How to Use Wool As Mulch

Sheep's wool makes an excellent mulch.

Wool is usually used to keep people warm by providing clothes and bedding. It is a natural fiber from animals like sheep and alpaca. Wool can also be used to keep plants warm. This wool is a commercial preparation of low-quality, short-stranded wool that is sometimes mixed with wood shavings. It works as a mulch to keep the soil warm and is effective as weed control. Water runs through the wool to roots. After use, the wool is tilled in to the earth where it finishes decomposing. The biggest drawback with using wool is the cost, but it lasts for about two years.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Wool sheet (single or double ply)
• Scissors

1. Lay the wool mulch sheet or strip around the base of established plants so it covers the surrounding ground. This works around large, individual plants or rows of smaller plants and vegetables. This method has been used successfully between rows of strawberries.

2. Cut a slit in the wool mat and insert a seedling through it before planting. Plant as usual and settle the wool so it covers the surrounding soil.

3. Cut the wool to fit containers for outdoor growing. Make a slit so you can slide it around the plants or cut a hole to insert a seedling.

References

• University of Minnesota: Bio-based Weed Control in Strawberries; Emily Hoover
• AURI; Mulch Makeover; E.M. Morrison; October 2004
• USDA: Wool Gaining Favor Outside of Apparel Industry; Jacqueline Salsgiver; September 1996
• Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers: Woolch
• Gardening Info Zone: Controlling Weeds

Resources

• University of Minnesota: Research in Using Wool Mulch