After preparing coffee it is common for most people to throw out the used coffee grounds, as they are used right? What possible purpose could they possibly have?
When it comes to the garden there are many ways in which used coffee grounds could be used giving a big benefit to your indoor and outdoor plants.
Which plants can benefit from used coffee grounds?
There are certain types of plants that will benefit from coffee grounds than others. Plants that thrive on acid minerals will benefit the most from coffee grounds, Plants such as:
Hollies
Pieris
Rhododendrons
Azaleas
Camellias
Mixing the used coffee grounds in the soil around your plants will help the growth of plants with higher alkalinity requirements. By simply mixing the used coffee grounds with compost is all that is required.
Here’s how it works
It can be common for soil to have low nitrogen levels which leads to low growth and can even lead to the death of the plant. When the used coffee grounds are applied to the soil and is then converted into healthy bacteria that is easily absorbed.
How to apply coffee grounds
As the used coffee ground has a fine structure, it will therefore be easy for it to compost. It is better to apply the coffee ground around the edges of the soil where you would find leaves and twigs lying, rather than putting it around the stem of the plant. If the used coffee grounds are put too close it could possibly trigger an imbalance – because of the quick speed of the decomposing material. Another side effect caused by placing the coffee grounds too close to the trunk or stem of the plant as it would quickly attract an unhealthy amount of species that feed off the plant.
Another use for your used coffee grounds would be to use it as a pre-plant fertilizer. In this case, you could dilute the coffee grounds and put them in the soil a few months before planting your seedlings which will duly help prepare your soil before planting.
Coffee grounds have a natural source of calcium and nitrogen which are valuable nutrients for your plants. If you maintain a composite pile then your used coffee grounds will be very beneficial, as they help to maintain a good nitrogen balance which is great for decomposition.
How will it affect bugs?
Used and leftover coffee grounds are brilliant for helping to introduce more organics to your soil. As they are small in size and therefore breakdown very easily meaning that helpful critters such as earthworms will thrive on them. On the other hand, fungi can also benefit from this which can undo the good.
Using used coffee grounds for Vegetables
It can be disheartening to see your fruits and vegetables being ruined and destroyed by common bugs. It is common to naturally reach for branded pesticides, however, it is important to note that most pesticides could damage your plant in the long run. Not to mention the harm common pesticides have on you.
Therefore, using your used coffee grounds as an insecticide would be an ideal alternative to using harmful pesticides. Using used coffee grounds is great for keeping away slugs, as the strong odor repels critters like ants, snails, and other pests.
Another bonus for using coffee grounds in your fruit and vegetable beds is it is a great resource food for earthworms and will help with their growth. Having lots of earthworms in your garden keeps your garden healthy.