Corn, Wheat, and Soy

The typical gardening book is focused on vegetables, and maybe herbs and flowers. But the serious Victory Gardener might also be concerned with the basic staple foods known as grains. Grains are the basis for much of what we eat, and can be used to feed livestock and chickens as well.

I just found this cool little knowledge tidbit, maybe it will help you, related to calculations on your fertilizer inputs for the three big staples:


Corn consumes roughly 5.6 times more fertilizer than soybeans and 2.5 times more nutrients than wheat. Wheat consumes roughly 2.2 times as much fertilizer as soybeans. Nutrients being measured by pounds per acre, combined nitrogen + phosphate + potash.

Light, Medium, and Heavy Feeders

Light Feeders (minimal fertilizer required)
Alfalfa, Beans, Clover, Carrot, Garlic, Leek, Mustard Greens, Onion, Peas, Peanut, Soybeans, Sweet Potato

Heavy Feeders (fertilize soil well before planting)
Amaranth, Asparagus, Beet, Cauliflower, Celery, Lettuce, Okra, Parsley, Pepper, Potato, Radish, Spinach, Strawberry, Sunflower, Wheat

Super Heavy Feeders (fertilize at least 2x)
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Corn, Eggplant, Pumpkin, Tomato, Watermelon, Squash