Oh man, I did the exact same thing with a brick patio! That smaller joint really does lock everything in tight and keeps it from shifting. I learned the hard way too, but it turned out way better once I switched.

Break the project into tiny pieces and rebuild it yourself.

Honestly, a jar opener changed my life too.

Fighting the wrong problem" is just part of gardening. I've had stuff die from way dumber oversights, like not checking for proper drainage at all. That $75 test probably saved you way more in dead plants long term.

My friend used them for moving and it was a total game changer.