Bigger Harvests, 61% Less Water

The most effective watering system in the world.

The Drought-Friendly Watering System for Your Row or Raised Bed Gardens: This revolutionary new garden watering system combines ancient terracotta olla technology with modern tech, using 61% less water and gives you healthier plants.

The Thirsty Earth Watering System is the most efficient garden watering system available by using Cotta Cups (terracotta ollas) that automatically water your garden.

  • Uses 61% less water than drip line systems and about 80% less than hand watering.
  • Gives plants exactly the amount of water they need.
  • No more wasting water to evaporation.
  • Set and forget watering system, so go on vacation!
  • Get healthier plants. No more struggling plants from under or over watering.
  • Easy to install.

Choose Your Garden Watering Kit:

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"I LOVE my Thirsty Earth watering system!"

I’ve had a raised bed garden for a bit now and always felt like my plants were struggling with too much or too little water. Once I installed my cotta cups it became super easy to have a glorious garden and lots of yummy salads!

–Alex Hammer, Utah, USA

"Less hectic, time saving and it is easy to use."

We did carrots and the yield was good. Less water used. The system is good because it's less hectic, time saving and it is easy to use.

–James Chauluka, Malawi, Africa

"The vegetables are growing very healthy."

We’ve done companion planting with the Thirsty Earth ollas. We refill the 5 gallon bucket that waters the 20'x30' garden about every 2 weeks.

William Mtsetfwa, Umdoni, Eswatini Africa

How it works:

The Thirsty Earth watering system works by using ancient terracotta olla technology and combining it with your modern watering system.

All you do is bury your cotta cups in the soil, hook up your water transmission line to your water source, and your plant’s roots will call for the water it needs.

The porous terracotta lets water seep through it, slowly watering your plant’s roots.

Your plants get water when it needs, where it needs – at the roots.

Which means plants get 100% of the water they need, with 61% less water lost to evaporation, that traditional drip lines waste.

And if you’re currently hand watering or sprinkler watering, you’ll save 80% or more by switching to Thirsty Earth.

This system is far superior to other watering systems, giving you extremely low water usage and ultra healthy plants, at the same time.

What's included in your kit:

 

Each kit contains everything you need to install your Thirsty Earth watering system.

  1. Just choose the Thirsty Earth Garden Bed Kit with your garden bed size (3x4, 3x6, 3x8, 4x4, 4x6, 4x8).
  2. And how many beds you need to water.
  3. Then click "add to cart", checkout, and you're all set.

We'll make sure you have all the parts to install your watering system.

 

 
Handfill Watering Kit: Handfill a 5-gal bucket to fill cotta cups (weekly)
 
Kit Includes:
 
3 - Thirsty Earth Cotta Cups
3 - 1/4 push-to-connect tee
4 - 1/4 push-to-connect elbow
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect Y
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect shut-off
1 - Dig 1/4 inch poly tubing 100 feet
1 - 5 gallon food grade manual-fill reservoir/bucket
 
 
Automatic Watering Kit: Includes everything needed to connect to a hose, single drip line, sprinkler head, or rain barrel to auto-fill cotta cups
 
Kit Includes:
 
3 - Thirsty Earth Cotta Cups
3 - 1/4 push-to-connect tee
4 - 1/4 push-to-connect elbow
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect Y
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect shut-off
1 - 3/4 female spigot adapter to 1/4 push-to-connect
1 - Dig 1/4 inch poly tubing 100 feet
1- 2.5 gallon food grade auto-fill reservoir
 
 
 
Handfill Watering Kit: Handfill a 5-gal bucket to fill cotta cups (weekly)

Kit Includes:
 
5 - Thirsty Earth Cotta Cups
5 - 1/4 push-to-connect tee
4 - 1/4 push-to-connect elbow
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect Y
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect shut-off
1 - Dig 1/4 inch poly tubing 100 feet
1 - 5 gallon food grade manual-fill reservoir/bucket
 
 
Automatic Watering Kit: Includes everything needed to connect to a hose, single drip line, sprinkler head, or rain barrel to auto-fill cotta cups
 
Kit Includes:
 
