Olla, clay pot irrigation question
 

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

Re: Olla, clay pot irrigation question
 

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?

Re: Olla, clay pot irrigation question
 

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.)

Re: Olla, clay pot irrigation question
 

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.

Re: Olla, clay pot irrigation question
 

Thanks Lorax! Think I will start using them in different parts of the garden and see what happens!

Re: Olla, clay pot irrigation question
 

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.