| Author | Content |
ravenn51
Sedro-Woolley, WA (Zone 8a)
May 10, 2012 2:08 PM Post #9118837
| Does anyone use coffee grounds in their gardening soil? If so, specifically what plants like this additive?
I keep thinking I should add some but not sure what plants are 'coffee drinkers'. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA (Zone 9a)
May 10, 2012 2:20 PM Post #9118853
| We put coffee grounds into the compost bin and it gets used on everything. I know roses and azaleas and gardenias enjoy having the grounds scratched into the surface of the soil...as do most acid loving plants.
http://www.professorshouse.com/Your-Home/Gardening-Plants/Ga...
http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/5...
http://coffe-e.net/the-advantage-of-coffee-grounds-for-plant... |
tommyr2006
Poughkeepsie, NY
May 10, 2012 4:12 PM Post #9118983
| Go a head and throw them in anywhere. It takes a LOT of them to make a big difference. |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA (Zone 9a)
May 10, 2012 5:00 PM Post #9119059
| I agree, use them anywhere that you want to add organic material to your soil. Most of the acidity in the coffee grounds comes out during the brewing process, so adding coffee grounds to your soil won't make a substantial difference in your soil pH. |
ravenn51
Sedro-Woolley, WA (Zone 8a)
May 10, 2012 6:17 PM Post #9119168
| Thanks everyone for the good tips. I drink lots of coffee so my grounds will get good use. |
DoGooder
Hopkinton, MA (Zone 5b)
May 12, 2012 7:33 PM Post #9121503
| ravenn51, in my experience if I put coffee grounds directly on the soil it gets moldy after a while. Maybe its best to mix it with the soil?
DoGooder |
tommyr2006
Poughkeepsie, NY
May 13, 2012 5:33 AM Post #9121807
| Yup, mix it in and/or add it to the compost pile. |
ravenn51
Sedro-Woolley, WA (Zone 8a)
May 13, 2012 6:23 AM Post #9121863
| Do Gooder: Yup I've seen the mold on the grounds too. I'll make sure I mix it in. Thanks everyone for the advice. |
pirl
(Arlene) Southold, NY (Zone 7a)
May 16, 2012 6:11 AM Post #9125731
| I've tested our container of coffee grounds and the pH is neutral. I use it as a soil conditioner, mixed in with potting soil and other amendments. |
HopeSue
Laingsburg, MI
May 18, 2012 4:51 PM Post #9128908
| Can you elaborate on what is meant by coffee being a "soil conditioner"?
I found two Biggby Coffee franchises that have agreed to save their grounds (and filters) for me. I gave each of them two 25-quart covered containers today. One of the Biggby's is a 24-hour cafe, and this weekend is East Lansing's annual art festival. I can't wait!
Does anyone know if there are any plants/bushes/vegetables to which the grounds would be detrimental? |
pirl
(Arlene) Southold, NY (Zone 7a)
May 18, 2012 5:41 PM Post #9128951
| They improve the soil structure when thoroughly mixed with the soil. The big benefit is that they attract earthworms.
You've got a good source. Just don't use too much - about one to four ratio - one of coffee grounds to four of soil.
Use the grounds on all acid loving plants (even though the grounds are not acidic) like azaleas, hollies, rhododendrons, etc. Don't use it for plants that want an alkaline (sweet) soil. |
HopeSue
Laingsburg, MI
May 18, 2012 7:25 PM Post #9129044
| Thank you for the good info! |
HelenVT
Charlotte, VT
May 18, 2012 8:07 PM Post #9129079
| I wish that more coffee shops would give away their grounds. This would keep the grounds out of the landfills and provide us gardeners with a terrific soil amendment. The Dunkin Doughnuts in my area won't save grounds. |
HopeSue
Laingsburg, MI
May 20, 2012 6:32 AM Post #9130376
| Do you have Starbucks coffee franchises in your area? I hear they're very amenable to saving them. |
HelenVT
Charlotte, VT
May 21, 2012 8:19 AM Post #9131812
| I do get some from Starbucks, but everyone is after those grounds. It would be nice if more coffee grounds were recycled. Then there might be enough for everyone! |
