Ollas: yes they work and, no, they're not hard to make.

Out here on the Plains where wind whips the 90 degree air around for days on end, with no rain in sight, it's hard to keep my plants watered.

Things do not stay wet here long.

It seems like any water you put on the dirt flashes off to vapor about as quick as I put it down.  Don't get me started on trying to keep things in containers moist.  

But, I've discovered something that minimizes both my time watering and how much water I use:  ollas.  Oh, and they're great for containers and houseplants too!  

Ollas, Spanish for "pot", are a great way to water nearly any plant in the arid West. They minimize water use and free you from daily tending.

They are made of unglazed terracotta which weeps moisture out gently right into the ground where roots are happy to lap it up. 

They're great for containers or open dirt.  I plant mine out in the garden when I put out my seedlings.  I also plant them next to my bush cherry tree so as to buy myself some insurance if I forget to water it for a  day or two.

Thing is, ollas can be expensive, sometimes up to $40 per.  

If you like the decorative look of the online ones, have at it.  I myself like to make things and I've learned some tricks about making ollas on the cheap.  They won't be as decorative, but I promise they'll work just as well.  

In my guide below, I walk you through how a quick trip to the hardware store gets you set up for ollas on the cheap.

Have I convinced you?

If so and you want to try making your own, I put my free guide here.

I also found some solid sourcing on how to use them (esp in dry, hot climes). That reference is here.

You can easily make your own, but if you'd like I can make some for you. Pick up in Sterling, CO or I can ship (email for a quote). You'll find mine for sale here.