Woolcool Blog

From Box to Border: Reusing Woolcool in the Garden

Written by Georgie Wildgoose | January 26, 26



Sustainability doesn’t have to stop once a product has fulfilled its original purpose. At Woolcool, we believe in designing materials with a circular life in mind and wool is a prime example of how natural resources can continue to deliver value long after first use.

Wool’s versatility, biodegradability and nutrient-rich composition make it an excellent material for creative DIY garden projects.

By reusing Woolcool for garden use, you can extend its life, reduce waste, and ultimately return valuable nutrients back to the soil. From plant protection to garden furniture cushions, wool offers practical solutions that support both plants and the planet.

Wool in the Garden: A Natural Fit

Wool is a natural fibre rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and sulphur. When used in the garden, wool slowly breaks down, releasing these nutrients into the soil over time. This gradual release supports healthy plant growth while improving soil structure and moisture retention.

This same principle underpins Woolcool’s approach to insulation, using natural wool fibres that perform exceptionally well during use and offer a lower-impact end-of-life pathway. When wool reaches the end of its usable life, it doesn’t become waste; instead, it can be repurposed, composted, or returned to the soil.

1. Plant Protectors with Added Soil Benefits

Wool’s insulating and breathable properties make it ideal for protecting plants from temperature fluctuations, wind and light frost. Unlike synthetic alternatives, wool allows air and moisture to pass through while providing gentle warmth.

How to do it:

  • Cut Woolcool into strips or panels.

  • Wrap loosely around the base of plants or drape over vulnerable seedlings.

  • Secure with biodegradable twine if needed.

Over time, the wool will slowly decompose, releasing nutrients that benefit root development and soil health, a natural extension of wool’s value beyond its initial use.

2. DIY Kneeling Pads Using Repurposed Wool

Gardening can be hard on the knees, particularly in colder or damp conditions. Woolcool provides excellent cushioning and insulation, making it ideal for homemade kneeling pads.

How to do it:

  • Fold layers of Woolcool into a thick pad.

  • Stitch or felt the layers together to hold their shape.

  • Place inside a removable outer cover for durability.

Even once these kneeling pads reach the end of their life, the wool filling can be reused again, or ultimately composted, reinforcing the circular nature of the material.

3. Garden Furniture Cushions

Wool can also be reused to create cushions for garden furniture, adding comfort while reducing the need for new foam or synthetic fillings.

This approach extends the lifespan of wool through multiple uses, aligning closely with Woolcool’s commitment to maximising performance while minimising waste.

4. Decorative and Wildlife-Friendly Uses

Wool can also be repurposed into decorative and wildlife-supporting garden features, including:

  • Felted garlands or ornaments for fences and pergolas

  • Wool strips provided as nesting material for birds

  • Felted liners for planters to insulate roots

The wildlife in your garden will thank you for using natural materials that they can in turn use for nesting, perfect all year round, but especially during winter months so little garden visitors can stay warm.

5. Wool as Mulch and Soil Enhancer

One of the most impactful garden uses for wool is as a natural mulch. Spread small pieces of wool around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. As the wool composts, it slowly releases nutrients into the soil, improving fertility and supporting long-term plant health.

Closing the Loop with Wool

Reusing wool in the garden is a practical demonstration of circular thinking in action. It shows how materials can be reused, repurposed and ultimately returned to nature without harm. Whether used as plant protection, seating cushions, mulch or decorative elements, wool continues to add value at every stage.

At Woolcool, this philosophy is embedded in everything we do, from creating high-performance insulation solutions for packaging to championing responsible end-of-life outcomes.

By rethinking how we use and reuse natural materials like wool, we can all take small but meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future.

Have you reused your wool in the garden? We would love to see how - send your pictures to the following email - sales@woolcool.com and we can share these on our social media pages.

Need more wool for your garden?


If you’re inspired to do more with wool in your outdoor space, you can purchase additional garden-friendly wool products through our sister company, Hortiwool.

Designed specifically for gardening use, Hortiwool wool solutions help protect plants, improve soil health, and support sustainable growing, making it even easier to put circular thinking into practice in your garden.