After a false start where the wind and rain blew our first seedlings away, our Woolworths Discovery Garden collection is growing – with our tray almost half-filled with little pots.
But, just like many other little Discovery gardeners, we’re battling the mould monster and we’re losing the war. My hubbie HATES mould and when he noticed the white spots on our mini pots, he freaked out. I had to physically restrain him from picking up the whole tray and tossing it over the balcony.
I tried to wipe away the mould with a tissue, as Woolworths suggests, but it wasn’t budging. So sadly I think the days of our Discovery Garden are numbered. They’re just about to be tossed into the bin.
It looks like I’m not the only one with the mould melodrama. Many others have posted on various facebook groups bemoaning the mouldy problem, reporting that white patches are appearing on the soil as well as on the pot itself.
What Is Causing This Pesky Mould?
More experienced gardeners are suggesting that the cause of this may be that we are adding too much water to the soil.
The instructions that come with the seedlings suggest that we should be adding 50ml of water to wet the soil pellet. However, some are saying that we should probably only use half of this amount of water to ensure the soil isn’t too mushy.
While others are convinced that the green tray restricts airflow to the seedlings and could be the cause of the mould. Gardeners should perhaps place the soil on an open dish instead.
“I have had enough, I only planted the seeds last Saturday, they have been in a light and airy position on the kitchen window and there is gross mould growing IN the soil. And no, before you all ask, I have not watered the pots since my son and I planted them. They are going straight in the bin”, said one collector.
Mould Is Natural
Woolworths has responded to these gripes saying: “We’d like to reassure growers that mould can be a natural part of the process when it comes to growing a natural product,” as reported on New Idea Food.
“Mould is found everywhere and comes down to the environment and caused by local conditions such as moisture and airflow.
“If you see mould appearing, we suggest gently wiping it off with a tissue or cloth.”
Sorry Woolies, we tried that and it didn’t work.
Woolworths said to make sure the seedling has proper ventilation and is in direct sunlight, to prevent mould growth.
Mouldy Debate
This whole issue of mould has ignited some debate on social media as some gardeners maintain that people are making a mountain out of a molehill and should just ignore the fungi growth and that the mould can actual be beneficial for the plant’s growth.
While others say that breathing in mould spores can be dangerous so it’s probably not a good idea to have around children.
Are you having a mould issue on your Discovery Garden? Tell us in the comments below.
More on Mouths of Mums
- Bunnings Is Giving Out The Cutest My Little Seed Garden Collection For FREE
- Mum Brutally ‘Shot-Down’ For Sharing Concerns About Woolworths Discovery Garden
- Top Tips For Your Woolworths Discovery Garden Collection
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