This Ancient Watering Technique will Save Your Plants

It's hot. And we are watering our plants all the time. It's time consuming and disheartening to watch our plants wilting in the heat. If only there were some ancient wisdom, some unknown trick that would water our plants for us. Ah! But there is...!
In this week's episode, Ben shares some ingenious time saving watering techniques, some little known about, and some dating back to 2000 BC to ancient civilisations like the Mayans. Fancy having plants that will practically water themselves? Watch on...
(What was that weird vase called again? It's an Olla.)
For our recent video on watering watch this next:
Water Your Garden the Right Way (Stop Killing Your Plants!)
• Pro Gardeners Water Di...
Or for how to avoid watering mistakes watch
Don't Make These Rookie Watering Mistakes!💧
• Don't Make These Rooki...
And for information on how to save rain water, watch this
💧Best Ways to Collect Rainwater
• 💧Best Ways to Collect ...
Up your gardening game still further with a completely free, no-obligation trial of our Garden Planner here: www.GrowVeg.com/planner
And to receive more gardening videos subscribe to our channel here: / growveg
If you've noticed any pests or beneficial insects in your garden lately please report them to us at BigBugHunt.com

[@asigwalt6098]

I'm in a warm dry climate that is disposed to 10 year long droughts. I always had trouble watering correctly until this past year when I learned about the ollas and terracotta spikes. I'm having a wonderful harvest this year.

[@watty9297]

Where are you?

[@judifarrington9461]

Same here!

[@brittany.s_story]

Same!

[@GrowVeg]

Great to hear you've had such promising results with them. :-)

[@suepowlesland8541]

Wonderful video Ben! I used a wine 🍷 cork to plug the hole in my clay pot olla, and then the clay saucer with some flat stones in it for the lid. I watch the birds come sip from the saucers after I water, and the bees use the rocks so they can drink too 🐝

[@GrowVeg]

What a great idea! :-)

[@mariap.894]

Not good for mosquito breeding places😮 I've seeing small bottle caps with larvas in them😢. 💔

[@suepowlesland8541]

@@mariap.894 I only water two times a week, and with the porous clay lid and our hot weather they dry out completely in two days, so no worries about creating a mosquito nursery here 🙂

[@judifarrington9461]

I've been using ollas for 3 years now. I love them! We've had harsh sun and drought. The ollas help get water to the roots with much less evaporation. I have some bulbs, but also use the terracotta stakes. I put one stake between each of my pepper plants and just fill each with a watering can. I do the same with my tomatoes. I use the flower pots in my large raised beds where I have greens. I think it gives more coverage for the many smaller plants. I don't use glass bottles because they heat up too much in our hot sun. Ollas and shade cloth have saved my garden in our 90-100° temps with intense sun.

[@Sue-ec6un]

There's a reason terra cotta pots were so prolific, not only are they good at what they do, they are easy to make and if you can avoid cracking them they last a long time. And if you do crack them, you can use them in the bottom of other pots to help contain moisture and leave room for air. Also, they really are a lovely addition to your garden, your yard, your porch or anywhere!

[@daxapanchal9959]

And you can repair them if not badly cracked

[@Quills-z6v]

I use old unglazed terracotta wine coolers, they are a reasonable size, cheaper than Olla pots and less faff than making your own! I cover them with a small saucer filled with pebbles that collects a small amount of water when it rains to create a watering spot for bees, butterflies etc.

[@GrowVeg]

Great suggestion, thanks so much for sharing this. :-)

[@selucea]

I've been using wine coolers with half-gallon plastic juice containers for years, a variation on the waterspike. The narrowest ones can hold a 2 ltr soda bottle. In my experience, the watering spikes' range us about 5 inches (so they're great for pots) and the soil around the wine coolers is moist to about 8". I water regularly, but not as much - and I can go away for 3-4 days.

[@nil0bject]

don't seal the drainage hole, glue the saucer to the top of the pot, bury it upside down, use the drainage hole to refill the res

[@bewoodford2807]

great idea. Thank you.

[@EL-gu8fv]

Just what I was thinking.

[@Sue-ec6un]

That's a good idea too.

[@anstriagreenwood3365]

Now that's a splendid idea!

