| I was asked the other day if coffee grounds are good or bad for the garden. Many gardeners have differing opinions on this subject, and I tend to use grounds in different applications—from sprinklers on the soil of ornamental beds as a form of fertiliser and bran for my bokashi tubs to an additional ingredient for my compost bins. Here’s why l think coffee grounds are beneficial to gardening … First their nutrient composition – Nitrogen (N): Helps promote leafy growth in plants. Phosphorus (P): Supports root development and flower production. Potassium (K): Enhances overall plant health and disease resistance. Other trace minerals: Magnesium, calcium, and iron. Second the benefits if used as a fertilser Improves Soil Structure: Coffee grounds improve drainage, aeration, and water retention in the soil. Acidifies Soil (Slightly): They are slightly acidic, which benefits acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and tomatoes. Encourages Microbial Activity: Coffee grounds promote beneficial microbes, improving soil health. Adds Organic Matter: This boosts soil fertility and helps retain nutrients for plants. Thirdly – some of the ways to use the grounds as a fertiliser include Direct Application: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around plants and mix them lightly into the soil. Composting: Add coffee grounds to your compost pile to enrich it with nitrogen. Liquid Fertiliser: Soak used coffee grounds in water (1 cup of grounds in 5 gallons of water) for a few hours and use it as a natural plant fertiliser. Having said this, now for a word of caution… It’s important to note that excessive use of coffee grounds can lead to soil compaction and hinder water absorption. This is a reminder to use them in moderation and with care. Mix with Other Organic Matter: To maintain compost health, coffee grounds should be balanced with carbon-rich materials like dry leaves. Not for All Plants: Some plants (e.g., alfalfa, clover) prefer alkaline soil and may not benefit from coffee grounds. Ultimately it always comes down to individual tastes and decisions. |
Benefits of Coffee Grounds in Gardening
Earthly Comforts 
Thanks for this useful information Rory
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasure Sadje 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥰🙏🏼🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think my mother used coffee grounds on the azaleas but I’m totally blanking on what she put egg shells on…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh eggshells, another favourite ingredient of mine … 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing this information, Rory. I remember my Mom putting coffee grounds in the soil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are most welcome Eugenia. I have access to around 350 kg of coffee ground a week now and l use it for many applications and mix it with water and sprinkle it onto our garden plants also 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person