Used coffee grounds – leftover from using a coffee maker – contain a substantial amount of nitrogen, as well as potassium and phosphorus. Coffee grounds are an ideal fertilizer in the garden and also improve depleted potting soil and compost. The all-rounder can also help against slugs.
At one point I drove every week to Starbucks with two pales to let them fill with coffee grounds, My car smelled wonderfully for days and so did my garden. I sprinkled thick layers over the soil and racked it in a bit. Weeks later I enjoyed fantastic soil, no weeds, and beautiful flowers.
Coffee grounds can be used in the garden primarily as a fertilizer because it contains lots of valuable ingredients such as potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, tannic acid, and antioxidants. These are nutrients that can also be found in commercial fertilizer products.
Allow drying before use. The basic requirement for use is that it is always well cooled and dry, as moist coffee grounds mold easily. To do this, place the coffee grounds in an open, wide container and allow them to air dry.
Fertilize with coffee grounds
Coffee grounds have a low pH value and are therefore particularly suitable for fertilizing plants that require acidic garden soil. Ornamental plants include, for example, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and camellias. Coffee grounds fertilizer is also suitable for crops such as cucumber, tomato, zucchini or blueberries, and strawberries.
The nitrogen contained in coffee grounds ensures strong leaf growth, and phosphorus stimulates flower formation and fruit ripening. Potassium is important for cell structure and plant stability. Only young seedlings do not tolerate caffeine well. To fertilize, simply work the coffee grounds into the soil, such as with a rake.
Use in irrigation water.
Coffee grounds neutralize calcareous irrigation water. If the soil is very alkaline and the water contains lime, a spoonful or two of coffee grounds in the water can work wonders. It neutralizes the pH and fertilizes the soil at the same time. Coffee grounds, on the other hand, are not good for watering houseplants, as they can cause mold to form over time.
However, mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio, cold coffee can be used once a week to water house and balcony plants. Especially Cyclamen, Philodendron, Christmas Cacti, Azalea, and Orchids.
The benefit of using coffee grounds as a fertilizer is that it adds organic material to the soil, which improves drainage, water retention, and aeration in the soil. The used coffee grounds will also help microorganisms beneficial to plant growth thrive as well as attract earthworms.
Coffee grounds improve compost and potting soil.
Coffee grounds also find a good use on compost. It accelerates decomposition, enriches the soil with nutrients, and provides food for earthworms. To prevent mold from forming, sprinkle the coffee grounds on the surface, and put the filter in separately.
Depleted potting soil can also be improved with coffee grounds and then reused. To do this, mix the old soil with compost in equal parts and fold in the coffee grounds in small amounts. However, if there is too much coffee in the soil, mold can easily form.
Coffee grounds can protect against slugs
Snails do not like caffeine. Coffee grounds are therefore suitable as a barrier layer that can simply be scattered around the vegetable patch. However, this does not apply to all species. Depending on which species of snail threatens the lettuce, it is definitely worth a try.
Many people feel that coffee grounds lower the pH (or raise the acid level) of soil, which is good for acid-loving plants. This is only true for unwashed coffee grounds though. Fresh coffee grounds are acidic. Used coffee grounds are neutral. If you rinse your used coffee grounds, they will have a near-neutral pH of 6.5 and will not affect the acid levels of the soil. To use coffee grounds as fertilizer, work the coffee grounds into the soil around your plants. Leftover diluted coffee works well like this too.
Protection against pests and critters
Both coffee grounds and brew can be used against aphids. Fortunately, coffee grounds and brews are suitable for almost all plants and plant species. You can use it not only to combat aphids, but also other species or pests. Potted plants and plants in flower beds are suitable. In addition to plants in the garden or on the terrace or balcony, indoor plants can also be treated with it.
It is a natural household remedy that does not release any harmful substances into the home!
Treatment is possible all year round for indoor plants and outdoors in dry weather. You should always let the coffee grounds dry before using them on the soil. If you add it to the plant soil when it is wet, this can cause the soil to become moldy. You can spray the coffee grounds on the leaves, the shoots, and the leaf axils of the plant. The plant may then be dripping wet, but not much of the brew should get onto the soil.
If you do not have coffee in the house, you can also use black tea. This also contains caffeine. You can make a brew from two bags of black tea and one liter of water. You can also spread the contents of the tea bags on the soil of the plant.
Coffee grounds accumulate regularly but usually end up in the trash.
What a pity! Don't be one of these ignorant gardeners!
Read more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/coffee-grounds-gardening.htm
https://www.homesandgardens.com/advice/are-coffee-grounds-good-for-plants
https://balconygardenweb.com/houseplants-that-love-coffee-grounds-for-plant-growth/
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