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, that's a great alternative way to do it! :-)

[@l0I0I0I0]

Small ollas with bottles is brilliant! Ty

[@okseekoba719]

Pure wisdom. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@valeriezendiver263]

I discovered oyas (or ollas, depending on where you are) this year and made 6 for large containers in the garden. The terracotta pots had been in the potting shed for years so it cost me nothing. They really helped and made watering less of a chore.

[@connecticutwormsgardens]

I like that you disgust something ancient being incorporated into current gardening. I have tried ollas, watering spikes, terracotta pots and other similar items. I always find them to be more inconvenient than useful. They get in the way when reading, you have to work around them when mulching, you have to remove them when harvesting or planting, and overall it is more time-consuming to refill all of them on a weekly basis than to simply have a proper watering method instituted. I myself like soaker hoses or drip irrigation hoses that are on a timer to run at the interval I choose based on the weather at the time. Using these underground watering methods also takes away the option to apply a liquid fish fertilizer or liquid comfrey tea to the plants which is best done via foliar feeding. All in all it's just more things to have to put in the garden early in the season, take out and store over the winter and work around every time something needs to be mulched, harvested, relocated etc. That has been my experience over the past 51 years anyway.

[@stephenhope7319]

Have to agree. I started using tiered drip 35 years ago and do not think it can be beat. Puts water right where it needs to be at each plant and under the mulch.

[@stephenhope7319]

Timed, not tiered, apple !!!

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for sharing your experience with these. I can see how you might reach that conclusion. So far I'm finding them especially useful for my tomatoes - bigger plants using pot ollas that are quick to refill. But, yes, drip irrigation is super-efficient and probably quicker on balance.

[@jackieburnett6881]

Great video! I really like how you broke it down to really cover so many points!!

[@brittany.s_story]

Thank you, Ben as always for explaining the logistics behind how things work. This empowers your audience which is why we love you as a teacher!!❤

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much, really appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed the video. :-)

[@80sforever3]

I found unglazed terracotta pot for baking, so it has no drainage hole. It is cheaper too compared to the terracotta spike. I can't find bottle shaped olla anywhere here. Thanks for the fertilizer tip

[@NewNosey]

Helpful for me when we're away for a few days. Thank you!

[@litsci1877]

I started using ollas last year, and they got my gardens through a deep drought and blistering midwestern temps. Really good and much better than surface watering, gives the plants a lift without discouraging them from digging deep for water. The only thing is you must take good care of your ollas and clean them well or they become traps for organisms you don't want. The ones I have, from GrowOya, have little silicon caps that fit snugly over the tops.

[@miriamrobarts]

How do you clean them properly? (& how often?)

[@litsci1877]

@@miriamrobarts same as clay flowerpots at year end -- brush off well, scrub off anything that's growing on the surface and impeding water flow, give it a good rinse inside with lots of water, several rinsing with vigorous shaking to dislodge anything, and inspect the inside with a flashlight to make sure nobody's hanging around. Mine have silcone stoppers and I inspect them for damage, clean them with soap and water. I don't like to use bleach on the clay because I don't want anything hanging around to leach back out into soil, but otherwise they're clean when they go back into storage for the winter.

[@juelz5844]

I thought I knew everything about watering - thanks for teaching me otherwise 🌱 we appreciate it (me and my plants)

[@dscrive]

youtube channel " Andy Ward's Ancient Pottery " recently did a video on making Ollas. But! Beware, his channel can pull you down into a deep rabbit hole. He did mention that using terracotta flower pots might night work well due to vitrification of the clay preventing good water movement through the walls. That will depend on how the pot was fired so there could be massive variability around the world.

[@VK-qo1gm]

Thank you, that is a very good point.

[@jeffjones9792]

Have used hand-made ollas for years. Ideal for between the rows of runner beans.

[@dustyflats3832]

I like the bottle holders for pots. You mentioned all the points-cover water to prevent mosquitoes and lifting them before winter. I know clay pots crumble here in winter. Lol, I would probably forget about the small neck Ollas and break them off.

[@klemmr3233]

I've been waiting for you to cover ollas

[@GrowVeg]

Glad I finally got round to it - they're such fun to use! :-)

[@kirstenpaff8946]

As someone who lives in the high desert, ollas and watering spikes are an absolute life saver. They also make watering spikes with a cap and long rubber tube, where the tube is put into a water reservoir. These are nice for indoor plants (I think the rubber would disintegrate if left out in the elements) and you don't need a bunch of wine bottles, as any shape container will do and you can put multiple tubes into one container.

