Shopper unearths one strange discovery in her gardening products. Is it a normal sight?
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Gardening is a beloved pastime for many Australians, especially for those who find joy and relaxation in nurturing plants.
It's a fantastic way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and even grow some fresh produce for the dinner table.
Sometimes, green-thumbed pursuits could lead to surprises, as one shopper recently discovered.
The anonymous gardening enthusiast shared her experience after purchasing an item from Bunnings.
She had purchased a bag of Scotts Osmocote native premium potting mix from the DIY and gardening shop.
Yet, upon opening the bag, she was greeted not by the rich, dark soil she expected.
She saw an unusual growth that spread throughout the potting mix.
She then took her concerns to social media.
'I bought Osmocote premium potting mix from Bunnings, and I just opened it, and it looks mouldy,' she prefaced.
'Has anyone had this happen to them?'
The post quickly garnered attention from fellow gardening enthusiasts.
As a precaution, some suggested that she should return the product for a refund.
However, others chimed in with a different perspective.
These gardeners pointed out that a bit of mould in the potting mix was not a bad sign.
'You want your soil to be alive. This is good,' one commenter explained.
The comment further explained that healthy soil should be teeming with life, including micro-organisms that could sometimes manifest as mould.
As a response to the gardener's find, Bunnings confirmed that the presence of mould in potting mixes is normal.
Potting mixes are made with organic components that naturally contain micro-organisms.
While not a common occurrence, mould in potting mixes is normal and should not be a cause for alarm.
However, Bunnings took the opportunity to remind customers of the importance of safety precautions when handling potting mix.
They recommended wearing gloves and a mask to avoid any potential health risks associated with inhaling or coming into direct contact with the mix.
This advice was echoed by other gardeners online, with one urging, 'Wear a mask when dealing with potting mix,' and another emphasising the importance of gloves.
In related news, health authorities warned gardeners about the risks associated with inhaling contaminated potting mixtures.
Potting mix could contain a rich array of bacteria, fungi, and other micro-organisms, which could lead to severe health conditions such as Legionnaires' disease, tetanus, and lung infections.
In 2022, a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in NSW was linked to potting mixes.
The outbreak resulted in a death and numerous illnesses.
Queensland also reported cases of Legionnaires' disease, including two fatalities.
Bunnings has a customer-friendly return policy for those uncomfortable with mould in their potting mix.
Shoppers can bring unsatisfactory products back to the store for a swap or refund.
Have you ever encountered something unexpected in your gardening supplies? Share your stories with us in the comments below, and let's continue to support each other in our horticultural endeavours safely and joyfully.
It's a fantastic way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and even grow some fresh produce for the dinner table.
Sometimes, green-thumbed pursuits could lead to surprises, as one shopper recently discovered.
The anonymous gardening enthusiast shared her experience after purchasing an item from Bunnings.
She had purchased a bag of Scotts Osmocote native premium potting mix from the DIY and gardening shop.
Yet, upon opening the bag, she was greeted not by the rich, dark soil she expected.
The potting mix contained unusual growth despite being unopened. Image Credit: Facebook/Crystal Waters, Bunnings
She saw an unusual growth that spread throughout the potting mix.
She then took her concerns to social media.
'I bought Osmocote premium potting mix from Bunnings, and I just opened it, and it looks mouldy,' she prefaced.
'Has anyone had this happen to them?'
The post quickly garnered attention from fellow gardening enthusiasts.
As a precaution, some suggested that she should return the product for a refund.
However, others chimed in with a different perspective.
These gardeners pointed out that a bit of mould in the potting mix was not a bad sign.
'You want your soil to be alive. This is good,' one commenter explained.
The comment further explained that healthy soil should be teeming with life, including micro-organisms that could sometimes manifest as mould.
As a response to the gardener's find, Bunnings confirmed that the presence of mould in potting mixes is normal.
Potting mixes are made with organic components that naturally contain micro-organisms.
While not a common occurrence, mould in potting mixes is normal and should not be a cause for alarm.
However, Bunnings took the opportunity to remind customers of the importance of safety precautions when handling potting mix.
They recommended wearing gloves and a mask to avoid any potential health risks associated with inhaling or coming into direct contact with the mix.
This advice was echoed by other gardeners online, with one urging, 'Wear a mask when dealing with potting mix,' and another emphasising the importance of gloves.
In related news, health authorities warned gardeners about the risks associated with inhaling contaminated potting mixtures.
Potting mix could contain a rich array of bacteria, fungi, and other micro-organisms, which could lead to severe health conditions such as Legionnaires' disease, tetanus, and lung infections.
In 2022, a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in NSW was linked to potting mixes.
The outbreak resulted in a death and numerous illnesses.
Queensland also reported cases of Legionnaires' disease, including two fatalities.
Bunnings has a customer-friendly return policy for those uncomfortable with mould in their potting mix.
Shoppers can bring unsatisfactory products back to the store for a swap or refund.
