'Lethal' warning over Woolworth's Discovery Garden
While Woolworths’ Discovery Garden promotion has been well received across the nation thanks to its lack of plastics, one shopper is warning the collectables can pose a completely different threat to its surrounding environment.
One recipient of the miniature gardening kits has claimed that their compostable pots had caught fire while in direct sunlight outside.
A friend shared a picture of the singed pots, with smoke still visible, alongside a warning to shoppers on Facebook on Wednesday.
“Warning... these little seed packs that Woolworths are giving out can catch fire. It’s a hot day and they were outside and dry and they spontaneously combusted,” the post read.
The warning clearly shocked those who came across the post, prompting over 1000 shares and a string of comments.
“No way that’s lethal!” one person declared.
The woman who shared the post said the pots were watered daily, calling the incident “a bit concerning”.
Some did however point out that the instructions for Discovery Garden indicate the pots shouldn’t be left in direct sunlight.
“Place the pot in a place with enough light, but not directly in the sun,” the instructions on packaging reads.
One woman called for shoppers not to become “scared” by the woman’s claims and to simply keep the pots hydrated.
“I would hate for people to be scared away from probably the best supermarket giveaway to date,” she said.
Woolworths confirmed to Yahoo News Australia they are investigating the woman’s claims.
“As a general gardening rule, keep your plants out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods and away from surfaces that may increase the intensity of direct sunlight, such as metallic surfaces,” a spokesperson said.
“It is also important to check that the soil is adequately watered. Soil that requires watering will be dry and dusty to the touch and may also be a lighter colour. Seedlings need to be kept well watered in order to thrive.”
It’s not the first time the promotion has worried recipients after many reported finding mould growing on their pots.
The woman’s warnings comes as northern NSW and southern Queensland continue to battle a series of bushfires that have claimed dozens of homes over the last month.
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