This is our third year growing strawberries as well as our third year of research. The first year was a complete and utter failure. We weren’t “gardeners” at the time so we didn’t water it, weed it, feed it, or make sure not to step on/drive over it. Yeah, our “garden” was right in front of our “drive-way” (ahem) grass (ahem). Then the second year we decided we wanted a garden so my father, an all or nothin’ type of guy, decided to build this massive structure.
But still didn’t tend much to our strawberries, and got literally 2 berries off of our three plants. So then on our third year we planted 10 more plants and did a whole lot of research. And I do mean a lot, my friend.
We tried lots of things that were supposed to make them produce like crazy, but not all of them worked for me. So here is my list of tips that actually work for getting bigger plants that produce more strawberries.
Coffee grounds have become a popular supplement for gardens and compost piles. But do strawberry plants actually benefit from having coffee grounds added to their soil? The short answer is yes—when used correctly coffee grounds can give a helpful boost to strawberry plants. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind using coffee grounds on strawberries along with actionable tips for getting the most out of this unusual fertilizer.
Why Coffee Grounds Help Strawberries
Coffee grounds provide a number of advantages for strawberry plants. Here are some of the key benefits:
Slow-Release Fertilizer
Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients that plants need to thrive. As the grounds break down in the soil, these nutrients are released slowly over time. This gives strawberry plants a steady fertilizer that lasts much longer than a single application of synthetic fertilizer.
Organic Matter
In addition to releasing nutrients, decomposing coffee grounds add valuable organic material to the soil. This can improve drainage and water retention—two key factors for healthy strawberries. The organic matter also helps nourish beneficial soil microbes.
Acidifies Soil
Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil, with an ideal pH around 5.5-6.5. Coffee grounds contain acids that help lower the pH of alkaline soils. For strawberries grown in very alkaline soil, this acidifying effect can be extremely helpful.
Deters Pests
Research shows that the caffeine released by coffee grounds can deter destructive insects and animals like snails and slugs The grounds may also disrupt breeding of fungus gnats So sprinkling them around your strawberries can provide pest protection.
Improves Flavor
There’s some evidence that coffee grounds can intensify the flavor of strawberries and other fruits. This may be due to the nitrogen that gets taken up by the plants. The grounds may also impact soil microbial activity in a way that benefits flavor.
Using Coffee Grounds on Strawberry Plants
Now that we’ve covered the benefits, let’s look at the practical side of using coffee grounds on strawberries. Here are some tips:
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Use sparingly. Coffee grounds are high in nitrogen, which is good for plants but can burn roots if over-applied. Aim for no more than 1/2 inch layer per year.
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Mix well into soil. Don’t let grounds remain in clumps. Mix them in several inches down to prevent nitrogen loss.
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Avoid fresh grounds. Compost grounds first or let them dry. Fresh grounds can stunt plant growth.
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Don’t use near plant crowns. Apply grounds around the plants, not right next to crowns, to prevent rot.
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Test soil pH first. If your soil is already very acidic, coffee grounds could make it too acidic for strawberries.
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Alternate with lime. To balance the acidifying effects, occasionally mix some lime into the soil as well.
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Rotate grounds in. Don’t keep applying grounds in the same spots. Rotate applications around your strawberry bed.
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Water well after applying. Moisten grounds immediately to start releasing nutrients. Avoid foot traffic until grounds are worked in.
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Use in moderation. Too many grounds can backfire and damage plants. Err on the side of less rather than more.
Coffee Grounds Success Tips
Follow these tips and you should see great results from using coffee grounds on your strawberries:
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Start with soil testing to see if your soil needs acidification from the grounds.
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Mix used coffee grounds half an inch deep into soil around plants. Don’t overload any spots.
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Alternate coffee ground applications with lime or compost to balance pH.
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Make sure to water deeply after applying to dissolve the grounds.
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Supplement every 2-3 weeks through growing season for continuous slow-release fertilizer.
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Observe plants after each application and adjust amount based on plant response.
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Combine with high-quality compost for added nutrition and soil conditioning.
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Grind down large grounds and avoid clumping to maximize breakdown and nutrient release.