5 - Thirsty Earth Cotta Cups
5 - 1/4 push-to-connect tee
4 - 1/4 push-to-connect elbow
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect Y
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect shut-off
1 - 3/4 female spigot adapter to 1/4 push-to-connect
1 - Dig 1/4 inch poly tubing 100 feet
1- 2.5 gallon food grade auto-fill reservoir

 
 
Handfill Watering Kit: Handfill a 5-gal bucket to fill cotta cups (weekly)
 
Kit Includes:
 
7 - Thirsty Earth Cotta Cups
7 - 1/4 push-to-connect tee
4 - 1/4 push-to-connect elbow
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect Y
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect shut-off
1 - Dig 1/4 inch poly tubing 100 feet
1 - 5 gallon food grade manual-fill reservoir/bucket
 
 
 
Automatic Watering Kit: Includes everything needed to connect to a hose, single drip line, sprinkler head, or rain barrel to auto-fill cotta cups
 
Kit Includes:
 
7 - Thirsty Earth Cotta Cups
7 - 1/4 push-to-connect tee
4 - 1/4 push-to-connect elbow
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect Y
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect shut-off
1 - 3/4 female spigot adapter to 1/4 push-to-connect
1 - Dig 1/4 inch poly tubing 100 feet
1- 2.5 gallon food grade auto-fill reservoir

 
 
 
 
Handfill Watering Kit: Handfill a 5-gal bucket to fill cotta cups (weekly)
 
Kit Includes:
 
5 - Thirsty Earth Cotta Cups
3 - 1/4 push-to-connect tee
6 - 1/4 push-to-connect elbow
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect Y
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect cross
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect shut-off
1 - Dig 1/4 inch poly tubing 100 feet
1 - 5 gallon food grade manual-fill reservoir/bucket
 
 
 
Automatic Watering Kit: Includes everything needed to connect to a hose, single drip line, sprinkler head, or rain barrel to auto-fill cotta cups
 
Kit Includes:
 
5 - Thirsty Earth Cotta Cups
3 - 1/4 push-to-connect tee
6 - 1/4 push-to-connect elbow
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect Y
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect cross
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect shut-off
1 - 3/4 female spigot adapter to 1/4 push-to-connect
1 - Dig 1/4 inch poly tubing 100 feet
1- 2.5 gallon food grade auto-fill reservoir
 

 
 
 
Handfill Watering Kit: Handfill a 5-gal bucket to fill cotta cups (weekly)
 
Kit Includes:
 
8 - Thirsty Earth Cotta Cups
6 - 1/4 push-to-connect tee
6 - 1/4 push-to-connect elbow
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect Y
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect cross
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect shut-off
1 - Dig 1/4 inch poly tubing 100 feet
1 - 5 gallon food grade manual-fill reservoir/bucket
 
 
Automatic Watering Kit: Includes everything needed to connect to a hose, single drip line, sprinkler head, or rain barrel to auto-fill cotta cups
 
Kit Includes:
 
8 - Thirsty Earth Cotta Cups
6 - 1/4 push-to-connect tee
6 - 1/4 push-to-connect elbow
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect Y
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect cross
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect shut-off
1 - 3/4 female spigot adapter to 1/4 push-to-connect
1 - Dig 1/4 inch poly tubing 100 feet
1- 2.5 gallon food grade auto-fill reservoir

 
 
 
Handfill Watering Kit: Handfill a 5-gal bucket to fill cotta cups (weekly)
 
Kit Includes:
 
11 - Thirsty Earth Cotta Cups
9 - 1/4 push-to-connect tee
6 - 1/4 push-to-connect elbow
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect Y
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect cross
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect shut-off
1 - Dig 1/4 inch poly tubing 100 feet
1 - 5 gallon food grade manual-fill reservoir/bucket
 
 
Automatic Watering Kit: Includes everything needed to connect to a hose, single drip line, sprinkler head, or rain barrel to auto-fill cotta cups
 
Kit Includes:
 
11 - Thirsty Earth Cotta Cups
9 - 1/4 push-to-connect tee
6 - 1/4 push-to-connect elbow
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect Y
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect cross
1 - 1/4 push-to-connect shut-off
1 - 3/4 female spigot adapter to 1/4 push-to-connect
1 - Dig 1/4 inch poly tubing 100 feet
1- 2.5 gallon food grade auto-fill reservoir
 
 
 

How to install:

Installing your Cotta Cups is easy.

