ewetilizer wool products

We offer shredded and pelletized wool for individual or larger-scale use. Please contact us if you are interested in purchasing pellets or would like to carry them in your store.
​
Read research on how wool and wool pellets have been used for farming and gardening to help improve the soil.

USING WOOL PELLETS (Live Plants)


Wool pellets are still being researched and fine-tuned in their uses. We do our own experimentation in different soil and plant settings to optimize our instructions for you. We would love to hear what you've learned from your own use of wool pellets.

Wool pellets can be used at the bottom of a planting hole, mixed into the soil, or used as mulch around the base of a plant. They can be used in-ground or in pots. Depending on soil conditions, weather, and the reason for using the pellets, re-application may be necessary during a growing season.

Keep in mind that the benefits of wool pellets will also help you determine if you need more or less for your use-case, based on those benefits. Wool pellets slow-release nitrogen back into the soil. They can also help improve soil structure and aeration in compacted or sandy soils. They increase water retention and reduce irrigation needs. As mulch, they are biodegradable, help suppress weeds, and provide some pest control. They naturally biodegrade in about six months, and encourage microbial activity and long-term soil health.

POTTING PLANTS IN POTS
For use in pots, we recommend using 1/2 C of wool pellets per gallon of soil. If you feel you will need more moisture retention or other benefits from the pellets, you could increase the amount per gallon to 1 C if desired. If you're not sure how much soil you are using, here is a basic rule-of-thumb guide:
  • 5-6" pot = 1 qt soil = 1/4 C pellets
  • 7-8" pot = 1 gal soil = 1/2 C pellets
  • 12" pot = 5 gal soil = 2.5 C pellets
  • 18" pot = 15 gal soil = 7.5 C pellets
Remember, this is a suggested use. You may need to adjust to account for your unique planting situation or the types of plants in the pot.

If your plant is already established in the pot, you can sprinkle pellets around the plant across the surface of the soil and either leave them as mulch or push them into the soil.

FOR USE IN THE GARDEN AND TREES
There are three different methods for using wool pellets.

1. Mixed into the soil. Before you begin planting, mix the wool pellets into the top of the soil, between 3 to 6 inches in depth. As to how much to use, consider the following:
  • Some recommend about 1 pound per square foot if you are planting in the ground or a large pot or container.
  • You may also use the recommendations above for potted gardening, with your in-ground gardening, with 1/2 C pellets per gallon of soil. Some users recommend 1C per gallon, so you may want to experiment.
  • When planting bare-root trees, estimate the amount of backfill soil and use pellets according to that amount. You can also sprinkle them directly into the planting hole if that's easier (see #2).

Wool pellets can be added to the soil as mulch or worked into the upper soil levels in future years, as long as care is taken not to disturb the roots.​

2. Placed in the planting hole. Instead of mixing into the soil, there are instances you may want to add wool pellets directly into the bottom of the hole (about 1/4 cup for trees) before you place your plant. This may help add an extra layer of moisture and nutrients directly to the plant's roots. For trees, this method is optimal for the initial planting. Add the pellets to the planting hole, then plant your tree. 

Reapply biannually as a mulch to maintain soil support and benefits.

3. Mulch after planting. Once you have finished planting, you may want to mulch around the plant or tree with a thin layer of wool pellets to help retain moisture and ward off pests and weeds. A radius of about 6 inches around the plant or tree is ideal, particularly when dealing with slugs or when aiming to improve moisture retention. Around established trees, mix 1 lb per 10 square feet into the top 3–6 inches of soil. For mulch ring application, spread within a 6-inch radius around the base.

Reapply biannually for continued soil support and mulch benefits.

FOR USE WITH SEEDS​
​You can use wool pellets when starting your plants from seeds. Instead of using them as-is, we recommend that you mix one part pellets with one part hot water to loosen them up and swell open a bit. Mix that with four parts sifted potting soil. Do not use soil that contains peat or additional nitrogen. Once the soil and wool pellet mixture is well-mixed, add a bit more water if needed for the right planting consistency. Remember, however, that pellets hold water, so you may need to adjust your regular watering schedule to keep your seedlings from being over-watered.

FOR LARGER APPLICATIONS
Wool pellets can be applied to larger grow situations.
  • Tree Rows / Shelterbelts: 400–800 lbs per acre, depending on spacing.
  • Reforestation Projects: 500–1,000 lbs/acre based on soil conditions.
  • Soil Amendment Incorporation (broad application): 800–1,500 lbs per acre.
 

Additional Research:

South Dakota Specialty Products: Using wool as a soil amendment