7 Clever Ways to Use Wool in the Garden This Summer | Hortiwool

As summer temperatures rise, gardeners face new challenges, dry soil, thirsty plants, and rapid weed growth to name a few. But there’s a surprisingly versatile ally you might not have considered: wool. More specifically, Hortiwool Garden Pads, a sustainable, British wool-based solution designed to help your garden flourish, even in the heat of summer.

From water retention to mulching, here are seven clever and lesser-known ways you can start using wool in the garden this summer.

1. Drought-Proof Your Pots and Planters

Pots can dry out alarmingly fast in the sun. One of the easiest ways to retain moisture is to place a Hortiwool Garden Pad at the bottom of the container before adding compost. The wool holds water like a sponge. Reducing how often you need to water and protecting plants from stress during dry spells.

Tip: For larger pots, cut a pad to size or layer multiple pieces for deeper roots.

2. Mulch Smarter, Not Harder

Mulching is essential in the hot weather to keep soil temperatures down and reduce evaporation. Traditional mulches can compact or blow away, but Hortiwool Garden Pads offer a more robust solution. Simply lay them around the base of plants and cover with bark or compost if you prefer a more decorative finish. The wool helps regulate soil temperature, lock in moisture, and suppress weeds.

Bonus: As the pads break down over time, they release nutrients back into the soil. An added bonus for your plants.

3. Line Hanging Baskets for Better Water Retention

Hanging baskets are notoriously high maintenance in summer, needing water sometimes twice a day. Instead of using plastic liners, try using wool in the garden by cutting a Hortiwool Hanging Basket liner to fit the inside of your basket. It’ll hold water for longer, allowing your trailing blooms to thrive even on the hottest days.

This method is not only practical but plastic-free and biodegradable too.

4. Create a Cool Microclimate for Seedlings

New seedlings can struggle under intense summer sun. Use wool to your advantage by placing Hortiwool Garden Pads around seed trays or at the base of young plants to create a naturally cooler microclimate. The insulating properties of wool protect delicate roots from temperature extremes, helping your seedlings establish stronger root systems.

If you’re sowing directly outdoors, you can also place a pad loosely over the soil to act as a shade cloth during peak heat.

5. Improve Water Efficiency in Raised Beds

Raised beds can dry out quickly, especially in summer. When building or refreshing your raised beds, layer Hortiwool Garden Pads beneath the topsoil to act as a water reservoir. The wool will absorb excess moisture and release it gradually. Reducing the need for frequent watering and making your beds more resilient during heatwaves.

This method is particularly useful if you're going away on holiday, your garden will stay hydrated in your absence!

6. Protect Soil from Heat Damage

Soil quality suffers in extreme heat, losing structure and nutrients. Using wool in the garden as a protective barrier can make a big difference. Hortiwool Garden Pads laid over bare soil or between rows in your veg patch can reduce erosion, shield beneficial microbes, and help retain organic matter.

And because they slowly break down, they enrich the soil without disrupting your garden’s natural balance.

7. Repel Pests Naturally

Here’s a little-known benefit: wool can help deter pests like slugs and snails. The natural fibres of Hortiwool Garden Pads are coarse enough to irritate the soft underbellies of these garden invaders, making them think twice about crossing. Place strips around vulnerable plants like lettuce, hostas or strawberries.

This chemical-free method is safe for pets, children, and pollinators.

Why Choose Hortiwool Garden Pads this Summer?

Made from British wool and designed with sustainability in mind, Hortiwool Garden Pads are a plastic-free, compostable solution that work all year round, but they really shine in summer. Whether you’re watering less, mulching better, or protecting your plants from heat stress, these pads help you garden smarter.

So, if you’re looking to reduce water usage, boost plant health, and adopt more sustainable practices this season, it’s time to start using wool in the garden. 

Ready to try it yourself?

Visit our range to order your Hortiwool Garden Pads and transform your garden this summer.