Compost 'still safe to use'

17:14 6th September 2010

Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts have been told that potting compost is safe to use, in spite of newspaper reports suggesting otherwise.

The material has been linked with causing legionnaires' disease by carrying the bacterium Legionella longbeachae.

However, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) published advice suggesting that it should still be fine to use such substances, as long as care is taken.

Keeping the compost stored somewhere cool, rather than a hot greenhouse, can help reduce the chances of the bacteria growing, as it needs temperatures of more than 20 degrees C.

Growers were also advised to keep their heads away from bags when opening them and to use a face mask and gloves when handling the soil.

Gardeners should also avoid using stored water for irrigation if its temperature has risen above 20 degrees C.

Simple hygiene can play a part too and making sure that hands are washed after gardening can be just as important as the above measures, the RHS added.

The organisation runs a number of horticultural attractions around the country, including Garden Harlow Carr and Garden Wisley.