Using Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer for Your Plants: Benefits, Tips and Tricks

Hey there! Are you tired of spending money on expensive fertilizers? Well, I have a secret for you: Coffee! That's right, your morning cup of coffee can actually be used to give your plants a boost.  

Using coffee as a fertilizer is not a new concept, but it's definitely worth talking about, Not only is it an eco-friendly option, but it's also a cost-effective way to improve your plants' growth and health (especially when you consider the inflation problem).

Coffee contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that plants need to thrive. Plus, it also helps to improve soil health by adding organic matter and beneficial microorganisms.

You can use coffee to fertilize a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, flowers, herbs, and even fruit trees. It's especially great for acid-loving plants like tomatoes, roses, and blueberries.

So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's get started on this journey to a greener and healthier garden!

Benefits of using Coffee Fertilizer

Coffee contains essential nutrients that plants need to grow strong and healthy. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are all key nutrients found in coffee that can help promote growth and improve overall plant health.

Using coffee as fertilizer can help to improve the soil's pH level. Coffee is naturally acidic, so it can help to lower the pH level of alkaline soils. This can be beneficial for plants that prefer a more acidic soil environment.

Coffee is also a great source of organic matter for the soil. When coffee grounds are added to the soil, they break down and release beneficial microorganisms that can improve soil structure, increase water retention, and promote healthy root growth.

But which plants can benefit from coffee fertilizer?

The answer is a lot! Coffee is great for acid-loving plants like tomatoes, roses, blueberries, and many other fruits. It's also great for herbs, vegetables, and flowers. In fact, coffee is a universal fertilizer, meaning it can be used to fertilize almost any type of plant.

Are there plants that don't like coffee grounds?

While coffee grounds can be a great fertilizer for many plants, they are not suitable for all types of plants.

Here are a few plants that do not like coffee grounds:

1. Alkaline-loving plants: Coffee grounds are sometimes acidic, so they can lower the pH level of soil. Plants that prefer a more alkaline soil environment, such as lavender, azalea, and lily of the valley, may not thrive in soil that has been amended with coffee grounds.
2. Plants sensitive to caffeine: Some plants, such as ferns, are sensitive to caffeine and may suffer from the effects of coffee grounds. Caffeine is toxic to some plants, it can inhibit their growth and make them more susceptible to pests and diseases.
3. Seedlings and young plants: Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, which can be too much for young plants. They can burn the delicate roots of seedlings and young plants, stunting their growth.

Coffee Grounds are not always Acidic

When it comes to using coffee grounds as fertilizer, one of the most common misconceptions is that they are always acidic. But the truth is, the pH level of coffee grounds can vary depending on the stage of decomposition and the conditions under which they are being stored or used.

Studies have shown that while some coffee grounds may have mildly acidic pH levels of around 4.6 or 5.26, others can be neutral or even slightly alkaline, with pH levels of 7.7 or 8.4. This is because the pH level of coffee grounds can change during the process of decomposition.

Additionally, research has also shown that the pH level of soil treated with coffee compost can increase after a few weeks of incubation, and then gradually decrease over time. This suggests that the pH level of coffee grounds is not stable and cannot be assumed to be always acidic.

So, it's important to be aware that the pH level of coffee grounds can vary and not to assume that they will always be acidic. It's always a good idea to check the pH level of your soil before adding any fertilizer, including coffee grounds. This will help you to determine whether or not coffee grounds will be suitable for your plants.

How to make Coffee Fertilizer

Now that we've talked about the benefits of using coffee as a fertilizer, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to make and use it. Making coffee fertilizer is actually very simple and can be done with just a few basic supplies.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make coffee fertilizer:

1. Collect used coffee grounds: Save your used coffee grounds from your morning brew and let them dry out completely.
2. Mix with water: Take your dried coffee grounds and mix them with an equal amount of water. You can also add a small amount of molasses or fish emulsion to enhance the nutrient content.
3. Let it steep: Cover the mixture and let it steep for a day or two. This will allow the nutrients to fully infuse into the water.
4. Strain the mixture: Once the mixture has steeped, strain out the coffee grounds and discard them. The liquid that remains is your coffee fertilizer.

Now that you have your coffee fertilizer, you can dilute with water and apply it to your plants. As for how often and in what quantity to apply coffee fertilizer, it depends on the type of plant and its needs.

A general rule of thumb is to apply coffee fertilizer once a month during the growing season. It's always a good idea to do a soil test to check the pH level and nutrient status of your soil before applying any fertilizer.

And that's it! Making and using coffee fertilizer is simple and easy, and it's a great way to give your plants the nutrients they need while also being eco-friendly and cost-effective. Just remember to always dilute the coffee before applying it to the plants, and check the pH level of the soil before applying any fertilizer.

Final Thoughts

Overall, using coffee as a fertilizer is not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly and beneficial for both plants and soil. And the best part is that you don't have to go out and buy special fertilizers, you can just use your leftover coffee grounds.

So don't throw away your used coffee grounds next time, save them for your plants!!