Heavy Feeder

What Does Heavy Feeder Mean?

In botany, heavy feeder refers to a plant type that requires more nutrients than other average plants. Common examples of heavy feeders include- but are not limited to- sunflowers, eggplants, peppers, tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, cantaloupes, pumpkins, gourds, winter squash, zucchini and all types of melons. Because they are more demanding than other plants, heavy feeders are usually found in agricultural crops as opposed to amateur gardens.

Maximum Yield Explains Heavy Feeder

Heavy feeders require plenty of care in order to thrive and flourish. Gardeners should therefore ensure that the plants have plenty of excellent-quality and loose soil that will encourage their development. Additionally, gardeners also have to supply their plants with plenty of nutrients, while occasionally replenishing the soil in order to ensure that natural nutrients are always accessible to the plants. It is also important to ensure that the soil is well-balanced.

Unlike light and medium feeders, heavy feeders require plenty of compost and not manure. While manure has been shown to greatly improve leaf quality in heavy feeders, it has been shown to be detrimental to the fruits. Consequently, manure can also encourage the plant to produce less fruits instead of more.