23. Corn
I love growing corn, and coffee grounds can really help.
The nitrogen in coffee grounds is great for corn. Corn needs a lot of nitrogen to grow tall and strong. Adding coffee grounds boosts the soil and helps the corn grow better.
Sometimes, I sprinkle coffee grounds around my corn plants. It’s important to mix them into the soil to avoid clumps. This helps prevent mold and keeps the soil healthy.
24. Gardenias
Gardenias are beautiful flowering plants that love acidic soil. Coffee grounds are great for them because they help lower the soil’s pH. I usually sprinkle coffee grounds around the base of my gardenias.
These plants thrive on the nutrients coffee grounds provide, like nitrogen. It helps them grow strong and healthy. I always see more blooms after I’ve added coffee grounds to the soil.
To avoid mold, I make sure not to pile too many grounds at once. Just a thin layer is enough. Using coffee grounds has made my gardenia care routine simple and effective.
25. Raspberries
Raspberries
I love growing raspberries in my garden. They produce sweet, juicy berries that are perfect for snacking or adding to desserts.
Coffee grounds can be a great addition to their soil. Raspberries prefer slightly acidic soil, and coffee grounds help lower the pH.
26. Philodendrons
Philodendrons
Philodendrons are popular houseplants known for their lush, green leaves. They thrive in a variety of conditions, making them a favorite for many plant lovers.
I find that adding coffee grounds to the soil can be beneficial for these plants. Coffee grounds can add nutrients and improve soil structure, which helps philodendrons grow strong.
It’s important to use coffee grounds sparingly, though. Too much can make the soil too acidic. I typically mix the coffee grounds with compost or sprinkle a small amount directly onto the soil. This way, the plants get a nice, balanced boost.
Benefits of Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer
Using coffee grounds in your garden can provide important nutrients, improve soil structure, and help keep pests away.
Nutrient Content
Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, which is a critical nutrient for plants. Nitrogen helps promote leaf growth and keeps plants healthy.
They also contain other important minerals like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper. These nutrients help plants blossom and produce fruit. Additionally, coffee grounds can balance soil pH, making the environment more suitable for some plants.
Soil Structure Improvement
Adding coffee grounds to soil can improve its texture. They help create good drainage, which prevents water from sitting around plant roots and causing rot.
Coffee grounds also help soils retain moisture, ensuring plants get enough water even on hot days. They can attract earthworms, which break down organic material and help aerate the soil.
Natural Pest Repellent
Coffee grounds can help keep pests away without harmful chemicals. Their smell deters slugs and snails, which often damage plants.
They also contain compounds that can repel ants and other insects. By using coffee grounds, you create a natural barrier that keeps your plants safe from unwanted visitors. They’re a simple and effective way to protect your garden.
How to Use Coffee Grounds in Your Garden
Coffee grounds can be a great addition to your garden, helping to nourish plants and improve soil quality. Here are three ways to use coffee grounds most effectively.
Direct Application
Sprinkling coffee grounds directly onto the soil is simple and effective. Use them around acid-loving plants like roses, azaleas, and rhododendrons. You can spread a thin layer—no more than half an inch thick—around the base of the plants.
Be careful not to pile up the grounds too much. Thick layers can become compacted and might block water and air from reaching the plant roots.
Mix the coffee grounds lightly into the top layer of soil. This helps to avoid clumping and promotes better absorption of nutrients.
Composting with Coffee Grounds
Adding coffee grounds to your compost bin enriches the compost with nitrogen. Coffee grounds work great when combined with other kitchen scraps like fruit peels and vegetable waste. They balance well with “brown” materials like dried leaves or cardboard.
Remember to keep a balanced ratio. Aim for about one part coffee grounds to three parts brown materials. This balance minimizes the risk of a smelly compost pile and accelerates the decomposition process.
If you don’t compost already, starting one is easy. Just layer your kitchen scraps and garden waste in a bin, turning it occasionally to aerate.
Making Coffee Ground Tea
Coffee ground tea is another way to nourish plants. Start by soaking about two cups of coffee grounds in a five-gallon bucket of water for a few days. Strain the liquid to remove any solid pieces.
Use this nutrient-rich water to feed your plants by pouring it at the base. It’s similar to how you’d use liquid fertilizer. Coffee ground tea can boost the growth of many plants, especially houseplants and garden vegetables.
Pour the liquid directly on the soil, avoiding the foliage. It’s a gentle, effective way to provide nutrients without risking burn or over-fertilization.
