How to use your eco-friendly capillary matting
Simply pop one of these round capillary mats between the base of your plant pots and the pot stand or saucer, then water your plants from the bottom to create a nourishing moisture reserve for plant roots to tap into as they need. Those finicky houseplants really should complain a little less! Alternatively, use as a wool plant pot liner at the bottom of your plant pot before adding soil to prevent soil from falling through the drainage hole. Our rounds of capillary matting can also be snipped to size where needed, making them versatile for all your indoor and outdoor plant parenting needs. Have other ideas? We’ve found they make comfortable bird nest liners too!
Why choose wool capillary matting?
The natural wool fibres can absorb up to 30% of their own weight in water before gradually releasing it back to the soil. Capillary matting made from wool is far more sustainable and better for the environment than plastic options out there. It’s a great way to retain moisture and offer potted plants a constant, even supply of water directly to the roots, keeping your plants hydrated for longer between waterings. Bottom watering like this acts as a self-watering system that also promotes better root growth and development in the pot. It also creates a good humid environment for your plants to thrive. The breathable material boasts antibacterial properties, allowing for healthy air circulation and prevention of root rot and waterlogging.
Benefits of wool plant pot liners
When used as plant pot liners, they insulate delicate roots from temperature fluctuations in the environment, especially useful for plants outdoors that are susceptible to the cold snaps British weather likes to throw at us. What’s more, the natural fibres slowly release essential nutrients such as nitrogen, sulphur and magnesium into the soil for growing plants to uptake. So your plants not only benefit from improved moisture retention and soil aeration but also a natural fertiliser as well! As an added bonus, you can use these round capillary mats inside the pots as well to prevent potting mix falling through drainage holes, making repotting far less messy! No more soil scattered across the kitchen floor or garden patio. The tight weave of the wool mats could also block pesky slugs and creepy crawlies from slithering in through the bottom of pots. Genius! If you like the sound of these benefits of wool for growing and planting, take a look at our natural gardening products for sheep wool garden felt, mulch shillies, or raw Herdwick sheep wool.
What makes natural wool capillary mats better for the environment?
Capillary matting made from pure sheep wool is 100% natural, compostable and biodegradable. Oh, and totally plastic free! Wool is a naturally renewable material, making these natural capillary mats an effective and sustainable option for avid gardeners and passionate plant parents out there. This wool capillary matting doesn’t contribute to plastic pollution or clog up landfills. In fact, wool naturally decomposes in months in comparison to centuries for plastic to break down. Producing 1 tonne of plastic generates 2.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide along with other toxic petrochemicals which are released into the air and water. What’s worse is that 12 million tonnes of plastic ends up in our oceans every year. So by making a small switch to more sustainable, plastic-free products like these wool capillary mats, you help fight our planet’s plastic problem.
