Hello!

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.

Woolworths Discovery Garden Mould
Image Via: Facebook/New Idea Food

 

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.

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  • Ah I would just plant in the garden and all should be well

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  • Don’t face this problem yet so good luck

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  • I still haven’t potted mine so it will be interesting to see what happens..

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  • I never had this issue with my sons set. They grew fine in the tray and are now planted in the garden growing even bigger.

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  • My plants have died when I’ve repotted the whole pot. the ones i cut the pot out are doing fine.

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  • We haven’t had this problem yet, so fingers crossed.

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  • Haven’t had this issue yet.

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  • Nope.no problem.here

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  • We keep ours outside. It is undercover when it rains but we move it out into the sun when it is dry.

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  • Gave most of ours away as only wanted one of each. No-one has had any issues that I know of.

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  • We planted our first ones a few weeks ago and haven’t yet had this issue with mould. All of ours have thankfully sprouted so should be ready to plant outside soon anyway.

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  • As with all plants, keep them watered but not too watered. Of course they will get mould on them if over watered. They need to be well drained as well. Best to leave them outside so they get good ventilation.

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  • I planted mine directly in large pots so did not use the cardboard.

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  • I haven’t actually set any of them up yet as I haven’t had time… think I might just give them away, I hate mould. That or plant them directly in the ground when/if I ever get around to it.

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  • Yikes….we got our first 2 seedling sets yesterday. Would be interesting to see how they turn out!

    Reply

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