Clay pot irrigation is a sustainable way to conserve and filter water on a small scale. Traditionally, clay pots called “ollas” have been used to water trees in dry regions. The oldest known ollas used for clay pot irrigation have been discovered in North Africa and China dating back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD). In the Southwest now-united states, Pueblan tribes such as the Hopi, Hohokam, Zuni and Tewa have used clay pot irrigation for thousands of years.

Clay pot irrigation conserves water by focusing water distribution at the roots of plants. The clay itself filters the water and allows chemicals used to kill microbes in drinking water to gas off before being delivered to our soil, hence preserving microbial activity in the soil. Clay pots are not harmful to the soil because they are a natural material. The ollas maintain natural water levels in the soil, and use of this technique means you don’t have to scramble to water your garden as frequently.

If you are interested in building your own olla, join us on June 28th from 3 – 4:30 pm to be in community and learn about clay pot irrigation.

This workshop is presented by Gwen Nabad, a lifelong gardener and environmental activist from Northampton.

Free to attend – Please register here.