New warning after Discovery Garden pot ‘spontaneously combusts’ and ‘catches on fire’
Concerned fan tells: ‘That’s lethal’
By Amy Sinclair
October 10 2019
Woolworths shoppers have been warned to stay alert after a Discovery Garden fan’s pot ‘spontaneously combusted’ and caught 'on fire.'
Sharing a photo of the smouldering pot which has been blackened from the fire and is still giving off smoke on Facebook, social media user Kael Veentra-Young has pleaded with Discovery Garden gardeners to ‘be aware.’
She writes: ‘So this has just happened to a friend....please all take note and do not leave these in the sun.’
The post includes the message: ‘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 the spontaneously combusted.’
Fans were quick to voice their shock and surprise over the burning pots.
‘Wtf!! No way that’s lethal 😢 makes u wonder how healthy the food is once grown..???’
Said another: ‘I think it’s safe to say don’t grow these right now. Especially in the heat we get.’
Seasoned gardeners reacted to Kael’s post with concern, saying that fires like these have been ‘known to happen.’
Adds one fan: ‘A lot of fertilisers can spontaneous combust.’
Says another: ‘You just need to be aware that things like this, and compost heaps, can overheat from bacterial action and ignite. They need damp, warm conditions.’
Another gave a more dire warning: ‘Spontaneous combustion of damp organic material is possible even without full sun under the right conditions. Spontaneous combustion of compost piles and hay baled or stored too damp are relatively common. Even natural fibre fabrics (cotton/linen) can combust in a cupboard if put away damp.’
But many fans were quick to point out that the Woolworths instructions clearly state that the pots shouldn’t be left in full sun.
‘They should not be in full sun in this state. They are too small to stay sufficiently hydrated. I would hate for people to be scared away from probably the best supermarket giveaway to date.’
Added another: ‘Says not to leave them outside when sprouting, no wonder they got so dry and lit up.’
New Idea Food has reached out to Woolworths for comment.
Originally published as New warning after Discovery Garden pot ‘spontaneously combusts’ and ‘catches on fire’