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Garden (vegetables) #868865

Asked May 17, 2024, 11:51 AM EDT

Why don’t my vegetables grow? They don’t get large and harvest is low.

Bay County Michigan

Expert Response

Good afternoon and thank you for reaching out. It’s always a good idea to do a soil test if you haven’t already done so. Also, would you be able to attach a few photos to this question? Photos help us respond with solid recommendations. It’s difficult to diagnose without the photos.   

I will send info on ordering a soil test kit.
Ask Extension Question Wrangler Pronouns: she/her/hers Find your local Extension office here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/county Find an expert in a specific topic here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/experts/experts-by-topic-area Find home gardening information here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/ Order a soil test kit here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension Mold questions? We don’t have an expert in mold, but we do have a few resources below or contact the  Michigan health department. Molds in the Home Indoor Air Quality May be Hazardous to Your Health   Mushroom questions? We can’t identify, but we do have these three resources to help you: Identifying  Morel  Poisonous MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg, Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The University resides on the land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw. Replied May 17, 2024, 1:38 PM EDT

 Here's info about soil tests. You can purchase soil sample bags through Michigan State University Extension and receive recommendations directly from MSU. A&L Labs analyze the soil samples and send results to MSU Extension where a recommendation will be generated and sent to you by expert MSU Extension staff. All MSU recommendations utilize the latest research and follow state laws and guidelines.

Home Lawn and Garden soil self-mailers including sample bags are available for purchase through local MSU Extension offices (https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/county) or even easier through the MSU Bookstore at https://shop.msu.edu/collections/garden-lawn/products/bulletin-e3154 where they are mailed directly to you. The self-mailers cost $26 and look similar to previous self-mailers if you happen to be familiar with those.

Thank you for reaching out. We look forward to reviewing your photos when you have a chance to upload them.  Best wishes this growing season!





Ask Extension Question Wrangler Pronouns: she/her/hers Find your local Extension office here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/county Find an expert in a specific topic here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/experts/experts-by-topic-area Find home gardening information here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/ Order a soil test kit here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension Mold questions? We don’t have an expert in mold, but we do have a few resources below or contact the  Michigan health department. Molds in the Home Indoor Air Quality May be Hazardous to Your Health   Mushroom questions? We can’t identify, but we do have these three resources to help you: Identifying  Morel  Poisonous MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg, Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The University resides on the land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw. Replied May 17, 2024, 1:58 PM EDT

Hi Pierre, thanks for the question.

There are so many reasons that vegetable garden success can be elusive.  Hear are some things to consider:

Soil - Soil is so important in growing any plants but each garden is unique. A soil test is critical in understanding your soil. The results will help you make decisions on what your soil needs to be more successful. We can help with interpreting the results

Know your plants - Just like soil, each plant is unique and has different needs. Get to know all you can about each plant in your garden (how much water, how much sun, diseases, pests, nutrient needs, etc.) Improper fertilization and irrigation are frequently  the reasons for plants not thriving.

Be vigilant - Someone once said that "the best fertilizer is the gardener's shadow". Visit your garden daily, signs and symptoms of insects, diseases, and disorders. Treat when necessary.

Be informed - Misinformation abounds about tricks and tips on gardening. Be wary of forums and home remedies. What is appropriate for one garden may be harmful in another. Researched based documentation from universities (.edu sources) are a good source of information. Ask Extension can also help.

I hope this is helpful. We hope to hear from you again.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 20, 2024, 9:18 AM EDT

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