchini, and tomatoes. I fill them every few days and other than that, my beds are watered by the rain. I definitely recommend them.

  • @clubgus07
    @clubgus07 10 місяців тому

    Thanks for that Mate Handy for those out of reach fruit trees or plants from the sprinkler