FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is WoolGrow Australia?

WoolGrow Australia transforms coarse crossbred Australian wool into practical products for gardens and growing systems. Our range includes Wool Pellets, Planket Mulch Mats, Planket Pots and Wooliner hanging basket liners.

Our products are designed to help improve soil health, retain moisture and reduce reliance on synthetic or plastic-based garden products.

2. Where are WoolGrow products made?

WoolGrow products are made using Australian wool, with our Wool Pellets manufactured on farm in Victoria.

We are proud to create practical new uses for coarse crossbred wool that has traditionally been overlooked by the wider wool industry.

3. Are Wool Pellets made from sheep manure?

No. Wool Pellets are made from sheep wool, not sheep manure.

The wool is processed and compressed into small pellets that can be added directly to soil. They may come from a sheep, but definitely not from that end of the sheep.

4. What type of wool do you use?

We use coarse crossbred wool sourced from Australian prime lamb production systems.

This wool is often less suited to traditional clothing markets, but its natural properties make it highly valuable for soil, gardens and growing systems.

5. What do Wool Pellets do?

Wool Pellets act as both a slow-release fertiliser and a soil conditioner.

As they break down, they release nutrients into the soil while also helping to improve soil structure, retain moisture, support microbial activity and create air spaces around plant roots.

6. What is the NPK of Wool Pellets?

Wool Pellets have an approximate NPK of 10-0-5.

They are naturally high in nitrogen and also contain potassium and sulphur. Because wool breaks down gradually, the nutrients are released slowly rather than all at once.

7. How do I use Wool Pellets?

For new gardens or pots, mix the pellets through the top 5 to 10 centimetres of soil before planting.

For established plants, scatter a small amount around the base of the plant, lightly fork them into the soil and water well.

Wool Pellets can also be placed into the planting hole beneath new plants. For the best results, cover the pellets with soil or mulch and water them in.

8. How much area will Wool Pellets cover?

As a general guide, 1 kilogram of Wool Pellets will treat up to 25 square metres of garden.

The amount required may vary depending on the soil, plant type and growing conditions. A small amount can also be used in pots, raised garden beds or individual planting holes.

9. How long do Wool Pellets take to break down?

Wool Pellets generally break down over approximately 6 to 12 months.

The exact time will depend on soil moisture, temperature, microbial activity and how deeply the pellets are mixed into the soil.

10. Do Wool Pellets help retain water?

Yes. Wool can hold up to approximately three times its own weight in water.

As the pellets absorb moisture, they swell and help keep water within the root zone. This can be particularly helpful in pots, raised beds and soils that dry out quickly.

Wool Pellets do not replace regular watering, but they can help the soil retain moisture for longer.

11. Do Wool Pellets deter slugs and snails?

Wool Pellets can be used as a surface barrier around plants to help deter slugs and snails.

The rough wool fibres create a surface that slugs and snails generally prefer not to travel across. For this purpose, apply the pellets in a continuous ring around the plant and replace or refresh the barrier as required.

Results may vary depending on weather conditions and the level of slug or snail pressure.

12. Are Wool Pellets safe to use around children and pets?

Wool Pellets are made from natural wool, but they are not intended to be eaten.

Always water the pellets in after application and store unused product in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and animals. Pets may occasionally be attracted to the natural smell of wool, particularly when the bag is first opened.

13. Will WoolGrow products introduce weed seeds into my garden?

The wool used in our products is processed before manufacture.

Wool Pellets are also exposed to heat and pressure during production. Biosecurity is extremely important to us, and we take care to avoid using heavily contaminated or unsuitable wool in our products.

Our Planket products have been washed and carbonised (heated to a point that the vegetable matter turns to carbon) so we are just left with pure wool and NO seeds

14. What are Planket Mulch Mats?

Planket Mulch Mats are biodegradable wool mulch products designed to sit on top of the soil.

They help suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature and protect the soil surface. As the wool gradually breaks down, it returns nutrients and organic matter to the soil.

Planket Mulch Mats can be used in vegetable gardens, garden beds, orchards, vineyards, landscaping projects and around newly planted trees and shrubs.

15. Can Planket Pots be planted directly into the ground?

Yes. Planket Pots are designed to be planted directly into the soil with the plant still inside.

Fill the pot approximately three-quarters full, plant your seed or seedling and water as normal. Once roots begin to show through the wool, plant the entire pot into the garden.

The pot will naturally break down below the soil, helping reduce transplant shock and avoiding the need to remove the plant from its container.

16. Are Wool Pellets an organic fertiliser?

Wool Pellets are a natural, biodegradable fertiliser and soil conditioner made from 100% Australian wool.

Wool is naturally rich in nitrogen and gradually releases nutrients as it breaks down in the soil. Unlike fast-release synthetic fertilisers, Wool Pellets feed the soil slowly while also helping improve soil structure and moisture retention.

If you are operating under a certified organic growing system, we recommend checking the requirements of your individual certification body before use.

17. Can I use Wool Pellets in a vegetable garden?

Yes. Wool Pellets can be used around vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, flowers and other garden plants.

They are particularly useful for plants that benefit from a steady supply of nitrogen, including leafy vegetables. Because Wool Pellets have very little phosphorus, they may be used alongside other soil inputs where additional phosphorus is required.

Mix the pellets into the soil before planting or lightly work them into the soil around established plants. Always water them in after application.

18. Can I use Wool Pellets in pots, raised garden beds and indoor plants?

Yes. Wool Pellets can be used in pots, planters, raised garden beds, hanging baskets and indoor plants.

