Thanks. I didn't think about fungus until later since it looked attached at the bottom like something made it. I was trying (unsuccessfully) to keep the 3 year old away from it not too long after taking the photo. The inside has yellow oozing from it where he poked his finger into it. After washing his hands I told him it was bird poop to keep him away from it. :-)

I dont think that it's a fungus at all but a slime mold, Brefeldia maxima. Slime molds, in general, are harmless and won't last very long.

Looks like you have a sort of fine bark or wood chip mulch on the surface. Generally, mulching potted plants is a good idea (I use finely-chopped dry leaves on mine), but in this case I'd guess you are watering too often as slime molds on wood chips are common when the chips remain moist. You should allow at least the top half-inch or even inch of soil to dry out between watering.

Better monitor the foliage of both/all plants for more aphids, too... ;-)

It is nothing but Nature's Care organic garden soil. I water every few days but we've had some rain as well.

http://www.naturescare.com/smg/goprod/natures-care-organic-garden-soil/prod11340017;jsessionid=848678DEE187D9AEB7C723410964E1E7

Hm. From Miracle-Gro. I have no further comment.

Yes, I usually don't use Miracle Gro but didn't notice that when I bought it. I just saw organic and sale and was eager to plant my basil for the first time.

JRDPA, it's important to read the labels of everything you use....everything. Whether the products we use in the shower, for the laundry laundry, the food we eat, or in the garden....we should always know what's in it!

The label would have informed you that that particular product has fertilizers you may not want. There's nothing inherently wrong with the ingredients, but MG Garden Soil is not intended for containers at all, but to be mixed with your native soil in the garden. It says that on the label.

And there's absolutely nothing bad about the slime mold whatsoever. I respectfully disagree with weedlady's comment regarding slime molds occurring where the wood chips have been kept moist. Though the organism does require some moisture, they will crop up according to a good food source and normal moisture.

They are not an indication that you've been watering too much. But you will have to be very, very careful with your watering in that particular medium. It's a problem in containers.

I didn't mention this in my earlier post, but your slime mold is a beauty; thanks for posting such good images. I'm fascinated by these organisms.

I have a food intolerance that requires me to read a lot and avoid certain restaurants so I do spend a lot of time reading them these days. Not always easy with a preschooler in tow.