Water in the Garden

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Around here, there's a lot of emphasis placed on conserving water. Gardeners are urged to find ways to eliminate waste.

Many people install drip irrigation systems.

But here's the thing: I just *hate* these systems. Miles of hideous plastic hoses, snaking all over the place. Huge costs. Complicated plumbing. And all that non-eco-friendly plastic degrading in the garden! I'm sure that many people are very happy with these systems (although I've heard them described as "drip irritation systems"), but they're just not for me.

I've been trawling around the garden blogs, and found something that I do like.




A simple unglazed terra cotta pot, buried in the garden. You fill it with water, which seeps into the soil. Apparently, this is thousand-year-old technology.

Of course, the only place that that I've found selling these things is currently out-of-stock. Are there any ceramicist out there who might want to sell me something like this? Or anyone who knows where else I might buy some of these jugs?

Comments

Ginohn said…
I think you should be able to find a potter in the area you live. Check for community classes in pottery to find a studio and ask around.
BOOTY said…
make sure you get lead-free terra cotta. some 20 years ago, after lead was basically outlawed, I bought some terra cotta plant pots from a street corner vendor who was apparently getting his stock from south of the border. the pots leached lead into the potting soil and killed the plants we put in them.

Romana
Cara said…
If I were still in the area I would look at the giant SJ Flea Market. There were lots of ceramic stalls there.
Mwah!
Maryann said…
Wish I were in your area so I could whip up a few of those for you. But you gave me a great idea to make some of them up and sell at spring craft fairs.
Maryann
Janice Bakke said…
Just a note to let you know the Spring shipment arrived, and all sizes of ollas are now in stock! These are hot sellers so you may want to order soon!

http://www.peddlerswagon.com/c-43-irrigation.aspx
I'm really glad you shared this idea, looks like a good one to try here too, if I can find something like that. Thanks! -Bill
Bush Chick said…
Hey can you post about where you find the irrigation pots if you track them down they are a fantastic idea.

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