We've included everything you'll need in your kit to install your watering system.

When your garden watering system arrives (we'll ship your kit within 72 hours of purchase), this is how to install your system into your garden:

      1. Bury your cotta cups in the soil (raised garden beds or in the ground).
      2. Set up your hosing system.
      3. Your bucket/reservoir that's included in your kit will fill your Cotta Cups (terracotta ollas). Handfill kits: Fill your 5 gallon bucket weekly. Your bucket will fill your cotta cups (ollas). Auto-filling kits will automatically fill cotta cups by a hose hook up, single drip line, sprinkler head or rain barrel.
      4. Place your bucket/reservoir in your garden bed/row garden or anywhere around it. Your bucket needs to be 0"-6" above your soil for optimal water pressure and water savings.
      5. Your plant’s roots will call for the water it needs. The porous terracotta olla let water seep through the cotta cups, slowly watering your plant’s roots.
      6. Watch your plants grow!

For more detailed install instructions for your exact water source and bed size, click HERE.

Have questions? Call Eric: (707) 536-3391

 



GET FREE SHIPPING ON ALL OLLA KITS (save up to $50 per kit!)
CHECKOUT CODE: FREESHIPPING | EXPIRES TUES 2/13 | SHIPS WITHIN 72 HOURS

30 Day Money Back Guarantee

 

Your Thirsty Earth Watering System comes with a 100% Money-Back Guarantee. Our intention is you're blown away at how easy it is to grow healthy plants while using a fraction of the water.

But if you don't feel we've delivered on our promise to help you grow a healthy garden, using 61% less water, submit your refund request within 30 days of purchase, mail back your kit, and we'll promptly refund your fees (minus your shipping costs).

Questions & Answers

 

Question: Does this olla garden watering system work for row gardening?

Answer: Yes it does. To capitalize on the water plume the olla creates, you'll want to base your row spacing around our ollas 18" diameter water plume.

 

Question: What if I plant seeds? Will I need to overhead water?

Answer: To directly sow seeds make sure they are planted within a 6" radius (12" diameter) of your Cotta Cup in order to ensure they receive enough moisture for germination. They need to be sown to their appropriate depth as the top 1/4" of soil will be too dry unless it's underneath a mulch layer.

 

Question: How do you know your system uses 61% less water over drip lines?

Answer: Through extensive testing we have measured how much water our cups emit at 0.5 psi. We've compared this with drip emitters laid out identically and measured the water usage.

 

Question: What is the buckets for in the kits?

Answer: Your bucket/reservoir that's included in your kit will fill your Cotta Cups (terracotta ollas). Handfill kits: Fill your 5 gallon bucket weekly. Your bucket will fill your cotta cups (ollas). Auto-filling kits will automatically fill cotta cups by a hose hook up, single drip line, sprinkler head or rain barrel.

 

Question: Where do I put my bucket/reservoir?

Answer: Place your bucket/reservoir in your garden bed or anywhere around it. Your bucket needs to be 6"-to-level with your soil for optimal water flow to your cotta cups.

 

Question: What if something breaks in my watering system? Are the parts under warranty?

Answer: Your Thirsty Earth Watering System comes with a 100% Money-Back Guarantee. Our intention is you're blown away at how easy it is to grow healthy plants while using a fraction of the water. But if you don't feel we've delivered on our promise to help you grow a healthy garden, using 61% less water, submit your refund request within 30 days of purchase, mail back your kit, and we'll promptly refund your fees (minus your shipping costs).

 

Question: Will this work for my nonstandard bed layout such as a keyhole bed or similar?
 
Answer: Yes, absolutely. We're working on guides for a variety of different bed types now. Contact Eric for a custom layout: (707) 536-3391 or eric.jordan@thethirstyearth.com
 

 

Question: Do the pots need to be removed at the end of the growing season?
 
Answer: The pots need to be removed at the end of the growing season if you live in a climate with hard winter freezes (USDA grow zones 8 and below). We've tested them down to 16* for a week without failure but recommend removal for maximum longevity. If you opt to leave them in, make sure to turn the water off 2-3 weeks before things freeze to allow the cups time to drain themselves empty.
 
 
 
Question: How do the auto-fill kits work?
 
