People who like drinking coffee can use its coffee grounds as free and natural fertilizer for plants. In this way, we operate in a spirit of “zero-wast” principles, save money and help the crops. However, for some plants, the use of coffee coffee grounds is not a good idea at all.
After drinking a small black one, it is not worth throwing the leftovers into the trash. Coffee coffee grounds are a source of valuable nutrients – they contain, among others nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. They enrich the soil, improve its structure and support the development of useful microorganisms. In addition, they can deter some pests, e.g. snails.
Importantly, Coffee coffee grounds have a slightly acidic reaction, which makes them ideal for acidophilic plants. They will thank you for the blueberries, hydrangeas, heathers or ferns. Here, however, there is a trap, because it is this acid reaction and caffeine residues that make the coffee grounds not safe for every species. Before using coffee coffee grounds, it is worth drying them well so that they do not cause fungal diseases. They should be free of sugar, milk and flavor additives.
Not all plants tolerate soil acidification. In the case of species that prefer neutral or alkaline pH, the use of coffee grounds can lead to the absorption of the absorption of nutrients. This will stop the growth of plants and reduce the leaves. Without strong leaves that are needed in the process of photosynthesis, no cultivation will keep in good condition.
Another issue is caffeine. Although it is much less in used coffee grounds than in fresh coffee, it can still affect the growth of some plants. The result of the use of caffeine from coffee coffee grounds is the slowdown of germination and inhibition of root development. In addition, this ingredient can disturb the microflora balance in the soil. This applies especially to young and delicate plants.
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Among the plants to which coffee coffee grounds should not be used, there are both garden and home ones. Familiarize yourself with their list before you reach for this natural, home fertilizer:
Garden plants that will hurt coffee grounds:
- Lavender – prefers alkaline and permeable soil;
- Sage – does not tolerate acidic ground;
- Rosemary – grows best in limestone;
- Cabbage and other brassica plants – they respond badly to soil acidification;
- Carrots and beets – they can germinate worse and develop more slowly;
- Astra and cloves – prefer an alkaline environment;
- Geraniums – too sour ground limits their flowering;
- Tomatoes – caffeine is particularly dangerous for young seedlings;
- Pear, apple trees and peaches – prefer an alkaline environment.
Homemade plants that do not like coffee coffee grounds:
- Succulents (e.g. Aloe, Grubosz) – they don’t like moisture and too sour environment.
- Zamiokulkas – requires a light, permeable and rather indifferent substrate.
- Ficus – excess moisture and acidification can lead to rotting roots.
- Sansewieria – also does not tolerate excessive moisture and acidic pH.
- Juka – he likes an alkaline substrate;
- Three times – coffee coffee grounds will limit its possibilities of taking nutrients from the ground.
Coffee coffee grounds are not a good choice in the first phase of plant development. When sowing seeds for seedlings, during germination and first growth, it is not worth using them even for acidophilic plants. The caffeine contained in them will slow down every young cultivation.
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In the case of very young plants or those that prefer an alkaline environment, it is worth focusing on other natural alternatives. Instead of coffee coffee grounds, you can use such ecological and cheap fertilizers for them:
- Woody ash – Ideal for plants who prefer alkaline pH, e.g. lavender or rosemary.
- Water after cooking vegetables (without salt) – provides microelements and does not acidify the soil.
- Egg shells – Shredded and added to the soil enrich it with calcium and raise the pH.
- Decoction or manure of nettle – Perfect for general strengthening of garden plants.
- Compound – This is a universal fertilizer that can be modified depending on the needs of plants.
So before you use coffee coffee grounds, carefully check the preferences of your plants.
