mould in potting soil?!?!!?

[NathanM]

So I just opened a new bag of potting soil (searles premium stuff) that I purchased last week. I took a scoop full and found this. Not very impressed.
Should I discard the bag and start fresh?
ANy help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks guys

pottingsoil.jpg

[kvan64]

Nathan it's ok, any brandname mix cwould have similar thing in this heat. I think it's just common and harmless fungi from the wet organic expanding in the heat/humidity. If you are wary, just scap away the most infested parts and use the rest. Remember that even in the best soil mix could contain various batteria and fungi/lichen. Most of these even form mutual relationship with plants. The only way to (maybe) avoid them is to use inorganic mix. Damn, I forgot to show you the place to buy scoria when you were here this morning.

[Asus101]

thats why you dont breath in when opening the bag.

[banksia]

I too have used commercial packaged mixes in the past that resemble what you've shown.... with no ill effects.

thats why you dont breath in when opening the bag

Right on Asus! A friend of my Mum's who was a nurseryman died of Legionnaires(sp?) and the doctors attributed it too excesssive exposure to soil mixes etc..

Cheers!
Anthony