diff --git a/scripts/tests/e2/e2features.lua b/scripts/tests/e2/e2features.lua
index 356e496e7..caf020073 100644
--- a/scripts/tests/e2/e2features.lua
+++ b/scripts/tests/e2/e2features.lua
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ end
 function setup()
     eressea.free_game()
     eressea.settings.set("nmr.timeout", "0")
+    eressea.settings.set("rules.grow.formula", "0")
     eressea.settings.set("rules.food.flags", "4")
     eressea.settings.set("rules.ship.storms", "0")
     eressea.settings.set("rules.encounters", "0")
@@ -88,7 +89,6 @@ function test_herbalism()
     local f = faction.create("human")
     local u = unit.create(f, r, 1)
 
-    eressea.settings.set("rules.grow.formula", 0) -- plants do not grow
     u:add_item("money", u.number * 100)
     u:set_skill("herbalism", 5)
     r:set_resource("seed", 100)
diff --git a/src/laws.c b/src/laws.c
index 3fdbc1117..7f515e4ae 100644
--- a/src/laws.c
+++ b/src/laws.c
@@ -871,7 +871,7 @@ void demographics(void)
                 if (plant_rules==1) { /* E3 */
                     growing_trees_e3(r, current_season, last_weeks_season);
                 }
-                else { /* E2 */
+                else if (plant_rules) { /* E2 */
                     growing_trees(r, current_season, last_weeks_season, plant_rules);
                     growing_herbs(r, current_season, last_weeks_season);
                 }