It’s always fun, and sometimes
beneficial, to learn about ways to improve your gardening experience. One of
those that you may not be familiar with is using wool as mulch. If you’re
intrigued by the thought of using sheep’s wool for mulch, read on to learn
more.
Mulching with Wool
As with other mulch
we use in the garden, sheep’s wool retains moisture and stops weeds from
spouting. In the case of using sheep’s wool for mulch, it can also retain more
heat during cold winters. This keeps roots warmer and can help keep crops alive
past their normal growing point.
Online info says mulching with wool
in the vegetable garden can “increase production and plant viability against
pest damage.” Wool matts purchased commercially or woven together from
available wool, last approximately two years.
How to Use Wool in the Garden
Wool matts for mulch may need to be
cut before placement. Use a pair of heavy-duty shears to cut them into
appropriately sized strips. When using wool matts for mulch, the plant should
not be covered. Placement of the matts should allow for space around the plant
where it may be watered or fed with liquid fertilizer. Liquids may also be
poured directly onto the wool and allowed to seep through more slowly.
If using pelleted or granular
fertilizer, apply this into the bed before placing wool matts for mulch. If top
dressing with a layer of compost, this should also be applied prior to
placement of the matts.
Since the matts are commonly staked
to remain in place, it is difficult to remove them and could damage plants
nearby. Therefore, it’s often recommended that you cut holes in the matts and
plant through them when necessary.
Some gardeners have also used
actual pelts as mulch, and raw wool clippings from them, but as those are not
readily available, we have only covered using the wool matts here.
It’s always fun, and sometimes
beneficial, to learn about ways to improve your gardening experience. One of
those that you may not be familiar with is using wool as mulch. If you’re
intrigued by the thought of using sheep’s wool for mulch, read on to learn
more.
Mulching with Wool
As with other mulch
we use in the garden, sheep’s wool retains moisture and stops weeds from
spouting. In the case of using sheep’s wool for mulch, it can also retain more
heat during cold winters. This keeps roots warmer and can help keep crops alive
past their normal growing point.
Online info says mulching with wool
in the vegetable garden can “increase production and plant viability against
pest damage.” Wool matts purchased commercially or woven together from
available wool, last approximately two years.
How to Use Wool in the Garden
Wool matts for mulch may need to be
cut before placement. Use a pair of heavy-duty shears to cut them into
appropriately sized strips. When using wool matts for mulch, the plant should
not be covered. Placement of the matts should allow for space around the plant
where it may be watered or fed with liquid fertilizer. Liquids may also be
poured directly onto the wool and allowed to seep through more slowly.
If using pelleted or granular
fertilizer, apply this into the bed before placing wool matts for mulch. If top
dressing with a layer of compost, this should also be applied prior to
placement of the matts.
Since the matts are commonly staked
to remain in place, it is difficult to remove them and could damage plants
nearby. Therefore, it’s often recommended that you cut holes in the matts and
plant through them when necessary.
Some gardeners have also used
actual pelts as mulch, and raw wool clippings from them, but as those are not
readily available, we have only covered using the wool matts here.