Wool for the Soil
- Caitlin Youngquist
- Apr 4
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Wool is a nutrient dense organic fertilizer for farms, gardens, and house plants. It has a fertilizer value similar to chicken manure but will not burn plants. While there is some variability based on the source of wool, the approximate fertilizer value is 9-0-5-2S.
The water holding capacity of wool is what makes it especially unique. Our research indicates that wool holds 4 times its weight in water. Adding wool to planting containers reduces watering frequency and provides a source of slow release organic nutrients.
Wool is 30-40% carbon. This is a lot of carbon! By comparison, our manure based compost is only about 15% carbon. Carbon provides the energy for soil microbes, and is the base for stable organic matter in the soil.
Wool does not need to be pelletized, but pellets are easier to handle and mix with soil.
Use Instructions:
Wool can be added to the soil anytime, but for best results, add wool in the fall to allow time for microbial decomposition.
Start with ~ 1/2 of a cup of wool pellets per gallon of soil for house plants and flower pots. This will help hold water and provide nutrients.
Place a few pellets or a little bit of raw fleece around the roots when transplanting, or in the trench with seeds when planting.
Incorporate pellets into garden soil and raised beds at a rate of ~ 1lb per 30 square feet.
Wool will also deter slugs and snails when spread on the surface of the soil.
Use wool as a mid-layer in sheet mulching.
Wool is very high in keratin. The use of keratin based soil amendments can protect plant health by feeding keratinolytic bacteria. These bacteria are antagonists to some plant pathogens.
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