Why Coffee Grounds Are Good for Plants

Gardening advice rarely gets more curious than using Coffee Grounds for plants. Strange though it might sound on the surface, doing so has a wealth of extraordinary benefits. This is what we’re going to explore in the following article, so please keep reading to discover its full potential. Questions answered will include, “Do used Coffee Grounds help plants grow?” and “What effect does it have?”

The fact that these are used Coffee Grounds means you’ll want to brew them and indulge first. Be sure, then, to browse our vast selection of around 70 types of coffee to find the infusion for you. Since our establishment in 1982, exactly forty years ago, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company has packed its products fresh to order, ensuring quality and consistency. What could be better than that?

Are Coffee Grounds Good for Plants?

In a previous article we wrote about 10 Tips for Used Coffee Grounds, we mentioned that they were excellent in the garden. This is because most soil is practically void of essential nutrients needed for optimal plant growth, a situation made worse by plants absorbing any nutrients left. Fertilising with used grounds, on the other hand, can provide the full nourishment your garden needs.

But how and why, exactly, does it work? These leftovers from your morning cuppa contain vital minerals such as nitrogen, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and chromium – constituents of which, combined, lead to flourishing flowers. Another option is to use them on your compost heap. According to a 2009 study, Coffee Grounds contribute to your garden waste’s richness.

And there’s more still. Indeed, while serving as a suitable fertiliser, post-brewed Coffee acts as a natural pesticide, enabling your plants to be less susceptible to damage from pests. The primary reasons are its high caffeine content and abrasive texture, traits of which are off-putting to the likes of slugs. Don’t worry about your worms, either, for it appears to have little impact – and might even help them!

Nevertheless, similar to people who sometimes suffer from the Effects of Caffeine, there can be instances of too much in the soil. It is best to limit Coffee Grounds’ use to a once-a-week boost. Coffee, after all, is naturally acidic and, as a result, over-feeding your plants can cause adverse downsides. The bottom line is that when it comes to the question, “Is Coffee Good for plants?”, the answer is, “Yes, in moderation.”

Which Plants Like Coffee Grounds?

It’s all fair and well learning about the effects of Coffee on plant growth in general. But do avid gardeners need to be aware of which plants like Coffee Grounds and which ones don’t? Blueberries, hydrangeas, roses, hollies and azaleas seem to thrive the most – at least with the knowledge we have so far. All you’ll need to do is sprinkle in the grounds and rake them into the soil to avoid clumping.

As for those plants that apparently don’t like Coffee Grounds, well, you’ll have a challenging time finding such species. The good news – again as it stands so far – is that the tried-and-tested method of using Coffee for plants works in most instances. The trick, of course, is moderation. Consider it an alternative to expensive fertilisation that should be applied only sparingly for the desired results.

Can I Put Coffee Grounds in My Potted Plants Inside?

A quick recap: We’ve covered fertilising plants with Coffee Grounds outside rather well. We’ve established, too, that while some species thrive in these conditions more than others, it will rarely have a negative influence regardless of where you sprinkle. The next pressing question is, “What indoor plants like Coffee Grounds?” Do the same rules apply within the house as they do in the backyard?

No dramatic surprises here. Most plants, whether they’re in your garden or your sitting room, will benefit considerably from the extra boost in nutrients that used Coffee Grounds can offer. Just please keep in mind that you should apply them thinly (emphasis on “thinly”) into the houseplant’s soil and not too often. Additionally, be wary of pouring them too near their stems.

Summary to Why Coffee Grounds are Good for Plants

Those who have wondered in the past, “Are Coffee Grounds good for plants?” now have what they were looking for. All that’s left is to try it for yourself. Before you do, though, you’ll undoubtedly want to make the most of your favourite infusion while it remains in your mug. The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company is where your exciting journey should begin – get browsing today!