From Brew to Bloom: Are Coffee Grounds Good for Plants?
Coffee grounds are among the best items to repurpose. Not only are they easy to apply once they are used and moist, but they are also incredibly versatile. If you have never repurposed them, don’t worry—we will discuss all you need to know about repurposing coffee grounds.
This article will explore the benefits of using coffee grounds for plants and the various methods that we recommend so you enjoy the most benefits. We will even talk about the specific plants that love coffee grounds and others that don’t. After you finish this article, you’ll be an expert at using your coffee grounds and reduce the waste in your home in the process!
Is It True That Coffee Grounds Good for Plants?
It is true: coffee grounds are great for plants. People have been reaping the benefits of caffeinating their plants for many years. Here are two reasons coffee grounds are good for your plants, whether you have indoor or outdoor plants.
Coffee Grounds Are Nutrient Dense
One main reason is that coffee grounds contain nutrients that help your plants grow. The grounds that remain after you brew your coffee in the morning are plentiful in nitrogen-rich proteins, which support your plant life. Other nutrients include potassium, calcium, zinc, and others, all as important for you as they are for your beloved houseplants.
Coffee Grounds Deter Unwanted Animal Life
Another main reason coffee grounds are good for plants is because coffee grounds tend to deter animals from eating your plants. You won’t find many slugs and snails in your plant life if you use coffee grounds in the soil. However, worms are one animal you want to see in your soil, which can help your plant maintain its health over time.
Are Coffee Grounds Good for Indoor Plants?
The good news is that coffee grounds are great for outdoor and indoor plants. Whether you have a thriving garden outside your window or a little collection of plants on your windowsill, you can help your plants thrive when you include coffee grounds as part of their care and maintenance. However, while coffee grounds are great for plants, they must be used appropriately, or you could risk hurting your plants.
How to Use Coffee Grounds for Plants
When it comes to using your coffee grounds on your plant life, you must be careful how you use your coffee grounds. For instance, if you have a lot of succulents, you might want to avoid using coffee grounds on them. Because succulents thrive on less moisture, coffee grounds could hurt your plant and cause your beloved succulent to become over-hydrated.
Here are a few other ways that you should use your coffee grounds for plants:
- Mix It Up: While you may be tempted to toss in your leftover coffee grounds after you make your cup of coffee, it’s recommended not to do so. You want to mix your coffee grounds with your soil to allow your plants to reap the benefits.
- Consider Composting: If you have a compost pile at home, add the coffee grounds to the compost pile! This can help create your fertilizer or soil at home. If you don’t compost, starting takes time, but it can certainly add value to your garden.
As you can see, there are two primary ways to use the coffee grounds for your plants. However, as shared, some plants—like succulents—do not thrive with coffee grounds in their soil. Let’s discuss what plant life would benefit from coffee grounds and what plants could do without them.
What Plants Are Used Coffee Grounds Good For? ✅
Fortunately, several plants love coffee grounds! Here are just some of the many that thrive when you include coffee grounds in their care and maintenance:
- African Violets
- Azaleas
- Hydrangeas
- Lilies
- Roses
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Gooseberries
- Wild Strawberries
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Parsley
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Jade
- Snake Plants
As you can see, many plants thrive when coffee grounds are included in their soil or compost. With all of these plants, their optimal soil pH makes including coffee grounds the best choice you can make for your plant’s long-term health.
What Plants Are Coffee Grounds Bad For? ❌
When it comes to plants that dislike coffee grounds, many of them will be those that thrive on less moisture. Some of the many plants that would not benefit from including coffee grounds in their soil include:
- Alfalfa
- Orchids
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Tomatoes
- Yucca
While you might think coffee grounds are good for all plants, they are not great for tomatoes, lavender, and the like. Coffee is a good fertilizer for some plants, but be mindful of which plants to avoid and which plants to gift your used coffee grounds to in the future. It is always recommended to look up if your plant species can handle coffee grounds before you apply them to your garden.
How Do I Store My Coffee Grounds After I Use Them?
If you are looking to store your coffee grounds if you have used them, the best place to put them would be in the compost. However, if you don’t have a compost pile yet, you can use any airtight container that would seal in the used coffee grounds. We highly recommend our Coffeevac, which has an airtight seal and can allow your coffee grounds to last for a long time!
💡 The Tightvac container is convenient because it comes in multiple sizes and has a vacuum-sealed lid. With protection from the outside elements, such as air, light, and added moisture, your used coffee grounds can be protected until you have time to use them on your plants. When you’re done with your Tightvac container, simply hand wash and dry and you’re ready to store again!
Related: Can Coffee Go Bad? The Surprising Truth About Coffee Shelf Life
Upgrade Your Plant’s Nutrition with Used Coffee Grounds
Now that you know the power of used coffee grounds, it is time to put them to work! This article provided you with everything you need to elevate your plant’s environment and ensure it gets the nutrients it needs. With an understanding of the plants that love coffee grounds and those that don’t, you can ensure your garden thrives and looks beautiful!
To purchase your Tightvac, browse the available options today to pick up expert coffee storage. Complete with a vacuum-sealed top and high-quality materials, the Tightvac is the perfect storage to help you compost, reduce waste, and care for your plants.
- Brie Allen
