Plant enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ways to give their garden a little extra love. Coffee grounds are often touted as a great addition to a compost pile and soil structure, but did you know that not all plants are fans?
In this article, well dive into what plants are and aren’t acid-loving plants and why so you can keep your garden thriving with natural fertilizer like coffee grounds. Lets get started!
Coffee grounds have become a popular homemade fertilizer for plants and gardens Their rich nitrogen content makes them useful for feeding hungry plants But do geraniums like coffee grounds too? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using coffee grounds on geraniums,
An Overview of Geraniums
Geraniums are a popular garden flower known for their bright, cheery blooms in shades of red, pink, white, and purple. There are over 200 species of geraniums, which are perennial flowering plants native to South Africa. The most common types grown are zonals, ivies, and scented geraniums.
Geraniums thrive in loamy, well-draining soil and need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day They also require consistent moisture and prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 60-7.0. Proper care and feeding is key to get prolific flowering from these beauties.
The Benefits of Coffee Grounds for Plants
Used coffee grounds are sometimes recommended as an organic fertilizer or soil amendment. Here are some of the touted benefits:
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Nitrogen: Coffee grounds contain about 2% nitrogen which is one of the key nutrients plants need for healthy growth and flowering. The nitrogen in the grounds is in a slow-release form that becomes available over time as the grounds break down.
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Soil structure: The grounds can help improve soil structure, aeration, and drainage when mixed into the soil. The coarse texture creates air pockets for better oxygen flow to plant roots.
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Microorganisms: Coffee grounds promote beneficial microbial activity in the soil. The organic matter feeds earthworms, bacteria, and fungi.
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Moisture retention: The grounds help retain moisture in sandy soils. This reduces watering frequency for plants.
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Acidity: Coffee grounds lower pH, so they may benefit acid-loving plants like azaleas, blueberries, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons.
Do Geraniums Like Coffee Grounds?
The moderate acidity and slow-release nitrogen make coffee grounds seem like an ideal fertilizer for geraniums. However, some key factors determine whether coffee grounds are ultimately beneficial or not.
pH Level
While geraniums prefer slightly acidic soil, coffee grounds lower pH more than ideal for them. Excess acidity can hinder nutrient absorption. Occasional light feedings may be ok, but avoid continuously applying coffee grounds to geranium soil. Monitor pH and add lime if needed to counter acidity.
Nutrient Content
The small amount of nitrogen in used coffee grounds alone is not sufficient to meet geranium nutritional needs. They require a balanced fertilizer for optimal growth and flowering. Look for a formula with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Supplement coffee grounds with chemical or organic fertilizers.
Fresh vs Spent Grounds
Fresh, unbrewed coffee grounds are too acidic for geraniums. But spent grounds leached of excess acids are safer to use. Rinse used grounds thoroughly to remove residual coffee oils before applying.
Salt Content
Spent grounds may still contain traces of salt and coffee flavorings. These can potentially burn geranium roots and leaves if overapplied. Moderation is key when using on geraniums.
Drainage Issues
Coffee grounds help light, sandy soils retain moisture. But they can lead to soggy soil and poor drainage in heavy clay soils. For geraniums, it’s best to incorporate grounds into a quality potting mix with adequate drainage.
Mold Risk
Applying a thick layer of wet grounds as mulch can promote mold growth. Always scatter sparingly on soil surface and scratch in lightly. Allow the grounds to fully dry before watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Best Practices for Using Coffee Grounds on Geraniums
Follow these tips to safely use coffee grounds as an occasional fertilizer boost for geraniums:
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Rinse used grounds thoroughly to remove acids, oils, and salt residue. Allow to dry completely before use.
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Apply grounds lightly and scatter over the soil surface rather than mounding up.
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Mix the grounds into the top 1-2 inches of soil so they don’t clump or mold.
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Use no more than 1-2 tablespoons per mature plant every 2-3 months.
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Check soil pH periodically and add lime if it drops below 6.0.
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Supplement with a balanced organic or chemical fertilizer to provide a full spectrum of nutrients.
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Avoid using grounds at time of planting or on seedlings and fresh transplants. Wait until plants are established.
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Monitor plants for signs of stress like yellowing leaves, poor flowering, or stunted growth and adjust usage accordingly.
Alternatives to Coffee Grounds for Feeding Geraniums
While occasional light applications of spent grounds are ok for geraniums, it’s best not to rely solely on this fertilizer. Here are some better options:
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Balanced liquid fertilizers: Look for formulations designed for flowering plants which provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Use at half strength every 2-3 weeks.
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Slow release granular fertilizer: Mix into soil at planting time and the nutrients are gradually available for 6-9 months. No need to constantly reapply.
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Compost: Make your own compost or purchase quality compost to mix into potting soil for nutrition and improved texture.
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Worm castings: The excrement from worms fed with organic matter makes a gentle, nutritious fertilizer for plants.
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Organic granular fertilizers: Choose OMRI-listed formulations derived from “vegan” sources like soybean meal, alfalfa meal, bone meal, etc.
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Manure tea: Steep aged manure in water to make a mild liquid feed. Use every 2-3 weeks.
The Bottom Line
While occasional light applications of rinsed, dried, spent coffee grounds can provide a small nutritional boost for established geraniums, they should not be the sole fertilizer used. For prolific flowering and healthy growth, geraniums need a constant feed program with a complete, balanced fertilizer. Supplement coffee grounds with organic or chemical fertilizers to provide the full spectrum of nutrients geraniums require. And always monitor pH when using an acidic amendment like coffee grounds.
How Do Coffee Grounds Impact Soil Ph?
When it comes to adding coffee grounds in the garden, one of the most common questions we get is about how they affect soil pH. Its a great question because soil pH plays a crucial role in plant health and nutrient uptake. Lets dive into the details.
