Oyas, also known as ollas, are microporous terracotta pots that provide gentle, self-sufficient watering directly at root level. This irrigation system works just as well for vegetable gardens as for potted plants on a balcony. Discover our new range, made in Europe under the Oyas® brand.
What is an oya?
An oya is a microporous terracotta pot that you bury near your plants and fill with water. It slowly releases moisture at root level, letting each plant draw water according to its actual needs.
Small oya for planting.
Oyas made in Europe for your garden
New in our range: Oyas® watering pottery is designed with sustainability in mind. The entire range is made in Europe in partnership with local companies, using environmentally friendly materials, and packaged in recycled packaging.
Oyas® is also a member of La Maison Nature, an association network promoting ecology and sustainable living in French-speaking Switzerland.
We tried it for you
"I tested the new oyas at home, in my balcony vegetable planters. The large sizes convinced me the most: just one is enough for a big planter (80 x 40 x 40 cm), and it lasts 2 to 3 days even during a heatwave. The smaller sizes empty faster, so I now use them only for pots." - Aurélie, agricultural engineer at Zollinger Bio
Oya for planting in an herb planter.
Planting, burying, or garland oyas: which one for your garden?
Several types of oyas exist, each suited to a different way of growing, and available in different sizes depending on your space:
- L Planting oyas are suited to indoor use and balconies: smaller, they sit in a pot or planter.
- L Burying oyas are suited to in-ground gardens and raised vegetable beds.
- L Oya garlands irrigate large areas self-sufficiently: vegetable gardens, flower beds, rows of shrubs...
Tulipan's tip
"Oyas also lower the risk of certain fungal diseases. Watering less, and directly through the soil, limits the spread of downy mildew and powdery mildew — two diseases spread by water and humidity."
Frequently asked questions about oyas
Yes. Small planting oya models are designed for pots, planters, and raised vegetable beds. They irrigate a smaller root zone, perfectly suited to these spaces.
An oya's autonomy depends on its size, location, weather, and soil type. Refill it with a watering can once it's empty.
Yes, oya watering suits the vast majority of our seeds and seedlings, particularly water-hungry fruiting vegetables (tomatoes, squash, cucumbers). Only dry-climate or Mediterranean potted plants need more moderate, closely monitored watering.
Oyas: the pottery that saves irrigation water