Fluffy white mouldy stuff

**5thelement** · 26-03-2009, 10:09 PM

My toilet roll pots are doing exactly the same, furry white stuff on the outside so you're not alone!

It's my first time trying these and from what i gather it's perfectly normal? just doesn't look very nice lol im tempted to just go back to using plastic ones really..

**LizyDrippin** · 26-03-2009, 10:11 PM

Just read another thread on very similar subject about loo rolls

I'll try microwaving the next batch of loo rolls before I use them like it suggests

**bazzaboy** · 26-03-2009, 10:16 PM

Yes, worth doing a search on this topic, Lizy, see for example
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...lls_28804.html
See also Two Sheds alternative newspaper pots on
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...lls_27448.html
b.

**5thelement** · 26-03-2009, 10:25 PM

I'll give the microwave idea a try (blasting them for a minute before using them) and i'll see how they compare to the ones im currently using..heres hoping lol

**Alice** · 26-03-2009, 10:27 PM

The mould is unsightly Lizy but it's harmless. I think if the compost is too wet or you water and wet the actual tubes it is worse.

**FionaH** · 26-03-2009, 10:51 PM

The ones with my parsnips in went a bit mouldy but no harm done, parsnips now happily out in the beds

**Eyren** · 27-03-2009, 07:07 AM

Originally posted by 5thelement View Post

I'll give the microwave idea a try (blasting them for a minute before using them) and i'll see how they compare to the ones im currently using..heres hoping lol

WARNING - I nuked mine for one minute and they started producing evil-smelling smoke!

I don't know what the recommended time is, but it obviously depends on the power of your microwave (mine is 800W). I would suggest starting with 20-30 seconds, unless someone has experience of doing it properly?

**Nickerly** · 27-03-2009, 09:12 AM

The same thing has happened to my paper pots. Not too worried, will see if any of the seeds sprout first.

**Jillyreeves** · 27-03-2009, 09:20 AM

I have used them cut in half for spring onions and beetroot, all have grown mould, not worried, apparently its OK ;-)

**bazzaboy** · 27-03-2009, 09:56 AM

Originally posted by Eyren View Post

WARNING - I nuked mine for one minute and they started producing evil-smelling smoke!

LOL... hilarious, it's so difficult to win at this game, isn't it Eyren? Thanks for the warning, glad you didn't incinerate the house for a loo-roll!

I sometimes think it must be easier to just get veg from Tescos and have done with it...

Then if you get fluffy white mouldy stuff you simply take it back, complain and get a replacement... No evil smoke, no house on fire, no carcinogenic fumes or deadly parsnips ... But no fun either!

b.

**pipscariad** · 27-03-2009, 10:06 AM

I had a similar experience with the vile smoke from microwaved loo rolls (escaped lightly, I read of someone on here a while ago whose m'wave actually burst into flames

), so now I give them several 20 second blasts instead of the full minute. I'm sure someone must know exactly how long it takes, but this got around the problem for me.

These days I tend to use mostly newspaper pots though, as I forget to save the loo roll inners and they end up shredded in my compost bin. I've got the pot making down to a fine art now, after several years of experimenting with different ways. And a cut in half four pint milk carton makes a brill funnel for putting the compost into them too!

**butter fingers** · 27-03-2009, 12:05 PM

im not sure but i think its the microbes breaking down and bio degrading the paper as it is a natural cellulose .

**Naga** · 27-03-2009, 12:22 PM

I grow chilli's in pots and get that type of mouldy stuff. I think it's mycelia which forms where the area lacks ventilation and the area is somewhat moist. It is harmless as far as I have fond and the get rid off it try repotting with fresh compost or scrape it off and replace with fresh compost.

**marigold007** · 27-03-2009, 12:32 PM

I found an impressive mould growing out of the soil of the Lima O del Papa beans I am trying to germinate. At first, I thought it might be a sprout, but a day later this marshmallowy white sludge started to ooze out of the soil. I poked it with a butter knife and pulled it out by wrapping it around the knife. A lot came out too! Is this the type of mould you're talking about or just the damping off type of mould? If anybody knows what the stuff on my butter bean was, do tell me.

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