[@drea4pres970]

I needed this. I live in the south, so I have 80-90 degree days in the summer

[@md61211]

I use those terracotta watering stakes. You have to soak them well before burying them or else they're too brittle. Also, I find it's best to use clear glass bottles so you can see the water level & whether or not they need refilling. Hard to tell with colored bottles.

[@GrowVeg]

Great tip!

[@ninagiles3408]

I caught the olla bug recently, installed a few on the fly but now with your superb advice, I feel really informed. You answered all my questions ! Thank you !!

[@MIchelle-cairn_mom]

diy mini olla's working wonders for hanging baskets! the olla spikes worked great for potted plants while on vacation too; easy for friends to water plants correctly as they can see if need top off the water reservoirs

[@bewoodford2807]

Thanks Ben. fab video. Happy gardening 🙂

[@Garykoi625]

I've used a pump on a timer for years from a water barrel, but it can over water 😢 I have to ask a friend to water for me. So, some good ideas for different parts of my gardens😅 Cheers Ben👍🐟

[@MANNY100123]

That's kinda crazy! I began doing some of those techniques a while ago didn't know they were actual watering techniques! :D Never used ollas before! Very interesting...

[@daxapanchal9959]

Thank you , love ways to conserve water

[@GotA-do4ob]

I actually make ceramics as a hobby so I have made my own ollas in the past that have served me well. I didn't have the red low fire clay that is typical of terracotta, but unglazed cone 5-6 stoneware fire to up to cone 03-04 hasn't caused me any issues and they work just fine.

[@ml.5377]

This was a grat video. Thanks from Cusco, Peru.

[@Kitchenlabofficial]

Hello my dear brother very very useful tips my garden very useful

[@debmacdonald1661]

Was just thinking that if you put the top saucer upsidedown you would have a slug trap. A two-for one??

[@TheRahsoft]

1. use a plastic saucer that fits into the pot, not on top( less chance of evaporation). also put a stone on it in case of wind or surprise, surprise birds and squirrels who can flip the lid in search of the small slugs that can actually get into the terracotta pots. 2. you need to clean them well at the end of every season. you will find some will have a build up of green algae. 3 for plants like tomatoes which are quite sensitive to over/under watering, ollas are great as they only provide water when the soil requires it. This has the added bonus of keeping the soil surface dry enough to deter most weeds. 4 after a few seasons the pores become more and more blocked, so you end up retiring them for other plant duties.. 5. for plants like tomatoes in big air pots, taller is better than wide, as you can get more water deeper to the roots. this year i had planned on experimenting with attaching a water bottle to the lid( similar to the stakes you used) in order to increase the reservoir capacity and increase the time between watering. didnt get a chance so will try again next year.

[@GrowVeg]

Interesting - thank you! :-)

[@FulaMediaLife]

Great video. Thanks

[@KellyHowe-us8qe]

Thank you

[@vsznry]

Watering is the number one thing people get wrong. I've been doing the finger test.

[@Sue-ec6un]

I pretty much only water if it has been dry for more than a week. I plant, say a little prayer and wish the little plants luck...ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE and then I save their seeds! I have had years that no watering at all was necessary, but I tend to change my garden often.

[@vsznry]

@@Sue-ec6un So youre once-a-week is probably 2x a week for zone 10a/b

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

I have used large plastic bottles to good effect ...not as pretty as beautiful terracotta...but effective non the less. Thank you...I especially liked the terracotta water spikes!

[@jonathanhampshire6856]

Same here. I made pop bottle (2 litre) cloches last year; cut the bottoms off then heated them on a non stick frying pan at a low heat, till the cut edge curled over to strengthen the rim. This year I began repurposing them as drip irrigators. I used an 8th of an inch nail to make a hole in the cap. They seem to do a good job. I used smaller pop bottles for smaller tubs.

[@carolturner3850]

The terracotta plant pot olla hole can be sealed using a cork instead of putty, save a cork from a bottle of wine and trim it down to fit the pot hole snuggly, the cork expands when wet and seals the hole Test it first though before putting it in the soil

[@gliceriacastillo6299]

It's very helpful for gardener.. smart way.. watching from glecious tv your new friend

[@danieldawson3294]

Very useful video, thanks!

