FAQ

1. How do Oyas work?

Oyas are clay pots that are either buried or inserted in the soil next to plants and filled with water. The water then gradually gets released underground through the Oya’s micropores. The roots of the nearby plants will only absorb the amount of water they need, reducing waste and providing a time-saving and effortless irrigation method.

2. How do I know which Oya size I need?

Our Small Oya typically suits plants with a pot diameter starting ~13cm and up to 25cm. The Medium Oya is recommended for potted plants between 25cm and up to ~55cm in diameter. For large pots of >60cm in diameter or for gardens or raised beds, the Large Oya is recommended.

3. How many Large Oyas do I need for my garden/raised beds?

Our Large Oya to bury provides an irrigation diameter of 40cm around it. Ideally, plants or crops should be placed within this diameter. If you’re using several Oyas, you will need to distance them about 45-50cm apart for optimal results.

4. How deep should I bury/insert the Oya?

For the Large Oya, dig a hole that is at least as big as the Oya and bury the Oya to the neck. You should make sure the neck is clearly visible so you can always refill the Oya when needed.

For the Small or Medium Oya, simply insert the Oya’s stem into the soil next to the plant. It helps to gently twist the Oya as you’re inserting the stem into the soil. This will ensure that the entire stem is fully below the soil level.

5. Do I plant inside the Oya?

That’s sometimes one of the first impressions people get when they see an Oya. You do not plant inside the Oya, but next to it. The Oya will diffuse water to the roots that are near the Oya.

6. What types of plants/crops work with Oyas?

Here’s the wonderful part: you can grow nearly everything using Oyas, from ornamental plants to flowers, vegetables and fruit trees!

Crops that can grow with Oyas include tomatoes, eggplant, cucumber, zucchini, bell pepper, aromatic herbs such as mint, basil, as well as salad leaves, etc.

7. Do I need to water my new seeds/plants?

Yes, since Oyas work for plants/seedlings that have started to grow some roots. If you have seeds, water them as you normally would until they become seedlings and have started to establish a root system, at which point you can switch to watering with your Oya.

8. Can I start using my Oya at any time?

Yes!

9. Can I install my Oya if I already have an established garden?

Yes you can. For the Large Oya to bury, just make sure you are not severing the roots when digging the hole to place the Oya. We recommend removing the soil with your hands instead of using a shovel to be able to better feel the established roots. You can then gently move the roots aside to make space for your Oya.

10. Can I put fertilizer in my Oya?

We do not recommend putting fertilizer in the Oya as it hasn’t been designed for this purpose. However, you can put the fertilizer in the soil near the Oya, as you normally would.

11. Is there any special care needed for the Oya?

The great thing about Oyas is that they’re simple, low-maintenance systems with no special care. We do recommend gently cleaning the Oya once a year using a soft brush with a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water.