Gardeners swear by this free trick that can replace expensive plant fertilizer
How to feed your plants for free (AI-generated photo)
If you regularly drink coffee, you probably throw the used grounds in the trash every day without giving it much thought. But for gardeners and plant lovers, they are much more than kitchen waste. They can be a clever and completely free way to give your garden a natural boost.
Daily Express explains exactly how to use them to feed your plants.
Why coffee grounds are good for plants
Experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) note that kitchen waste contains many nutrients that can help plants thrive.
Using coffee grounds can also help you save money on expensive store-bought fertilizers.
“Used coffee grounds contain a mixture of organic compounds, including some of the same compounds that make up plants themselves. They are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. All of this makes them extremely useful for enriching soil, while their effect on acidity (pH) is very small and temporary,” RHS adviser Andy Vernon explains.
Ideal for hydrangeas, roses and tomatoes
Coffee grounds can be added not only to compost but also used as a direct soil amendment. They can be particularly useful for tomatoes, roses and plants that prefer slightly acidic soil.
With a very sparkling amount, I raked them [coffee grounds] carefully around the base of any acid-loving plants, and this gentle approach seems to have worked well in my garden. My azaleas were incredible last year, and even a very stubborn and temperamental creamy white camellia in a large pot flowered well after this approach,” Andy Vernon says.
There is one important rule: never spread coffee grounds in a thick, compact layer, as they can become matted and restrict oxygen from reaching the roots. Spread them thinly and gently work them into the top layer of soil.
Natural protection against slugs and pests
Coffee can provide more than just nutrients. Gardeners’ World notes that coffee grounds can help deter slugs, which are put off by their gritty texture and caffeine content.
The strong coffee aroma may also help deter ants and sometimes even cats and foxes that like digging up garden beds. However, after heavy rain, the protective layer of grounds will need to be renewed.
Eggshells: another garden treasure
Along with coffee grounds, don’t throw away eggshells either. They can provide a physical barrier against slugs because of their sharp edges and are also a source of calcium for the soil.
They can be useful for:
- brassicas
- potatoes
- cucumbers, zucchini and pumpkins
- sweet peppers.
Crushed eggshells can be mixed into the soil, placed at the bottom of a planting hole or simply sprinkled around the base of a plant. However, they are not recommended for acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons and blueberries because calcium can reduce soil acidity.