[@barbiec4312]

Always great content. Thank you.

[@michaeldufresne9428]

Rain water isn't an option for me because we really don't get all that much rain. We have hard water, drawn from below ground aquifers. Any idea how long an olla would last with high mineral content water like what we have here in San Antonio?

[@suepowlesland8541]

I have very hard/ high mineral water and I am finding that my clay pot ollas are working very well, so I would encourage you to try!

[@1stAmbientGrl]

Use Water Weld instead of plumber's puddy. Water Weld is safe to use on plumbing for potted water.

[@GrowVeg]

Great suggestion, thank you.

[@madjockmacsporran]

You can also combine some of your ideas here: When you make a double plant pot olla, fill a bottle that will fit upended through the top plant pot's hole. That way, as the water in the olla is used up, the bottle will refill it and, because the bottle is transparent, you'll be able to easily see when to refill.

[@GrowVeg]

Great idea!

[@TheLittleBlue-Bird]

This is a fantastic video of gardening and some great tips! You are like the calm relaxing Gordon Ramsey of Gardening! 🤣🤩

[@Miss_Lexisaurus]

ooh I love those slim ones with the bottles in - they would work so well for me with pots and stop my problem if never knowing if I should water!

[@GrowVeg]

It does help to remove that guesswork. And I reckon they look pretty cool too!

[@ushere5791]

great flower pot olla solution!! i'd flip the saucers over so they don't catch rainfall and help breed mosquitos.

[@SometimesIGrow]

I recently bought some watering spikes. It’s a good way to reuse your glass bottles.

[@GrowVeg]

Definitely!

[@hevchip741]

I use a cheaper way of watering underground using plastic bottles. I half submerge a bottomless, 2L bottle in the soil around my plants, supporting with a can down the middle and adding more bottles of the same size that interlink as plants grow tall. Fill with water and feed, keeping the surface soil dry so slugs and snails don't like to travel much across the surface.

[@GrowVeg]

Great method, thanks for sharing this. :-)

[@Thee_Sinner]

I live in an insanely hot area; weve had ~2 months of 105F+ daily highs. Your unwatered soil looks more moist than mine after 30 minutes of watering lol

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, soil still pretty moist here after a wet start to the summer.

[@ebradley2306]

I use homemade and store-bought oyas in my gardens in SE Texas. I do flip the saucer upside down for a more secure lid. One thing to keep in mind is arrange your oyas and plants in a way you can reach the oya to fill it. I inadvertently blocked access to the the oyas by having them in the middle of some pepper plants in cages that are now in the way since they have grown. Live and learn. ☺

[@GrowVeg]

Very good point! :-)

[@livingladolcevita7318]

I've heard of Ollas before then forgot about them, thanks for the reminder. Definitely handy for my greenhouse down the allotment where visiting is sporadic so a long term watering system would be ideal. Would be interesting if you could get a tube version and line a bean trench with them.

[@GrowVeg]

Love the idea of a tube version! :-)

[@victorv8259]

Climate conditions has been brutal in my region this year (southeast Brazil), no rain, nothing, extreme dry weather. I´m burning all my savings by growing my own veggies with the high extra cost of water... (my garden is quite big). I loved the tips !

[@GrowVeg]

Hope you get some good rain soon!

[@OpportunisticDIY]

I hope you don't mind me posting this. I use the spikes too but I made a 3d print that I silicone to the top to allow me to connect them to a reservoir that gravity feeds them. I am selling the modified spikes and I'm planning on selling just the adapter too since shipping the spikes is kinda pricey for people. I'm making a video on it soon. Now I need to figure out how to keep the reptiles from eating my sprouts lol (I'm in Florida and there are some invasive reptiles in my area). Oh and PSA, the yellow gorilla glue even though it sticks well to terracotta, since it foams up and becomes porous it almost always leaks, so I would use 100% silicone (so it has no fungicides) or that clear one he used in the video for the DIY ollas. Maybe I should make an adapter for the double-headed DIY ollas too lol

[@geriannroth449]

I love the idea of repurposing the wine bottles but my problem is the glass really heats up the water on hot days, which in turn goes to the plants tender roots. I tried reducing the build up of heat by wrapping the wine bottle with some dense foam sheets. Plus since those oyas to fit the bottles are expensive I've replaced them with short lenghts of PVC pipe drilled with lots of holes & filled with pea gravel. Similarly as with the oyas these PVC pipes are partially buried in tge soil & the necks of the wine bottles filled with water inserted in the protruding end of pipe. So far its still watering my potted plants😅

[@GrowVeg]

Great idea!