First off, coffee grounds are often thought to be highly acidic. However, used coffee grounds are actually closer to neutral on the pH scale, typically ranging from 6.5 to 6.8.
Fresh coffee grounds, on the other hand, are more acidic, with a pH around 5.0. This difference is important to note because it can influence how you use them in your garden.
So, what does this mean for your soil? Adding fresh grounds can lower the pH of your soil, making it more acidic. This can be beneficial for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons. However, for most other plants, a more neutral pH is preferable.
When you add used coffee grounds to your soil, the impact on pH is minimal. This makes them a safer bet for a wider variety of plants. However, its always a good idea to test your soil pH before making any significant amendments. You can easily find soil pH testing kits at garden centers or online.
Here are a few tips for using coffee grounds to manage soil pH:
- For Acid-Loving Plants: Feel free to use fresh coffee grounds, but do so sparingly. A thin layer around the base of the plant should suffice.
- For Neutral pH Plants: Stick to used coffee grounds. They provide organic matter without significantly altering the soil pH.
- Testing is Key: Always test your soil pH before and after adding coffee grounds to monitor any changes.
By understanding how coffee grounds affect soil pH, you can make more informed decisions about how to use them in your garden.
Whether youre aiming to acidify your soil or simply add some organic matter, knowing the pH levels of your coffee grounds as well as other compost materials can help you achieve the best results for your plants.
Why Don’t Some Plants Like Coffee Grounds?
When it comes to adding coffee grounds in the garden, its important to understand how plants benefit from this in the first place. It’s worth it to learn how coffee grounds can affect plant growth and soil structure. Coffee grounds contain several compounds that can influence growth, both positively and negatively.
Here are some key points to consider:
Coffee grounds contain caffeine, which can be harmful to some plants. Caffeine acts as a natural pesticide, which can inhibit growth, particularly for seedlings and young plants. This is especially true for plants that are sensitive to caffeine and tolerate acidic soil poorly.
Coffee grounds have allelopathic properties, meaning they can release chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants. While spent coffee grounds can help with managing garden pests and suppressing weeds, it may also negatively impact desirable plants.
Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, one of the essential nutrients for plant growth. However, they also contain other elements like potassium and phosphorus in smaller amounts. While nitrogen can promote lush, green growth, an excess can lead to imbalances in the garden soil, particularly if the soil acidity or pH balance isnt managed properly.
The introduction of coffee grounds can alter the microbial balance in the soil. While some beneficial microorganisms thrive on coffee grounds, others may be suppressed. This can affect the garden’s natural soil conditions, which in turn impacts plant health.
Coffee grounds can improve soil structure by adding organic matter, which helps with aeration and water retention. However, if not properly balanced with other organic materials in the compost pile, they can lead to compacted soil, which restricts root growth and can hinder plants ability to retain moisture.
Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about adding coffee grounds to your garden. By balancing the benefits and drawbacks, you can optimize growth and ensure your plants thrive.
Best GERANIUM Care Tips – What We’ve Learned To Keep Geraniums Looking Their Best
FAQ
How do you use coffee grounds for geraniums?
To use coffee grounds effectively, they must first be dried, then worked into the soil as a powder. This is difficult when you realise how densely rooted a geranium balcony box is. Using coffee grounds in the garden is easier. Much larger quantities can be used in flower beds than in balcony boxes.
Which plants should you not put coffee grounds on?
How do I perk up my geraniums?
If your plants start looking “leggy”, which often happens with reduced light, prune or “pinch back” stems just above a leaf node to produce new growth. Water the geraniums when the soil feels dry to the touch. The second way to overwinter geraniums is to take cuttings.
What plant benefits most from coffee grounds?
Acid-loving plants, like azaleas, blueberries, camellias, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons, generally benefit the most from coffee grounds. These plants thrive in slightly acidic soil, and coffee grounds can help lower the soil’s pH, making it more hospitable.
Does adding coffee grounds benefit geraniums?
Geraniums can benefit from coffee grounds because they help ensure proper water retention and adequate nutrients in the soil. The caffeine in coffee grounds also aids in quick seed germination. Sharing is caring!
Are coffee grounds a good fertilizer for geraniums?
Using coffee grounds as a fertilizer is beneficial for geraniums. Coffee grounds play a vital role in keeping the soil of geraniums full of nutrients. They also ensure that the drainage system in the soil is always functional and upgrade the water retention system whenever the plant needs it.
Are coffee grounds good for plants?
Coffee grounds are acidic, and if you put them on plants that like neutral or alkaline soil, they won’t be good for your plants at all. Use coffee grounds with plants that crave acidity to change the pH level of your soil. In this article, we’ve listed commonly grown plants that like coffee grounds along with a few that don’t.
Do geraniums need a composter?
The microorganisms in the composter will break down the grounds into micronutrients that are more accessible to plant roots. This helps the organic fertilizer work faster and more effectively, promoting healthy growth for your geraniums. If you don’t have time to compost, another option is to dry the coffee grounds completely before using them.
How do you grow Geraniums in a pot?
Mix the coffee grounds into the potting soil to integrate them evenly. For a standard 12-inch geranium pot, you should use about one tablespoon (15 ml) of dry coffee grounds per month. This will add nutrients without overloading the soil with nitrogen or drastically altering the pH. Geraniums thrive in a neutral or slightly acidic pH.
Are coffee grounds good for lilies?
Coffee grounds can help adjust soil pH, supply essential nutrients, and improve soil structure. Lilies (Lilium spp.): Elegant, showy flowers that grow from bulbs and come in various colors and forms. Optimal pH: 6.0-6.5. Coffee grounds can provide vital nutrients, especially nitrogen, for healthy growth and abundant blooms.