Mix a small amount through the potting mix rather than leaving all the pellets sitting on the surface. Once watered, the pellets expand as they absorb moisture, so a little goes further than you may expect.

For indoor plants, use the pellets sparingly, cover them with potting mix and avoid overwatering.

19. How often should I apply Wool Pellets?

Wool Pellets generally only need to be applied once or twice a year because they gradually break down and release nutrients over approximately 6 to 12 months.

How often you need to reapply them will depend on the plant, soil conditions, rainfall, watering and the amount originally used.

For annual vegetables, Wool Pellets can be mixed into the soil when preparing the garden bed. For established plants, they can be reapplied when preparing for the next growing season.

20. Where can I buy wool pellets in Australia?

Aussie Wool Pellets can be purchased directly from WoolGrow Australia through our online store.

They are also available through a growing number of independent nurseries and garden retailers across Australia. Visit our Stockists page to find your nearest retailer or contact us if you would like help locating a stockist.

Wholesale enquiries from nurseries, garden centres, growers and other retailers are also welcome.

21. Does wool weed matting work?

Planket Wool Mulch and Weed Matting helps suppress weeds by blocking the light they need to grow.

For the best results, remove existing weeds before laying the matting and make sure the edges and joins are secured. Some persistent weeds may still appear around planting holes, joins or edges, but they are generally much easier to manage.

No weed matting can guarantee a completely weed-free garden forever, but Planket can significantly reduce weed growth and the time spent weeding.

22. How do you lay wool weed matting?

Begin by removing existing weeds and preparing the soil. Water the area before installation if the soil is dry.

Lay the Planket directly over the soil, allowing the edges to overlap slightly where separate pieces meet. Cut a small cross or slit where plants will be positioned, then carefully place the matting around the base of each plant.

Secure the matting with garden pins or pegs, particularly around the edges and in exposed or windy areas. Pre-soaking the wool can make it easier to shape around plants and garden beds.

23. How long does wool weed matting last?

Planket Wool Mulch and Weed Matting generally provides weed suppression for approximately 10 to 18 months and biodegrades over approximately 18 to 24 months.

The exact lifespan will depend on rainfall, watering, soil activity, temperature, how the matting is installed and whether it is covered with another mulch.

As it breaks down, the wool returns organic matter and naturally occurring nutrients to the soil, so there is no plastic matting to remove and dispose of later.

There is no need to pull the matting up at the end of its useful life. It is designed to continue breaking down naturally into the soil.

24. Does water pass through wool weed matting?

Yes. Planket Wool Mulch and Weed Matting allows rain and irrigation to reach the soil beneath it.

The wool also absorbs moisture and helps reduce evaporation from the soil surface. This keeps moisture closer to the plant roots and may help reduce how quickly the garden dries out between watering.

When first installed, water the matting thoroughly so it settles against the soil and begins absorbing moisture. 

25. Wool weed matting vs plastic weed matting: what is the difference?

Planket Wool Mulch and Weed Matting is made from natural, biodegradable Australian wool. It suppresses weeds while helping retain moisture, protect the soil surface and return organic matter and nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.

Many conventional weed mats are made from polypropylene or other synthetic materials. These products do not naturally feed the soil and may eventually need to be pulled up and disposed of.

Planket is designed to perform its job and then naturally biodegrade, leaving no plastic weed matting behind in the garden.

26. Is wool mulch suitable for Australian conditions?

Yes. Planket Wool Mulch and Weed Matting is made in Australia from Australian wool and designed for use in Australian gardens, orchards, vineyards and landscaping projects.

The wool helps protect the soil surface, retain moisture and moderate soil temperature during hot and dry conditions. It can also protect soil from heavy rainfall and reduce erosion on exposed ground.

How quickly the wool breaks down will vary depending on rainfall, irrigation, temperature, soil activity and whether it is covered with another mulch.

27. Will wool mulch attract pests, birds or animals?

Planket Wool Mulch and Weed Matting is not designed to attract pests. However, because wool is a natural fibre, curious birds or animals may occasionally investigate loose fibres or unsecured edges when it is first installed.

Peg the matting down securely, overlap joins and make sure there are no loose edges. In areas with persistent bird or animal activity, covering the Planket with a light layer of bark mulch, straw or compost may help keep it securely in place.

28. Can I plant through wool mulch and weed matting?

Yes. You can plant seedlings, vegetables, flowers, shrubs and other plants directly through Planket Wool Mulch and Weed Matting.

Cut a small cross where the plant will be positioned, fold the cut edges back and plant through the opening. After planting, return the wool around the plant and secure it where necessary.

Avoid wrapping the matting tightly around delicate stems or tree trunks. Leave enough room for the plant to grow and for air to circulate.

29. Can Planket Wool Mulch be used under bark mulch or on its own?

Yes. Planket can be laid directly over the soil and used on its own, or it can be covered with bark, straw, wood chips, compost or another natural mulch.

Adding a covering mulch can help hold the wool in place, protect it from wind and give the garden a more traditional finished appearance.

Planket can also be used as part of a no-dig garden bed. Because it is designed to biodegrade, it should not be treated as a permanent landscape fabric beneath gravel or other permanent surfaces.

30. Which Planket Wool Mulch Mat or roll should I choose?

The best option will depend on the size of the area, how long you need weed suppression and whether the wool will be covered with another mulch.

Planket LITE is suited to shorter-term or seasonal applications and can be used beneath another layer of mulch.

The standard 5 metre Planket roll is suited to home gardens, vegetable beds, raised planters and around trees and shrubs.

Check the individual product pages for current roll dimensions, thicknesses and availability, or contact WoolGrow Australia for help choosing the most suitable option.