[@lesleyobrien3907]

Brilliant ideas. Thanks

[@TuttleScott]

Andy Ward's Ancient Pottery just put up a video about how to make your own ollas and some history of them as used by native americans.

[@Sue-ec6un]

Thanks! I just subscribed to his channel, I love working with clay, it's so calming and creative. Oh, and messy...I like that :D

[@barbsnyder1352]

Very interesting show

[@Leetee1983]

Great 👍🏻, I will use concrete to seal the saucer to the pot then use the drainage hole to refill water 💦!

[@lucybarnard3954]

Really useful advice, I’d like to you different colour bottles to add a splash of colour, shame most bottles are clear, green or brown x

[@anstriagreenwood3365]

Great ideas, but I have a very large garden and would need to invest a lot of money, even for the spikes - about 150 or more of them. It's $49 for two unglazed terracotta pots with saucers on Amazon so that dog won't hunt on my budget. The spikes are ten for $32.39. I love the rain barrel idea and will get on with that right away for part of the garden. I set up an automatic watering system for the water loving plants - tomatoes and squash - on a timer. It's just a series of interlinked hoses and a tap timer. I'm 70 now with mobility issues so whatever can save me labour in intense summer heat and humidity is welcome. I have also used plastic bottles but the bottom becomes clogged and hard. The rain gods have blessed us here in Ontario this year, conveniently raining every few days but those are great ideas for next year. I put straw down on top of a lot of my beds and pots as well to keep moisture in.

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you're getting a good rainy season so far. That must save a lot of to-ing and fro-ing watering! :-)

[@anstriagreenwood3365]

@@GrowVeg 😃

[@vironia]

With that budget, just set up an automated irrigation system. It'll make gardening so much more fun.

[@bertarnoldo5199]

I know where all my unused terra cotta pots with no drainage holes are going now! In the ground

[@cassieoz1702]

ALL of my water is rain capture so, much more storage than your rain barrels. I use drip irrigation, mannually controlled, with a little watering can action on seeds

[@doras.allotment]

Brilliant tips as always!!

[@user-yz5lz5ko5f]

Good ideas. Thanks.

[@thestorytelleruk]

Could any of the adhesives used contaminate the water or soil?

[@GrowVeg]

My understanding is that they're pretty stable and once set, stay put.

[@thestorytelleruk]

@@GrowVeg my reasoning is that to seal an aquarium tank you can't use just any silicon sealant, else it kills the fish. Just a thought. Thanks for your reply 😊

[@valoriegriego5212]

Howdy, Ben!👋 Good info...thanks.😃

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks Valorie! :-)

[@michaeljlydon6991]

Another very educational video, thank you Would 7 inch x 2 inch borads be large enough to make raised beds

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, I think those would be just fine, assuming they are placed on top of existing soil/lawn.

[@AMKB01]

For things that need a lot more water, like large pumpkins or some types of winter squash, I repurpose 4L/1 gallon size water bottles. My husband sleeps with a CPAP and we have to buy distilled water for the humidifier, so we've got lots of these plastic water bottles. With some, I cut the top off, then poke small drainage holes around the sides at the bottom, then bury the bottom. With others, I cut off the bottom, then bury them upside down, with no cap. Even with that relatively large opening, it can take several hours for the container to drain. Not as pretty as terracotta, but it does the job!

[@GrowVeg]

What a fantastic method you have there - ingenious! :-)

[@brucetidwell7715]

I've been meaning to try this. If you are really concerned about mosquitos, you should turn the lid upside down, so you don't make a pool for them. If the Oya only waters twice its own diameter, does that mean every individual plant needs a watering spike?

[@GrowVeg]

Great suggestion. And yes, I'm thinking each tomato would need it's own pot olla. The spikes are probably best delivering their moisture to one plant in a container - e.g. a fruit bush or similar. Or perhaps two or three spikes for larger containers with several plants.

