Unexpected Uses for Coffee Grounds in the Garden
Guide on Employing Coffee Waste to Fortify Your Turf and Plant Beds
Give your plants a morning pick-me-up with coffee grounds! Lawn and garden experts share the benefits of using coffee grounds as a natural fertilizer and how to make the most of this bedroom waste.
- Rob Palmer, lawn expert, landscaper, and brand president at Lawn Squad
- Tammy Sons, master gardener and founder of TN Nursery, a leading tree and plant nursery
- Lucie Bradley, a gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation
Perks of Using Coffee Grounds in Your Garden
Rob Palmer, lawn expert at Lawn Squad, explains that coffee grounds are packed with nitrogen, a nutrient essential for grasses and other plants to thrive. By using coffee grounds as fertilizer, you can improve soil structure, support plant growth, and promote healthier plants without resorting to commercial fertilizers.
Brew and Go
After brewing your cup of joe, allow the coffee grounds to cool and dry before scattering them onto your lawn or garden. For the best results, sprinkle a thin, even layer (about 1/2 cup per square yard) over the soil and water lightly. As the coffee grounds break down, they'll slowly release nitrogen, enriching the soil and inviting earthworms to aerate the ground for free.
Compost Connection
Mix coffee grounds into your compost pile, along with other organic materials, for a nutrient-rich mixture that you can add to your garden soil. Over time, this approach will help balance soil acidity and prevent compaction, which can block water and air from reaching plant roots.
Favorites for Acid-Loving Plants
Acid-loving plants, such as azaleas, camellias, hollies, hydrangeas, lilies, lupines, magnolia trees, and rhododendrons, thrive with coffee grounds thanks to their slight acidity. Simply mix dried coffee grounds into the top few inches of soil for these plants to maintain their preferred pH levels and support healthy growth.
Edible plants like blackberries, blueberries, carrots, cucumbers, leafy greens (kale, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard), peppers, potatoes, roses, sweet peas, and tomatoes also benefit from the nitrogen in coffee grounds. However, keep in mind that coffee grounds alone do not provide enough nutrients to feed heavy-feeding crops, so use them as a supplemental fertilizer alongside other sources.
Avoiding Pitfalls
Although coffee grounds contain minimal caffeine, sensitive plants may react poorly to excessive amounts. Plants such as asparagus, geraniums, Russian sage, and yucca plants could show stunted growth due to repeated use of coffee grounds. To prevent this, avoid using coffee grounds when planting seeds or when plants are seedlings, as they may inhibit seed germination and stunt the growth of young plants.
While coffee grounds can benefit many plants, it's essential to consider each plant's specific needs and the potential impact on its growth. Experimenting with small amounts can help you determine what works best for your garden.
Bonus Tips
- Don't pile up coffee grounds in clumps, as they can create a water-repelling crust that impedes water access to plant roots.
- To acidify soil for acid-loving plants, use coffee grounds alongside other organic acidifying amendments, such as pine needles, coconut coir, and peat moss.
- For non-acid-loving plants, consider using coffee grounds in combination with other fertilizer sources, such as bone meal, fish emulsion, or compost, to provide a well-rounded nutrient profile.
So next time you find yourself with a pile of used coffee grounds, don't throw them away! Repurpose them to give your plants a natural, nutrient-rich boost and breathe new life into your garden.
- Martha Stewart, known for her expertise in home-and-garden, shares her insights on the use of coffee grounds in gardening.
- A diverse range of plants can benefit from the addition of coffee grounds in their gardens, including flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and landscaping.
- When planning a vegetable garden, considering using coffee grounds as a supplemental fertilizer for edible plants like carrots, kale, Swiss chard, and tomatoes.
- Landscaping projects can also benefit from the nitrogen-rich coffee grounds, supporting the growth of acid-loving plants such as hydrangeas, camellias, and azaleas.
