Don't get fleeced: Expert gardener reveals a cheap product that can rescue your Spring gardens
An expert gardener advises on a secret hack to save and protect British gardeners' plants this spring, after a long, wet winter.
With spring fast approaching, gardeners across the UK are preparing their outdoor spaces for the season ahead and the sunny months to come. While this brings with it several challenges for gardeners, such as unpredictable weather, undesirable soil conditions, and emerging pests, an expert has revealed a secret hack.
An expert gardener from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, has revealed one of the tried and tested gardeners' products to tackle these challenges - and it may surprise you. Sheep wool is a multipurpose natural material that is an all-in-one solution, acting as a sustainable fertiliser, biodegradable mulch, soil conditioner and slug deterrent.
This affordable and practical solution for gardeners averages around £10-£12 for a full fleece of raw sheep's wool, and for half, around £6. It can be purchased online in a wide range of places, or you can even ask a local farmer. You can also buy it in pellet form, should you wish to make an easy switch from slug pellets.
Ellen Fletcher, an expert gardener from MyBuilder.com, said that more gardeners are turning to natural, cost-effective solutions like sheep's wool to give their plants the best possible start to spring.
"Spring is here, and millions of gardeners are getting ready to roll up their sleeves and get to planting for the summer season. An issue for many is slugs and snails, but wool has the ability to act as a barrier, which copper tape, egg shells, and coffee grains aren't able to do. The lanolin in the wool keeps them away, making it a simple and natural way to protect plants.
"Sheep's wool isn't just cost-effective, it serves a variety of purposes in the garden, since it decomposes and releases its natural benefits over time. It's also an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic products and fits in perfectly with the growing demand for greener gardening methods."
Here's the MyBuilder.com expert list of the multiple functions sheep's wool performs:
Fertiliser
Sheep's wool acts as a slow-releasing natural fertiliser by gradually breaking down the soil. As it decomposes, it releases valuable nutrients which all contribute to the plant's healthy growth. Due to its slow breakdown, it provides a steady intake of nutrients over time, not a quick burst, reducing the risk of the plant being overfed.
Mulch
A natural mulch that, when put around plants, suppresses weeds due to protection from sunlight, making them unable to germinate, while also acting as the only effective natural barrier that deters pests such as snails and slugs due to the lanolin in the wool.
Regulates
Sheep's wool has great insulating properties, allowing it to regulate the soil temperature throughout the whole year. In the colder months, it retains warmth in the soil, protecting the plants from frost damage. In the summer, it stops the plants and soil from overheating. Due to its regulating functions, it creates healthier roots and plant growth.
Soil Structure
Fibres from the wool improve soil structure and increase soil porosity and aeration, allowing air and water to move freely through the soil. Improved aeration supports beneficial microorganisms and earthworms, both of which contribute to the overall soil health.
Water management
Wool acts as a sponge, retaining a large amount of water, keeping plants hydrated as it slowly releases this stored moisture back to the plant root during dry periods, helping maintain consistent hydration. Reduces the need for frequent watering and improves plant resistance during hot weather conditions.
