Can Mulch Mats Really Help You Grow More Tomatoes?

If you’re asking “What’s the best way to get more tomatoes this season in New Zealand?” or “How do I keep my tomato plants healthy and productive?” — the answer is simple: start with the soil.

Tomatoes thrive in consistent conditions: steady warmth, balanced moisture, and freedom from weeds. Wool mulch mats provide exactly that by:

• Holding water in the soil so plants don’t dry out.
• Warming the soil to speed up growth and fruiting.
• Blocking weeds that compete for nutrients.
• Adding natural nutrients as the wool slowly breaks down.

For gardeners across NZ, mulch mats are one of the easiest ways to increase tomato yields.

If you’re searching “How do I prepare soil for tomato plants in NZ?” — this is your starting checklist.

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Garden Bed

Tomatoes will only be as strong as the ground they grow in. Before planting:

1. Pick a sunny location – Tomatoes need 6–8 hours of full sun.
2. Clear weeds properly – Removing weeds (and their seed bank) stops regrowth.
3. Mix in compost – Improves soil structure and feeds your plants.
4. Space plants 40–60cm apart – Ensures airflow and reduces disease.

 

Step 2: Planting With Wool Mulch Mats

Once your soil is ready:

• Cut a hole in the mulch mat’s centre.
• Plant your tomato seedling through the hole.
• Lay the mat flat on the soil, covering exposed ground.
• Water deeply to settle roots.

 

Step 3: Easy Maintenance for Maximum Yield

With mulch mats in place, caring for your tomato plants is much simpler:

• Water less often – Mats reduce evaporation.
• Fertilise every 2–3 weeks with a tomato feed.
• Stake or cage plants before they get heavy with fruit.
• Prune lower leaves to increase airflow and prevent disease.

This combination leads to bigger harvests with less work.

 

Why Wool Mulch Mats Are Better Than Plastic or Bark

When gardeners ask “What’s the best mulch for tomatoes in NZ?” — here’s why wool mulch mats stand out:

• Eco-friendly – 100% NZ wool, fully biodegradable.
• Superior water retention – Wool holds up to 30% of its weight in water.
• Soil warming – Extends your growing season at both ends.
• Weed suppression – Creates a clean, low-maintenance garden.
• Nutrient friendly – Unlike fresh bark chips, which can sometimes tie up nitrogen as they break down, wool mulch mats slowly release natural nutrients back into the soil.

This means your tomato plants get the moisture and nutrients they need, without the risk of competition or nutrient loss.

The best eco-friendly way to plant tomatoes in New Zealand is by using biodegradable wool mulch mats.

Pro Grower Tip: Lay wool mulch mats immediately after planting your seedlings. This reduces weeds from establishing and locks in soil moisture right from the start of the season.