Homeowner sparks debate after posting photo of garden bed that kills every plant it houses: 'Nothing … will grow here'

A gardener looking to maximize their garden space is having a hard time growing new plants.

They shared their frustration in a Reddit post, which included a picture of a small garden bed in a yard where nothing — not even the notoriously hardy mint plant — can survive.

"Nothing. And I mean NOTHING. Will grow here. It just gets baked by all the extra radiant heat from the brick and concrete. I even tried to plant mint here, and it's struggling," the post read.

The 30-square-foot area is surrounded by brick steps, a patio, and a concrete pad, which the OP believes may be amplifying heat and making the soil inhospitable.

Despite efforts to grow various plants — including a cactus that is now "half dead" — the extreme conditions continue to stunt or kill anything planted there.

This situation highlights a common struggle with urban and suburban gardening — heat retention from surrounding hardscapes can create conditions that make it difficult for plants to thrive. 

Excessive heat and poor soil conditions increase water evaporation, leading to higher water bills and constant maintenance, making traditional grass lawns or non-native plants an impractical choice for many homeowners.

Instead of battling nature, many homeowners are turning to native plant landscaping as a more sustainable, low-maintenance solution.

Switching to a natural lawn with plants that are adapted to local conditions can drastically reduce water consumption, lower maintenance costs, and create a healthier environment for pollinators — which, in turn, helps protect our food supply. 

What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

For those facing similar gardening troubles, consider planting drought-resistant plants, which can thrive even in challenging conditions. 

Commenters jumped in with theories and potential solutions. 

One user suggested, "Does it have drainage? Drought-tolerant plants like to keep their roots dry between watering. If water sits in there I could see that as being another part of the issue." 

Others advised incorporating more mulch or shade to combat heat stress in the soil. 

Another gardener shared a similar struggle, noting, "I threw water at [my wall] to keep it cool, but the water evaporated as soon as it touched the bricks."

As more gardeners explore native plant alternatives, "planting beds of death" could be turned into thriving, eco-friendly landscapes.

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