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Kokeshi66 Calgary, Canada Jul 25, 2014

I have tried transplanting marigolds, achillea filipendula and ptarmica, shasta daisies, maltese cross, and a variety of other supposedly easy to grown plants into a 10' x 10' front, south facing garden. I tried starting nasturtiums, coreopsis tinctoria, african daisies, ratibida, dalea, sunflowers and a few other plants from seed in this area. In desperation I even tried growing invasive plants such as centaurea macrocephala, saint John's wort and Dame's Rocket. Less than 10% of the seeds planted germinate, of the 10% half die immediately and the others grow an inch or so and then remain that size. The transplants either die immediately or remain the same size. The alkaline, clay soil was amended with 5" of compost this year (I've been trying to grow in this spot for 4 years now). I'm beyond frustrated and am hoping someone can offer a solution.

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altagardener Calgary, AB(Zone 3b) Jul 25, 2014

What do you mean when you say "transplants"? Do you mean purchased plants or something else?
I take it you are broadcasting the seeds into this area, not starting them and planting them out?

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Kokeshi66 Calgary, Canada Jul 26, 2014

My transplants are both purchased plants and seedlings that I started indoors, and yes I broadcast some of the seeds. I

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Lauranh Hollis, NH Aug 03, 2014

I would send a soil sample in as even with the 5" of new compost, you continue to have issues. Here's a link to one good place: https://soiltest.umass.edu/ordering-information

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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Aug 03, 2014

You don't show any images of the conditions in which you are working. Grace us with those; often, pictures can speak volumes (allegedly 1000 words per). More than one picture will be good, too. Take the images from south, east, west, north, etc.

You can also provide pertinent facts about your property.

**How long you've owned/managed this landscape

**Changes that have occurred to this landscape

**Changes/work performed on your property BESIDES landscape/gardening endeavors

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brendak654 Anna, IL(Zone 6b) Aug 06, 2014

Neighbors would be a good resource to discuss your problem with.

Surely you have something growing.................. Maybe you are trying too hard.

Don't give up!

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