Function & Structure
The principle - irrigation reimagined
tontau is based on a proven, centuries-old method:
A vessel made of low-fired clay is filled with water. Its porous structure allows the water to be released slowly and evenly. Embedded in the soil, tontau supplies the surrounding plants with exactly the right amount of water in a natural and efficient way.
Advantages of the method
- Simple & electricity-free: No technology, no electricity, no effort.
- Water-saving: Reduces water consumption by up to 70%.
- Plant-friendly: Automatically adapts to the plants' water requirements.
- Weed prevention: The water only reaches the plant roots, so the surface remains dry.
The challenges with traditional clay pots or ollas
Traditional clay pots have weaknesses:
- They need to be refilled frequently.
- They are fragile.
The solution: tontau
tontau perfects this technique:
Robust, efficient, and easy to use - without losing the advantages of the traditional method. Sustainable irrigation has never been so easy.
Water distribution – How the soil affects irrigation
The efficiency of your tontau depends largely on the soil. Depending on the soil type, the water is distributed differently in width and depth. To ensure even irrigation, we recommend calculating an irrigation radius of 30 cm. This will give your plants optimal hydration – regardless of minor soil differences.
How water is distributed in the soil
- Sandy soil: Water flows quickly into the depths, minimal lateral distribution (approx. 20 cm radius).
- Sandy loam soil: Retains water better, distribution up to approx. 30 cm radius.
- Sandy clay loam soil: Optimal water storage, widest distribution up to 45 cm radius.

tontau - irrigation reimagined
tontau optimizes traditional irrigation: strengths remain, weaknesses disappear. The result? A sustainable, efficient, and flexible system, perfectly tailored to your needs. What makes tontau better:
A. Perfect water permeability
The specially fired clay ensures ideal water release:
- Supply according to demand – your plants receive exactly the amount of water they need, even on hot days.
- Efficient water flow – no clogging, no waterlogging – tontau distributes the water evenly.
B. Durable and robust
tontau is more robust than conventional clay pots:
- Well-thought-out shape and material thickness – withstands mechanical stress in the garden.
- Designed for a long service life – designed for continuous use even under difficult conditions.
C. Continuous water supply
tontau does not need to be refilled constantly:
- Flexible connection – works with any water reservoir or rain barrel (1/2“ or 3/4” hose).
- Worry-free watering – automatic, demand-based water supply without manual refilling.
D. Larger surface area for maximum efficiency
The grooved structure of tontau also makes a difference:
- Faster water absorption - larger contact area for even water distribution.
- Effective in any soil - Even in denser soils, tontau prevents waterlogging and ensures optimal hydration.
E. Easy installation – Plug & Play
tontau can be installed in just a few steps, no experience necessary:
- Connect the hose, place tontaus – done!
- Also includes accessories in sets of 10: T-pieces, hose clamps - everything you need.
F. Sustainably designed
tontau saves water and uses environmentally friendly materials:
- Resource-saving clay - Low-fired, natural material.
- Up to 70% water savings - Through targeted watering directly at the roots