The Science Behind Coffee Grounds and Strawberries
Researchers have scientifically analyzed the impacts of using coffee grounds on strawberry plants. Here’s a quick summary of their findings:
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Adding coffee grounds significantly increases soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These major nutrients fuel plant growth and fruit production.
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The grounds add organic matter that improves soil structure and water retention. Better moisture control reduces drought stress.
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Soil microbes are nourished by coffee grounds, amplifying their benefits in the root zone.
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Acidity and caffeine reduce fungal disease infection rates in strawberry leaves and fruits.
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The acidification effect is substantial but depends on the buffering capacity of the soil type. Sandy soils see a larger pH shift.
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Coffee grounds improve strawberry yield, but only with optimal soil moisture. Drought diminishes the benefits.
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Flavor compounds increase in strawberries fertilized by grounds, improving sweetness based on Brix testing.
So in multiple ways, science confirms that coffee grounds can enhance strawberry plant productivity and fruit flavor when applied correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about using coffee grounds on strawberries:
How often should I apply coffee grounds?
Once every 2-3 weeks is ideal during the growing season. For mature plants, up to 1/2 inch layer per year is recommended. Test smaller amounts first.
Is it better to use fresh or used coffee grounds?
Used/brewed grounds are best, as fresh grounds can inhibit growth. Either compost fresh grounds first or let them dry out.
How long do coffee grounds take to break down?
They’ll release some nutrients within a few days but can take 6 months to fully decompose. The slower breakdown gives longer-lasting fertilizer.
Should I mix coffee grounds into the soil?
Yes, thoroughly mix them into the top few inches of soil so the grounds make close contact with plant roots.
Can too much coffee cause problems?
Excess grounds can build up soil acidity, add too much nitrogen, or damage plant roots. Moderation is key.
Do coffee grounds deter rabbits, deer, or other animals?
Likely not. Coffee grounds help repel some insects but probably won’t discourage mammals from sampling your strawberries.
Do coffee grounds really improve strawberry flavor?
They may! Increased nitrogen and soil microbial activity can translate to more sugars and tastier berries.
Reap the Benefits for Your Strawberries
When used properly, coffee grounds offer an all-natural way to unlock the full potential of your strawberry crop. Follow the tips in this article and see if you get bigger, sweeter strawberries this growing season. The grounds add organic matter, key nutrients, and just the right acidity to the soil that strawberries love.
So don’t throw out that morning coffee—put it to work reinvigorating your strawberry patch! Mix some used grounds into the soil around your plants. Then relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor when those juicy, flavor-packed strawberries are ready to pick.
10 Tips for Growing Strawberries:
1. Water, water, water. Then when you think you have watered too much…water some more. The more water you give them the bigger and sweeter the fruit will be.
2. Sprinkle your used coffee grounds at the base of the plants before watering. They love it! They grow so much after that. It’s works great and is better for you than store bought plant food. The coffee grounds also keep away sugar ants and pill bugs.
3. Plant a few plants per person. If your planting strawberries because you planned on, ya know, eating them, it’s best to plant a bunch. Don’t worry—you shall have no leftovers. If you do though, you can freeze them whole to use for smoothies in the future.
4. Dust the area with a cheap cinnamon to keep ants, cats, pill bugs, and slugs at bay. This came in handy for me because the pill bugs were eating ALL of our strawberries! I buy this one. It lasts a LONG time!
5. Don’t get discouraged by the first year of production. The magic is in the second year, my friend!
6. Don’t worry about cutting back dead leaves in the winter. They act as insulation keeping the plant alive ’til spring.
7. Give them plenty of room to either spread, grow up, or dangle because they will do all three if you let them.
8. Some strawberry plants produce all year long and some only produce during the summer. If you want all those strawberries at one time so they can be eaten, processed, frozen, yadda yadda—get the kind isn’t ever-bearing.
9. Plant them in a sunny area. You will be glad you did. The sun gives the plants the energy to produce the fruit, so without sunlight, you won’t have strawberries.
10. Protect those babies with birds netting. Birds love strawberries as much as we do so make sure you keep them safe or you won’t be harvesting much!
I hope I was able to help some of you guys with these tips! If I missed something that helps your strawberries grow, I would love to hear from you in the comments!