How to Keep Plants Watered While on Vacation with SmartiLiving Ollas
Share
Planning a vacation should feel exciting not stressful. But if you’re a plant lover, one of the first worries is: “Who will water my plants while I’m gone?” Dry soil, wilted leaves, and stressed roots can undo months of care in just a week. Luckily, there’s a simple and reliable solution that has been used for thousands of years: olla watering.
SmartiLiving Ollas take this ancient technique and make it easy, sustainable, and effective for modern gardens. Instead of temporary hacks with bottles or plastic bags, ollas deliver consistent water to your plants for days or even weeks while you’re away.
👉 Explore the full range of SmartiLiving Ollas here
What Is Olla Watering?
Ollas (pronounced oh yahs) are unglazed terracotta pots designed for underground irrigation. You bury the pot in the soil, leaving only the opening exposed. Once filled with water, the olla slowly releases moisture directly to plant roots through its porous walls.
This process ensures plants get exactly the amount of water they need no more, no less. It prevents overwatering, reduces evaporation, and supports deep root growth, keeping plants healthier for longer.
Why Ollas Are Perfect for Vacations
When you’re away from home, your plants need a system that’s:
- Low-maintenance – Just fill the olla before leaving, and it waters your plants automatically.
- Long-lasting – Depending on the olla size and weather conditions, water can last from several days to more than a week.
- Eco-friendly – Ollas conserve up to 70% more water than surface watering.
- Stress-free for plants – No dry-and-drench cycles; instead, plants enjoy steady hydration.
With SmartiLiving Ollas, your plants won’t just survive your vacation they’ll thrive.
How to Use SmartiLiving Ollas Before You Travel
1. Bury the Olla Correctly
Place your olla in the garden bed or pot, leaving about 1–2 inches above the soil. This prevents dirt or mulch from getting inside.
2. Water and Plant Strategically
Plant seeds or seedlings a few inches from the olla opening so roots naturally grow toward the water source.
3. Fill the Olla Before You Leave
Top up the olla with water before heading out. Depending on plant density and climate, you may only need to refill once every 5–10 days.
4. Cover the Opening
Place a lid, flat stone, or terracotta cap over the opening. This keeps the water clean, prevents mosquitoes, and reduces evaporation.
Which Plants Benefit Most from Olla Watering?
SmartiLiving Ollas work beautifully with a wide variety of plants. They are especially effective for:
- Vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, and leafy greens
- Herbs: basil, mint, cilantro, parsley
- Flowers: marigolds, zinnias, petunias
- Shrubs and young trees in landscaping projects
Whether you have a backyard garden, raised beds, or large patio containers, ollas provide steady water exactly where it’s needed.
SmartiLiving Ollas vs. DIY Vacation Hacks
| DIY Methods (Bottles, Bags, Saucers) | SmartiLiving Ollas |
|---|---|
| Temporary fix, may leak or overwater | Long-term solution, steady moisture |
| Requires setup each trip | Once installed, refill as needed |
| Works for short weekends | Works for weeks with proper size |
| Plastic waste from bottles/bags | Eco-friendly terracotta clay |
Instead of makeshift solutions, SmartiLiving Ollas give you peace of mind with minimal effort.
A Vacation-Ready Garden
Next time you pack your bags, let SmartiLiving Ollas take care of your plants. They’re durable, sustainable, and designed to keep your garden lush while you’re away. No babysitters, no complicated setups—just reliable watering made simple.
👉 Shop the collection now: SmartiLiving Ollas