[@Chris-op7yt]

i turn on the tap for my driptape watering system, and i turn it off when enough. thanks to not having raised beds, setting up and maintaining my driptape watering system is easy. efficiency is as important if not more so than being frugal. undervaluing hours spent is a mistake

[@laggywarden2915]

Hey Ben do you have any ideas on moving a large pumpkin plant that has roots from the stem in the ground and a pumpkin on it to a different place?

[@GrowVeg]

I reckon if they are that well grown it may be impossible to move the plants without damaging/tearing at them. You could try, but you'd need to dig up as much of the roots and surrounding soil as possible and move it very carefully - perhaps with a few people supporting the plant and moving it all at once?

[@laggywarden2915]

@@GrowVeg thx I’ll try that

[@jennieswann9752]

I use long Tom pots with a saucer inverted on top

[@cloudsowhite]

Why is it you don't use the three sister method(Squash,beans,corn), or companion planting? Love your show, and thanks for the tips.

[@GrowVeg]

I just find it really hard to get everything growing all at the correct pace - for example the corn grows too slowly for the beans, which are usually way ahead. I'm not sure the three sisters method works in my fairly cool, temperate climate.

[@cloudsowhite]

@@GrowVeg i UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT TIMIMG IS IN THE GARDEN. HAPPY GROWING.

[@CatCor-ki6rk]

I use a 7up bottle with 2 holes at it's side with a piece of cork in it to be able to see water level

[@GrowVeg]

Clever! :-)

[@ceeelletyson6758]

🥹When using the spikes how often should you refill it...every other day?

[@GrowVeg]

Keep an eye on the water level in them and top up as needed :-)

[@andymoran8624]

or just install drip irrigation, moisture sensors and a timer with zones, waaay less work and might cost less than all those clay pots

[@peterkelly2763]

Why not use the corks from the wine bottles

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, you could certainly use those. Sadly most of my wine comes in screw tops!

[@bretthogan5805]

Would wooden stumps of an appropriate size also work to soak up water and hold it for roots?

[@GrowVeg]

I'm not sure the wood would be porous enough, so probably not.

[@connieronken2207]

Have you thought about using corks instead of putty?

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, you could certainly use corks. It's just not many wine bottles now come with corks!

[@AndrewsVeggiePatch]

hi, im new im 7 years old and started a channel with my dad. i like your vidios. i just started to watch you. bye. :)

[@GrowVeg]

Fantastic stuff Andrew! Great to have you watching. And very good luck with your channel. I just watched your latest video. Great presentation - I reckon you'll be a superstar!

[@AndrewsVeggiePatch]

@@GrowVeg Thank you! 😃

[@user-vj8iv6io2g]

Want to retain moisture? Just add a lotta mulch

[@GrowVeg]

Yep! That helps too!

[@jasonreviews]

what about water pellets? like orbeez?

[@GrowVeg]

I sometimes use water retaining gel/crystals in potting mixes for hanging baskets. But other than that don't use them. But they can help to extend periods between waterings.

[@mariap.894]

Hi Ben! I have a question; I noticed your raised beds are near by trees. Do you get the roots of those trees invading your beds??🤔

[@GrowVeg]

No, I've never hard this problem luckily. :-)

[@mariap.894]

@GrowVeg Wow! You are lucky! I had 2 beds for 2 years, no problems. After that I had to rip them apart to find out why my plants weren't thriving, I found out my neighbors palm roots coming through to take nutrients out of my beds! 💔😭 Thank you for your kind and prompt reply. Blessings from Florida🙏🦋🪻💕

[@alanchiu8442]

Drip irrigation is probably cheaper than most methods.

[@kristinc.2371]

If you add liquid fertilizer to the olla, will it reach the plant?

[@GrowVeg]

I wouldn't add liquid fertilizer into the olla as it may clog up the pores in the terracotta. Add it separately, to the soil around the plant.

[@alanthecat59]

do the glass bottles magnify the sun and burn the plants?

[@GrowVeg]

I haven't noticed this.

[@brigittegraham8425]

It would have been helpful if you had shown the damp soil around the buried ollas, to prove that it works.....

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, that would have been a good idea. The soil was still quite moist at the time of burying them, but perhaps a good suggestion to show these working in a future video. Thank you. :-)

[@swatichatterjee1513]

How do you save the plants from snails?

