Benefits of Using Coffee Grounds for Plants

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  • Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, which is essential for healthy foliage growth[1][3][5]. They also provide other nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and micronutrients[5].
  • Coffee grounds can help improve soil quality by increasing organic matter and improving drainage and aeration[1][4].
  • Used coffee grounds have a near-neutral pH and won’t affect soil acidity[1]. Fresh grounds are acidic but rinsed used grounds are neutral.
  • Coffee grounds can suppress weeds and certain fungal pathogens[1].
  • The nitrogen content in coffee grounds is comparable to grass clippings[3].

Plants That Benefit from Coffee Grounds

  • Acid-loving plants like azaleas, hydrangeas, blueberries, and roses thrive with coffee grounds[1][2][4]. The acidity helps them grow.
  • Vegetables like tomatoes, cabbage, soybeans, corn, and carrots respond well to coffee grounds[1][3].
  • Flowers such as roses, hibiscus, begonias, peonies, and lilies benefit from the nutrients in coffee grounds[3][4].

How to Use Coffee Grounds

  • The best way is to compost coffee grounds before applying them to soil. This allows the nitrogen to become available to plants[1][5].
  • You can also make a “coffee tea” by steeping grounds in water overnight and using the liquid to fertilize plants[1][2].
  • When planting, mix a small amount of coffee grounds into the soil. Don’t pile them directly on top of the soil[1][4].
  • Use coffee grounds in moderation, as too much can lead to overly acidic soil which can cause root rot in some plants[4][5].
  • Avoid using coffee grounds on plants that prefer alkaline soil like lily of the valley, lavender and honeysuckle[2].

So in summary, coffee grounds are a great free fertilizer for many plants, especially when composted first. Just be sure to use them in moderation and avoid plants that don’t like acidic soil. With proper use, coffee grounds can provide a nutrient boost to your garden.

Citations:
[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/coffee-grounds-gardening.htm
[2] https://home.howstuffworks.com/green-living/use-diluted-coffee-to-fertilize-plants.htm
[3] https://myplantin.com/blog/how-to-use-coffee-grounds-for-plants-in-your-garden
[4] https://www.elledecor.com/life-culture/fun-at-home/a44892376/how-to-use-coffee-grounds-house-plants/
[5] https://www.gardendesign.com/how-to/coffee-grounds-for-plants.html
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qKNrNbhl-w
[7] https://www.thespruce.com/using-coffee-grounds-in-your-garden-2539864
[8] https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/coffee-grounds-for-plants/

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