Forget The Hacks! This is the One Natural, Biodegradable Material That Will Keep Pests Away from Your Plants For Good

Every gardener will know at least a few unconventional ways to keep pests away from their precious plants, and sheep wool is a brilliant example. It might not be front of mind when you think of ways to protect your yard, but this all-natural material can be a saving grace.

In fact, wool doesn't just deter pests; it can also serve as a fantastic fertilizer, and it even improves soil moisture. But if you're particularly keen to prevent slugs and snails from destroying your crops this spring, wool can solve that problem, too.

Providing a non-toxic and sustainable alternative to harsh pesticides, horticultural wool is a wonderfully versatile addition to your gardening toolkit. (And it couldn't be easier to find bags of sheep wool at retailers like Amazon.)

Can Wool Really Deter Garden Pests?

While we all know that wool is a brilliant source of insulation, it's also an unsung hero when it comes to creating a thriving, eco-friendly garden.

Many gardeners value wool as a natural, biodegradable resource, and it can be used for everything from mulching plants to starting seeds.

Crucially, however, its unique texture makes it a highly effective way to both get rid of slugs and get rid of snails in your yard.

'If you add wool to your garden, snails and slugs will not pass over it because there are little barbs in the fibers,' explains Bailey van Tassel, kitchen garden designer and author of Kitchen Garden Living. (You can check out Bailey's Tennessee greenhouse in our Potting Shed column.)

Thanks to these spiky fibers, wool acts as a natural pest control method: simply separate it into sections and tuck a thin layer around the base of your plants to deter snails and slugs from approaching the leaves.

This is particularly useful if you're thinking of growing low-lying fruits, or starting a vegetable garden; slugs and snails gravitate toward brassica plants like cabbages and cauliflower, so adding a layer of wool can keep your prized crops safe.

However, this isn't the only benefit: in spite of its coarse texture, wool is highly absorbent, making it ideal for improving soil moisture.

Even small amounts of wool can absorb plenty of water before releasing it slowly back into the soil, helping you to water your plants without lifting a finger. (If you're curious, you can always monitor water levels using a soil moisture meter, like this one from Walmart.)

'Wool itself creates porosity, so it's both adding air into the soil and holding water,' explains Bailey. 'Plus, it will fully decompose over about six months and release nitrogen, which helps to fertilize plants.' Wool pellets (which you can find at Amazon) are ideal for adding to soil, and you can even buy organic wool fertilizer, also from Amazon.

Of course, if you're looking for other natural approaches to pest control, planting is just as important – pest-repellent plants are a non-toxic and budget-friendly approach.

Lavender, alliums and rosemary are among the best slug-repellent plants you can choose, whether you add them to borders or incorporate them into a vegetable patch.

Meanwhile, bird feeders and bird baths are another priority; attracting birds to your garden will always help to keep pests at bay, as many bird species love to feast on slugs, snails, caterpillars and moths.

What to Shop

Wool is a brilliant way to deter pests and keep soil healthy, but you might be wondering: are snails and slugs actually good for your backyard? We asked experts to reveal all.

Love inspiring garden ideas, outdoor advice, and the latest news? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.