[@GrowVeg]

Here’s how I manage them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHvZhqqhe7-Yha8si=pk_j_TUDWXLTpgjI

[@dylanbeck6506]

You really look like you could be the son of Mark Tilbury who keeps getting on my home page 😅

[@GrowVeg]

Haha, love that guy!

[@jacketrussell]

I kinda like this idea, kinda.

[@janohdegroot989]

So you don't water the plants directly anymore with the olla's?

[@GrowVeg]

I've just installed them, so will keep a close eye on things. But plants like the tomatoes, once established and with roots clinging to the olla, should require additional watering.

[@davidh1735]

Ben, can I pick your brain for the make of the terracotta spikes, please? Amazon reviews are replete with comments that they don't work, and that some are too wide to hold a glass bottle upright. I guess that doesn't apply to your set-up, so, can you put me in the right direction, please? Thanks. And, thanks for all your videos - not over-earnest 😊but full of great info!

[@GrowVeg]

Hi David. The spikes are new to me, so I can't vouch for their effectiveness (these particular ones) just yet. However, they do hold a bottle really well. This is the link to them: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CF2PVDY?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[@davidh1735]

@@GrowVeg Thanks Ben, much appreciated :)

[@bekaharmstrong1004]

This has taught my toddler about two watering cans at once. 😭😭😭😭😭😂

[@GrowVeg]

He/she will be an ace gardener one day! :-)

[@alanthecat59]

😻😻😻😻😻

[@azumag4432]

Hmmmm...I don't like this. By my own logic...These are not buried very deep and also give water way too slowly...so it makes the plant grow roots too close to the ground level. I like to water VERY deeply and infrequently. But the spikes are interesting...sounds/looks very good for plants in pots where the roots are not very deep anyway. Also...the glass bottles with water in them above the ground doesn't sounds dangerous (especially when there is a mulch layer on the ground)...I'm talking about the magnifying glass effect?! Sorry for my english.

[@blvckAveli]

Hmm didn't you still have to fill the watering cans up from the tap anyway...?? You just double handled the water loll

[@GrowVeg]

I see what you mean. But the water seeps out from the ollas very slowly and delivers just what the plants need. So it does save time and guesswork in the end - or at the very least keeps plants happier and more consistently watered. :-)

[@waterboi4846]

wtf this guys the epitome of bad and unsustainable gardening.. the amount of water this guy uses is unreal

[@GrowVeg]

In what way? I collect as much rainwater as I can and only water targeted and as necessary.

[@waterboi4846]

@@GrowVeg not gonna tell you why but im gonna give you hint. you should do you own research go learn from israeli and netherlands farm

[@SomeOneHigh]

i dont understand why people Keep Wasting RESOURCES , i mean You Do Realize theres already something invented and its Called " HYDROPONIC " 😂😂😂 How do you think i Grow them 30 feet OFF THE GROUND ( indoor ) 👍

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, you may not find these methods essential, but they're a great option for smaller-scale gardeners who want to save a little time. :-)

[@SomeOneHigh]

@@GrowVeg what i ment is , if you grow them " Hydroponic " way , When you Water the green fellas the Water doesnt DRAIN-OFF instead you Trap it and Re-Use it Later , Which Cuts the Water Waste up to 89% And The Water Consumption gets up to 85% Efficiency , instead of Draining-Off in Earth Underground Waters , where Earth stores Water and Filter it back which then re-appears as " Rain " And the Cycle begins all over again , Basicly what im Trying to say is , ENERGY SAVING doesnt mean people should change from NUCLEAR POWER to SOLAR PANELS , it Actually Means DONT USE MORE THAN U NEED , and that applies to everything , No Need to have Lights On during the day , No need to Keep Water running While people Brush there Teeth , thats Energy Saving ! the same way this Can be Applied to everything meaning if Plants need 1 Barrel of Water Per Season , if you Let Water DRAIN-OFF Every time , You will need like 3 or 4 Barrels of Water per Season , Everyone Pay for Water , Think Smart !!! Think About People that Cant Afford what we can !!!

[@SomeOneHigh]

i like your videos i hope you visited some MUSHROOM GROWERS & Mushroom Farms , Because Mushroom Season will Open Soon , and i really would like to see you make " Mushroom Spawn " and " Mycelium " Yourself like i asked long ago 🤣🌈👍🦄