I've been experimenting to see when/how this happens. In Survival mode on MR server, I had issues with the whole garden except carrots. Vegetables get to middle stage and stop. I removed everything and replanted both in the same place and in a different garden. Every vegetable now grows and matures EXCEPT corn.
But, this is also happening with trees, specifically Spruce and Hickory (I think Hickory). I always replant after cutting, and now I have an area of forest with middle sized spruce (too young to cut!). HOWEVER, this is not happening with Birch! Birch seem to mature in 2-3 game days. Also Apple trees are not maturing.
So it is specific to corn, apple, spruce, and probably hickory in survival on a server. I will make a single player world and make tests there too. I saw another player (on YT) also on the MR server who mentioned spruce not growing, but yet another player says they are for her. Confusing!
Sure looking forward to adding chickens!! THANKS.