General Questions

• What does FAQ stand for?
  Yeah, yeah, very funny.
• Why is Living Earth Compost so good?
  Living Earth Compost is made from only the best ingredients - clean, green organic material. It is brewed to perfection, then thoroughly tested so we know it is good.
• Where can I buy Living Earth products?
  Click here for Living Earth Stockists, or visit our Commercial or Rural sections.
• How does Living Earth Compost become 100% weed-free?
  Thanks to the activity of all the worker bugs breaking down the material in the composting process, the temperature quickly reaches above 55 degrees. After three days at this heat all weed seeds are killed.
• Is there a qualifying standard for compost produced in NZ?
  Yes, there is. Living Earth Compost conforms to NZ standard 4454:2005, a standard that provides assurance that all composted matter is safe to use for the home gardener. The standard sets a quality level that Living Earth exceeds in the compost it produces.
• How does Living Earth test its compost?
  We test every batch of compost at our on-site lab and with growth trials to ensure quality standards are met with the plants growing healthily. Other independent lab tests are performed to check levels of nutrients and to ensure the compost meets NZ standards.
• What Health Information do I need to know about working with composts and soils, potting mixes and mulches?
  Our industry group, the Nursery & Garden Industry Association released this helpful guideline for all you gardeners out there - please take a moment to read it:
• MEDIA RELEASE - 27 January 2010
  Nursery & Garden Industry Association supports Ministry of Health gardening guidelines.

  Following recent cases of Legionnella infection (legionellosis) in Christchurch, the Nursery and Garden Industry Association (NGIA) endorses Ministry of Health guidelines on safe gardening."Gardening is a popular pastime enjoyed by thousands of New Zealanders, helping people relax and escape the stresses of life. It provides enjoyment and exercise. The huge growth of interest in home-grown vegetables and fruit in recent years has added to people's culinary enjoyment, and help stretched their budgets further" said Dr John Liddle of the Nursery and Garden Industry Association.

  "Soil is rich with living organisms beneficial to plants which generally cause no harm to animals or people. Soil does, however, also contain some organisms that are not beneficial. A type of Legionella bacteria, which is commonly found in the environment, is one of these. It has been shown to cause Legionnaire's disease in a few people."

  "Dr Liddle said it could, on rare occasions, be inhaled in water vapour and in the dust associated with soil and potting mix."

  Not all those who come into contact with the bacteria become sick and symptoms will vary from person to person. If people become infected with Legionella, they may get flu-like symptoms that can range from mild to severe. It can, however, be life-threatening to people who have health factors that increase their susceptibility. Those most at risk include smokers, the elderly and those with existing respiratory illnesses and weakened immune systems.

  "NGIA endorses the Ministry of Health safe gardening guidelines provided to help reduce the risks when gardening," said Dr Liddle.The guidelines advise gardeners to:

  • Minimise the amount of dust when working in the garden.
  • Water gardens and indoor plants using a gentle spray.
  • Read the warning label on bagged composts or potting mix.
  • Wear gloves.
  • Wear a dust mask so that any dust is filtered out before you can breathe it in.
  • Dampen potting mixes before use.
  • Open bags of soil products slowly, away from the face.
  • Make sure the working area (glasshouse, potting shed) is well ventilated.
  • See a doctor if you develop a flu-like illness which is worsening.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after gardening or handling soil products.

  These are simple, easy and natural steps that all gardeners can take to reduce risk while continuing to enjoy their garden. The Ministry of Health guidelines also provide advice on garden chemicals, poisonous plants, insect stings and bites, garden machinery, injuries and sunsmart. NIGA encourages its members to put the appropriate warning labels on all bags of potting mix/compost as set out in NZS 4454:2005 - Composts, Soil Conditioners and Mulches.

  References

  Legionellosis - What You Should Know If You Work With Soils, Compost And Potting Mix - OSH? http://www.osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/legion-p.pdf and http://www.osh.govt.nz/orcatalogueder/62.shtml

  For more information visit - http://www.osh.dol.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/legion-p.pdf