Wool as a mulch?

[boss_keloid]

Hi all

 

First post here! Couldn't find an answer to this anywhere so thought I'd ask opinions here. I am presently building a raised bog garden after having had a few tub/ planter style ones on the edge of a pond. My question is specifically around mulching over winter if I were to grow some of the more borderline hardiness plants in it (VFTs, Sarracenia psittacina etc.). I get a regular meat delivery and this is packaged with an insulating product called Woolcool (https://www.woolcool.com/food/whats-being-said/) and I was hoping someone might be able to tell if this would work to cover the bog? Its basically long sheets of natural wool in a biodegradable plastic liner. The sheets of wool can be removed from the plastic too if pure wool would be a better option.  I was thinking of keeping it slightly raised above the plants using a frame of some sort to give some airflow but for it to keep the worst of the frost etc. off? Any thoughts welcome and thanks for any advice!

 

Ben

Edited June 23, 2016 by boss_keloid

[billynomates666]

Hi Ben and welcome

 

I assume the wool must be washed and sterilised to use with food products, so wont contain the natural waterproofing of lanolin. The bags, as I understand it, have perforations in them so I would surmise that outside over winter, without a waterproofing, they will get wet and full of water and therefore heavy, probably collapsing or bowing down onto your plants (dependant on the frame works of course).

If you take the wool out of the bags then you will probably have the same problem with the wool agglomerating into a soggy mass not allowing airflow.

So yes it could be used, but it may not be ideal.

 

Cheers

Steve

[partisangardener]

Welcome Ben

You should keep in mind that wool is a source of a lot of nitrogenium, possibly turning your substrate into "good" soil for other plants.

 

But you could use it in the garden for other plants, above ground or buried. And even in pots as bottom layer for plants which need a constant flow of nitrogen.

I would certainly use it for my tomatoes, potatoes etc. and flowers.

Edited June 26, 2016 by partisangardener

[Carnivine]

Marvellous, I can supply wool if you need any, www.yarndeals.uk

[partisangardener]

The sending costs would probably exceed its worth as fertilizer. Usually there is nearly always some synthetic fiber in it. The colors are another problem.;)

[boss_keloid]

Hi all

 

Thanks for the replies. The wool is plastic coated, as in its in a plastic bag type cover, and i've used it as a ground cover in allotments before. It doesn't tend to become waterlogged easily as the plastic membrane, although breathable, seems to encourage run off. However, all points noted, I will reserve it for use in the allotment and general garden and continue as I do, using it as a ground cover then composting it when its past its best! So, as an alternative is plain old horticultural fleece safe to use? As already said I am looking to have it held above the plants on a framework but not much above them, a few inches, to allow airflow etc but still hopefully trap enough air to warm up the soil for the more delicate plants and to keep the worst of the frost off and encourage earlier growth. This would be removed and replaced with a much higher frame in the spring to allow netting to keep birds and my dogs off of the bog!

 

The main reason I was asking is because I get a meat order every month and usually get about 2-3 meter lengths of this stuff every time so quickly build up a decent amount of it!

 

Thanks again.

[Erynne]

Hi, 

jumping onto the back of this question, can anyone advise on the use of this sort of wool packaging as a mulch to cover potato shoots?

I would remove from the plastic first and hope that it may also keep slugs at bay. Has anyone experience in this sort of use?