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View Full Version : Olla, clay pot irrigation question


rubysgarden
05-10-2009, 11:44 AM
Hi all, new to bananas and forum. Am about to plant my first bananas- 2 Dwarf Cavendish. I'm located in Pasadena, CA, zone 10. Curious as to whether any one has tried using ollas (clay pots) for watering. Appreciate the help! Sharon

Patty in Wisc
05-10-2009, 01:58 PM
Hi Sharon, welcome!
I never heard of "ollas" but clay pots are fine. You will have to water more though as they are porous. But, why don't you plant your nanas in the ground - living in zone 10?

rubysgarden
05-10-2009, 02:22 PM
Thanks Patty! Tried to think of as much detail to post, so it would be clear... I am planting in the ground!

The ollas would be for under ground watering. It's like a terra cotta pumpkin with a neck. You sink the pot in the ground, up to the neck, then fill with water. It will slowly leak out to keep the plant(s) nearby watered. I hear it works great for tomatoes... Am guessing it might work great for bananas- moist but not soggy (so I hear...) It is also supposedly good for water conservation- as it does not evaporate as much (as hand or drip irrigation.)

lorax
05-10-2009, 03:50 PM
I've used Ollas, and I find them to be very effective unless I'm in desert or semidesert conditions. They're fantastic for things like strawberries and bananas, which need a constant source of moisture to do well.

rubysgarden
05-10-2009, 04:10 PM
Thanks Lorax! Think I will start using them in different parts of the garden and see what happens!

lorax
05-10-2009, 04:44 PM
I should say that I particularly like them for when I'm going to be away from the garden for a while; I don't have to worry about rainfall if I fill them up.