What are the Benefits of Coffee Grounds?
1.Coffee grounds are high in nitrogen, which is an essential element for plant growth.
By adding coffee grounds to your composter or soil, it will boost the nitrogen content in your soil and potentially promote plant growth.
Key signs that your plants are not getting enough nitrogen are yellowing leaves and poor plant growth. Keep in mind that other problems can cause yellowing of leaves, such as disease, too much sunlight or improper watering. However, if you have accounted for those factors, poor nitrogen absorption may be the culprit.
If you are unsure whether your soil is low in nitrogen, consider getting a soil test at an agricultural testing lab or university. They will give you a full report on the elemental quality of the soil. If the report shows optimal nitrogen or high nitrogen levels, in may not be a good idea to add coffee grounds to your soil. A lab soil test can range from $25 to $50 at most labs.
2. Coffee grounds add organic material to the soil.
Organic material improves drainage, water retention and aeration in the soil. As coffee grounds add this organic material to the soil, it will improve these factors in your garden. This is especially beneficial in sandier soil areas, such as in Florida. Aeration is especially important, as microorganisms that convert minerals in the soil into useful materials for the plants. Many of these organisms require aeration to thrive.
Another benefit of aeration is strong root growth. Roots do not grow well in soil that has excess CO2. Aeration relieves excess CO2 and helps the roots grow strong and healthy.
3. Coffee grounds attract earthworms
Earthworms are highly beneficial to gardens. As they burrow through the soil, they eat organic and decaying plant matter. As they deficate, the fertilize the soil, giving plants many of the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong. By having or introducing earthworms into your garden, you will provide your plants with what they need to grow. Coffee grounds contain the organic matter worms eat, thus attracting them to your garden.
4. Coffee Grounds act as a mulch
Spreading coffee grounds on or in your soil acts as a mulch for your garden. This helps with water retention, reduces weed infestation and provides some protection from cold weather conditions. Be careful not to overdo it though, as too much can create root rot in some varieties.
5. It's eco-friendly
Using coffee grounds in your garden reduces waste in our landfills and puts the materials to good use. If you have a composter, you can add the coffee filters as well, and let the composter break down the grounds and waste and turn it into a beneficial fertilizer. Every bit helps our ecosystem!
6. It can help deter slugs and other pests
Using dry coffee grounds around the periphery of your garden can deter slugs, rabbits and other critters from entering your garden and eating your plants. This is due to the caffeine in the coffee. Beware of using too much unbrewed coffee too close to your plants, however. Used coffee grounds are relatively pH-neutral; however, unbrewed coffee grounds can be fairly acidic. Depending on the variety of plants you have and the initial acidity of the soil you have, this may damage your plants if you use too much. The acid will seep into the soil when it gets wet.
Where to Get Coffee Grounds for Your Garden
Most coffee shops will give you their used coffee grounds if you ask them. You can also use your own grounds (though you would have to drink a lot of coffee to cover a large garden). We recommend spreading enough grounds to cover the soil in your pots or around the plants or seeds.
Depending on your soil condition, you may need to do this once a month or several times throughout the year. Consult your local nursery or master gardener for advice on your area if you're not sure.
Happy Gardening!