Answer: Included in the auto fill kits are fittings that convert a water source, such as rain barrel, hose spigot, sprinkler head, or drip line to 1/4" tubing. The 1/4" tubing then runs from whichever fitting adapter you use to the back of the included auto-fill reservoir.
 
 
 
Question: How many cups can be daisy chained together?
 
Answer: 100 cups on 100' on 1/4 line before you'll want to step up to 1/2" tubing or use another reservoir. It also depends on the size of your reservoir and how often you want to fill it. In an auto-fill reservoir with constant water feed, it would never be the bottleneck. An auto-fill reservoir on a timer filling once per day can handle up to 30 cups at the 0.5 psi recommended pressures. The 5 gallon hand fill reservoir can handle up to 11 cups for 1 weeks time or 75 cups for a 24 hour period.
 
 
 
 
Question: What if I have a bump in the lines such as bridging two beds fed from one reservoir?
 
Answer: That's totally doable but your reservoir will need to be higher than the highest point or else water won't flow past the bump.
 
 
 
 
Question: What if I have terraces?
 
Answer: You'll want to run an auto-fill reservoir at each terrace level and chain the reservoirs together for consistent pressure. Or have a hand-filled bucket for each terrace level.
 
 
 
Question: I live in a very hot environment that regularly gets over 100* in the summer. What should I do to ensure my plants have enough water?
 
Answer: First, mulch 2" - 4" of straw, grass clippings, or wood chips and improving soil health with compost. Then, you've got two Thirsty Earth specific options here - higher pressure or higher cup density. Higher pressure can be achieved by elevating the reservoir to be 1-2 feet above the soil level, raising your pressure from 0.5 psi to 1 psi or even a little above. Higher cup density looks like spacing based on a 12" plume diameter rather than the 18" that is normal in milder climates. Either, or both, will ensure your plants get that extra little bit of water to help them beat the heat. For super thirsty plants like squash, zucchini, melons, tomatoes you could even consider giving them 2 cups per plant in more extreme desert environments.
 
 
 
Question: What are some possible problems you've seen with the cups?
 
Answer: If a person tries to run them off of straight hose pressure instead of using a reservoir, they're not designed for that and it creates a gushing leak. Other common issues might be the push-to-connect fitting isn't pushed on to where it's fully seated, or the screw cap sin't tightened enough, or the cups haven't been air purged yet and need to be. They're all pretty easy fixes.

 
 
Question: Is there anything special I need to do filling the cups up for the first time?

Answer: Yes, you'll need to air purge the lines. Remove the drainage screw from each cup and turn your water on at the reservoir. Water flowing from the drainage hole indicates the cup is full. When all the cups are full, turn off your shut off & screw the drainage screws back in.
 
 
 
Question: What if I just want to run them off a hose directly without a reservoir?
 
Answer: You will be feeding the cups between 40 - 80 psi when they are designed to work from 0 - 3 psi. Direct hose pressure will create gushing leaks and all sorts of problems. Use a reservoir as intended.

 
 
Question: Approximately how many growing seasons will they last?
 
Answer: As far as growing seasons, we haven't worn any to the point of failure yet in the couple of years we've been using them. The longevity is basically how long plastic and terra cotta take to break down. With a little bit of care that should be many, many years.
 
 
 
Question: Will hard water affect the pots over time?

Answer: We haven't had that experience yet, but if you have hard water and are worried about it you might consider using a filter or applying the maintenance techniques used for drip systems when dealing with hard water.
 
 
 
Question: What is the approximate radius of moisture around each pot?

Answer: The approximate radius of moisture is 9". That radius will not all be equal, however. The closer to the pot the higher the concentration of water. So for thirsty plants like squash, zucchini, melons, tomatoes, etc. you would want to plant within 3" of the cup, preferably right up against it.

 

Question: I have a 2'x4' planter, what should I do?
 
Answer: Go with our 3'x4' kit and place the 3 included cups in an evenly spaced row.
 

 

Have more questions? Give Eric a call (707) 536-3391, Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm MST

 


GET FREE SHIPPING ON ALL OLLA KITS (save up to $50 per kit!)
CHECKOUT CODE: FREESHIPPING | EXPIRES TUES 2/13 | SHIPS WITHIN 72 HOURS