Wool Mulch and Weed Matting: A Natural Way to Protect Your Garden

After a warmer winter, many Australian gardens are beginning to wake up earlier than expected. New growth is appearing, the soil is starting to warm and, unfortunately, the weeds are not wasting any time either.

Now is a good time to prepare garden beds before spring growth really takes off. Planket Wool Mulch and Weed Matting offers gardeners a natural way to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture and protect the soil without installing plastic weed matting that may eventually need to be removed.

What is wool mulch and weed matting?

Planket is a biodegradable mulch and weed mat made from 100% Australian coarse crossbred wool.

It is laid across the soil in much the same way as conventional weed matting. The difference is that wool is a natural fibre. Rather than leaving plastic behind in the garden, Planket gradually breaks down and becomes part of the soil.

The wool mat creates a physical barrier over the soil, limiting the light available to emerging weeds. This helps reduce weed growth around trees, shrubs, vegetables and flowering plants while leaving the gardener with less pulling, spraying and ongoing maintenance.

How does wool matting help the soil?

Covering exposed soil is one of the simplest ways to protect it. Bare soil can lose moisture quickly, become hotter during warm weather and be more vulnerable to erosion caused by wind or heavy rain.

Wool can hold up to 33 per cent of its own weight in water. When Planket is laid over a garden bed, it helps reduce moisture loss from the soil and keeps water closer to the root zone.

This does not mean that plants will never need watering. Instead, wool mulch helps the soil make better use of rainfall and irrigation by slowing evaporation from the surface.

The wool also provides insulation. It helps protect the soil from sudden temperature changes, keeping the root zone cooler during warmer conditions and offering additional protection during cold weather.

What happens as Planket breaks down?

Unlike synthetic weed matting, Planket is designed to biodegrade.

As the wool slowly breaks down, it returns organic matter and naturally occurring nutrients to the soil. These include nitrogen, potassium, sulphur and carbon.

The decomposition process is gradual. Depending on the climate, moisture levels, soil activity and how the mat is installed, Planket can provide weed suppression for approximately 8 to 12 months and may take around 8 to 18 months to fully break down.

This makes it suitable for gardeners who want effective weed control without committing to permanent plastic matting.

Where can Planket Wool Mulch Mats be used?

Wool mulch and weed matting can be used around fruit trees, native plants, roses, shrubs, vegetables and flowers. It also works well in raised garden beds, orchards, vineyards, revegetation projects and larger landscaping areas.

The roll can be cut to suit the shape of the garden or planting area. For existing plants, cut the mat so it can be fitted around the base while leaving a little breathing space around the stem or trunk.

For new plantings, lay the wool mat over the prepared soil and cut a cross where each plant will go. The corners can then be folded back, the seedling planted and the wool placed around it.

How should wool weed matting be installed?

Begin by removing established weeds and preparing the soil. Watering the area before installation can help ensure there is moisture beneath the mat from the beginning.

Measure the space, cut the Planket with sharp scissors or garden shears and lay it flat across the soil. Secure it well with garden pins, landscape staples, rocks or another suitable anchor, particularly around the edges.

Planket can be left visible or covered with bark, straw, gravel or another decorative mulch. Covering it can help hold the mat firmly against the soil while creating a more traditional finished appearance.

A plastic-free choice for Australian gardens

Planket Wool Mulch and Weed Matting is more than a cover placed over the soil. It helps suppress weeds, retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and protect the ground while gradually returning organic material to the garden.

It also creates a practical new use for coarse crossbred wool grown by Australian farmers.

For dimensions, application instructions and current availability, view Planket Wool Mulch and Weed Matting from WoolGrow Australia.

Protect, nourish and help your garden thrive with wool.