Stunted plants - Ask Extension
For several years, my vegetable garden has been stunted. Beets and bush beans don't even grow. Last year, I added alot of compost. No change. I did a ...
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Stunted plants #921417
Asked November 04, 2025, 5:43 PM EST
For several years, my vegetable garden has been stunted. Beets and bush beans don't even grow. Last year, I added alot of compost. No change. I did a soil test report: Peat soil texture, 18.9% organic matter, 0.4 soluble salts, 7.6 PH, 6.9 Nitrate, 50 Olsen phosphorous, 100 Bray phosphorous, 300 Potassium. Recommendation is to add 0.15 lbs of nitrogen/ 100 sq. ft.
I don't think lacking nitrogen will explain why all plants are stunted and certain plants don't grow.
Any ideas?
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
I would like to see the original soil test report.
There have been falling pollinator counts lately due to heat, dryness and the nearby use of pesticides. \
Beets are wind pollenated so small numbers of plants and inadequate blossoms due to heat could cause poor plant pollenation and failure of a crop. https://www.apiservices.biz/htm/pollination_handbook/beet<personal data hidden>B9CD0.html
Beans are self fertilizing but the prescence of pollenators substantially increases the yield. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150065/#:~:text=Common%20bean%20(Phaseolus%20vulgaris%20L.)%20is%20a,**Flower%2Dvisiting%20insects%20include%20bees%2C%20flies%2C%20and%20lepidopterans**
I agree with you. Soil nutrients are not the problem.
I would like to see the original soil test report.
There have been falling pollinator counts lately due to heat, dryness and the nearby use of pesticides. \
Beets are wind pollenated so small numbers of plants and inadequate blossoms due to heat could cause poor plant pollenation and failure of a crop. https://www.apiservices.biz/htm/pollination_handbook/beet<personal data hidden>B9CD0.html
Beans are self fertilizing but the prescence of pollenators substantially increases the yield. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150065/#:~:text=Common%20bean%20(Phaseolus%20vulgaris%20L.)%20is%20a,**Flower%2Dvisiting%20insects%20include%20bees%2C%20flies%2C%20and%20lepidopterans**
I agree with you. Soil nutrients are not the problem.
Steve,
Thanks for your prompt response.
I am attaching a photo of the soil test results, as you asked.
One factor: my garden is next to a park in Burnsville. The field is fertilized and treated with a spray herbicide. Maybe there is drift? However, for the first 25 years of my garden, I have no trouble.
--Brent
From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 5:00 PM
To: Brent Knox
Subject: Re: Stunted plants (#0191333)
I have an odd idea. The super high potassium and mildly alkaline soil suggest a feed lot or a chicken lot in the distant past.
https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/news/compost-enriches-soil-but-doesnt-replace-fertilizer/#:~:text=Many%20home%20gardeners%20assume%20that,and%20produce%20fruits%20and%20vegetables.
No manure! Consider a couple years of cover crops like clover. https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/news/compost-enriches-soil-but-doesnt-replace-fertilizer/#:~:text=Many%20home%20gardeners%20assume%20that,and%20produce%20fruits%20and%20vegetables.
Is the park treated with a sprayed pesticide.
https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/news/compost-enriches-soil-but-doesnt-replace-fertilizer/#:~:text=Many%20home%20gardeners%20assume%20that,and%20produce%20fruits%20and%20vegetables.
No manure! Consider a couple years of cover crops like clover. https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/news/compost-enriches-soil-but-doesnt-replace-fertilizer/#:~:text=Many%20home%20gardeners%20assume%20that,and%20produce%20fruits%20and%20vegetables.
Is the park treated with a sprayed pesticide.
