Are you a coffee addict? You are certainly not alone. Our days are filled with cups of the brew and our bins… with coffee grounds. Does this sound familiar? Did you know that coffee grounds, often discarded after brewing a delicious cup of coffee, can be repurposed as a valuable natural fertilizer for your plants? Yes, packed with essential nutrients, these grounds can enhance soil health and promote plant growth. In another useful video on the Instagram page ‘creative_explained’, we got to know how to use the leftover coffee grounds to grow more vegetable or fruit plants in kitchen gardens.
Composting Coffee Grounds
One of the simplest ways to utilize coffee grounds is to add them to your compost pile. Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, a vital nutrient for plant growth. They also help improve soil structure and aeration, creating a favourable environment for root development.
Also Read: Love Coffee? 3 Ways To Make Coffee Flavoured Cold Beverages For Summer
DIY Coffee Ground Fertilizer: How To Make Natural Fertilizer:
For a quick and easy fertilizer, combine used coffee grounds with cinnamon and club soda (carbonated water). This mixture provides a balanced blend of nutrients that can benefit your plants.
Ingredients:
Used coffee grounds (from one cup of coffee)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup club soda
Instructions:
- Place the used coffee grounds in a bowl.
- Add the cinnamon and club soda.
- Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Apply the mixture directly to the soil around your plants, approximately once every two weeks.
- Avoid applying excessive amounts, as it can lead to nutrient imbalances.
Also Read: Don’t Know What To Do With Used Coffee Grounds? Try These 5 Creative Ways To Use Them
Benefits of Using Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer:
- Nutrient-rich: Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, essential macronutrients for plant growth.
- Improves soil health: Coffee grounds help to improve soil structure, aeration, and water retention.
- Repels pests: The strong aroma of coffee grounds can deter certain pests like ants and slugs.
- Enhances microbial activity: Coffee grounds can stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
Additional Tips
- Freshly brewed coffee grounds: For optimal results, use coffee grounds from freshly brewed coffee.
- Dilute the mixture: If using the coffee ground fertilizer for sensitive plants, dilute it with water before applying.
- Avoid over-application: Excessive use of coffee grounds can lead to nutrient imbalances and soil acidity.
So, the next time you brew a cup of coffee, remember to save those grounds and put them to good use!
