Purple Bachelor Button
I finally got to the bottom of my Planter Box Failure. In a word, Topsoil. All dirt is not created equal.
I ordered planting mix from a local supplier, but they delivered topsoil instead. The otherwise healthy plants weren’t thriving and I couldn’t figure out why. In the end, it comes down to the basics: sun, water, soil. The soil delivered was far too heavy and ill-suited for my needs.
The supplier offered a refund, but they can’t or won’t pick up the unwanted dirt.
Freecycle to the Rescue!
One of my readers suggested I offer the soil on Freecycle. I posted the offer last night and woke up to half a dozen emails. Wow!
The soil is going to one or two good homes and the emptied planter box will soon be mine. It’s late in the season to start over, but I’m going to plant a bag of flowers seeds I have on hand and see what grows.
Meanwhile, I had to scramble to transplant the surviving plants. I filled in some bare spots in the triangle at the corner of the lawn. I pulled four spent sunflowers which gave me room to transplant the status. I transplanted snapdragons and several cosmos that were struggling to establish. The roots of the plants hadn’t spread at all. They’ll do so much better now in their new fertile soil. The one plant that seemed to be taking hold in the box was the chocolate mint. Each plant sent out foot long runners beneath the soil and were really taking hold. The mint will go back into the new and improved planter box, but for now they’re resting in a few plastic pots along the walkway wall.
What seemed daunting last week now feels like an adventure. I love planting, so enjoyed ‘rearranging’ the plants. I’m happy the mint is doing well and can replant accordingly. Most of all, it feels great to find a home for all that dirt.
Time to transplant; Mighty Mouse assists
Back to Basics: Ready for pick-up
Merging Flowers: Cosmos, Status, Bachelor Buttons, Sunflowers, Snapdragons and Forget-me-nots
Gardening Nirvana 
You have some serious zen to be willing to start all over – nice work!
LikeLike
Hey, thanks so much, Will. Finding a home for all that topsoil *and* successful transplants, makes it all seem okay. Thanks for cheering me on.
LikeLike
WOW, you really work fast. I am amazed at what you accomplish in a short time. I know you’ve: been to Pilates, seen a movie, went out for italian, posted on blog, got M to camp, probably helped hubby get away on trip, Skyped me for 2 hours, visited with sister, emptied planter, transplanted garden, played with kitties, entertained Mouse and oh ya, you run a business. LOL, I’m not even considering 1/2 of it I’m sure. You are a force of nature my dear. No kidding, I need to make a list and get to it 😀
LikeLike
Oh my word, you are so good for my ego! Honestly, putting things on my calendar is key, not to mention time pressure. I knew I had to empty that garden bed pronto. I was ten minutes late for our vet appointment, and arrived with dirt smeared around my ankles as Iost track of time. With these hot days, I have to get out there early or skip it for the day.
Mwaaa to you and to making lists, too. xox
LikeLike
How disappointing! But there are things that you can plant now to catch up and also leave space for fall plantings. It’s just around the corner!
LikeLike
Thanks, Tina. I’m looking forward to planning something new.
LikeLike
Playing in the dirt is PLAYING in the dirt any time you get the chance. Glad you are getting a second run at it. Mint will grow anywhere there is water for it like a weed. Have fun. 😉
LikeLike
Thanks, Marlene. You are so right, too.
LikeLike
So good to see that Mouse is, as ever, in your corner! Yes, as my late grandfather always said “it all starts and ends with the soil”. All the best second time around. x
LikeLike
Thanks for your well wishes.
Your grandfather was a wise man. I like your quote! xox
LikeLike
I’m so glad that it worked out for you and that you were able to do some transplants as well as have a new canvas to play on!
LikeLike
Thank you, Sheila!
LikeLike
I am one of those lucky Freecyclers who received topsoil from Alys. Thank you, Alys, for the wonderful fun I had digging in your garden’s dirt. My yard loves you for it!!!
LikeLike
Awww. So nice of you to share. Thank you.
LikeLike
Pingback: Saucy Succulents | gardeningnirvana