People who love coffee rejoice! Sometimes, that morning coffee is great for some plants in the yard. Coffee grounds might be good for some people, but they might be a nasty treat for others. Be careful before you turn your used coffee grounds into fertilizer. Let’s look into the “grounds” and see which plants do well (or not) with this special edition.
The Good, the Bad, and the Fruitful: How Coffee Affects Plants
Coffee grounds hold a great trove of possible benefits for your yard. They contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, important nutrients for good plant growth. Also, coffee grounds are slightly acidic, which can be good for plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, and blueberries that like acidic soil.
However, the same qualities that help some plants can hurt others. Because coffee grounds are acidic, they can hurt plants that like neutral or alkaline soil, like lavender, asparagus ferns, and geraniums. Also, young seeds may not be able to handle the acidity of fresh coffee grounds and may even be hurt by them, so it’s best to compost them first or use them lightly around plants that are already weak.
This is the most important thing to remember: coffee grounds can help you with your farming, but you need to know what your plants need before adding them.
Coffee’s Champs: Plants that Love the Grounds
Now, let’s enjoy the plants that grow with a touch of coffee magic!
- Tomatoes: These delicious fruits enjoy slightly acidic soil, and coffee grounds can provide a gentle boost. Mix them into the dirt before planting or sprinkle them around the base of established plants, keeping them away from the stem.
- Peppers: Similar to tomatoes, peppers enjoy the acidity and nutrition boost from coffee grounds. Apply them in the same way as you would for tomatoes.
- Hydrangeas: These beauties love acidic soil, and coffee grounds can help maintain bright flower colors. However, be careful of overdoing it, as too much acidity can affect their health.
- Roses: While roses don’t necessarily require acidic soil, coffee grounds can act as a natural mulch, helping keep moisture and control weeds.
To Buy:
Coffee’s Kryptonite: Plants that Shun the Grounds
While some plants celebrate coffee grounds, others find them less than delightful. Here are some to keep away from the coffee magic:
- Asparagus ferns: These delicate plants prefer alkaline soil, and the acidity of coffee grounds can hinder their growth.
- Geraniums: These bright flowers also prefer alkaline soil and can be hurt by the acidity in coffee grounds.
- Italian ryegrass: This cool-season grass grows in neutral to slightly alkaline soil and is sensitive to the acidity of coffee grounds.
- Chinese mustard: This leafy green is likes neutral soil and can be badly affected by the acidity in coffee grounds.
- Remember: When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid using coffee grounds around plants with unknown tastes.
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Brewing the Perfect Garden Solution: Tips for Using Coffee Grounds
If you’ve chosen to add coffee grounds to your planting routine, here are some helpful tips:
- Compost them first: Fresh coffee grounds can be too bitter. Composting helps them to break down slowly, releasing nutrients in a more manageable way for plants.
- Start small: Begin by adding a thin layer of coffee grounds around the base of your plants and monitor their response.
- Don’t overdo it: Too much coffee grounds can alter the soil’s pH and harm your plants.
- Keep it away from the stem: Applying coffee grounds directly on the stem of your plants can damage them.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your coffee grounds become a beneficial addition to your garden, not a cause for worry.
So, the next time you reach for your morning coffee, remember that the grounds hold the ability to nourish your garden as well. Be careful of your plant choices and follow these helpful tips to brew the perfect garden answer!