Can coffee grounds be used as fertilizers?

Question

I've heard coffee was an effective fertilizer/compost ingredient, but I don't know why and what makes it so. Any fact-based explanations (and testimonies from others who have tried using coffee as fertilizer, even) would be very much appreciated. Please and thank you! :)

Answer 1

I can't explain why, but the department that handles our grounds maintainance at work has been working with an Enviromental group who is using the used coffee grounds produced by our coffee shops on campus as fertilizer for their gardens. Seems to be working quite nicely.

Answer 2

I have a compost bin in my garden and i put all of my kitchen waste used tea bags and coffee grounds into it,I have been using the compost in the garden last summer for the first time,And my plants are thriving,So i would say in answer to the question that yes it is a good fertilizer judging by my garden..

Answer 3

Coffee and gardening.

Every day across America, Asia and Europe, millions of pots of coffee and tea are brewed, and the millions of pounds of wet grounds, filters and bags thrown in the trash. This is both wasteful and foolish.

Coffee by-products can be used in the garden and farm as follows:

Sprinkle used grounds around plants before rain or watering, for a slow-release nitrogen.

Add to compost piles to increase nitrogen balance. Coffee filters and tea bags break down rapidly during composting.

Dilute with water for a gentle, fast-acting liquid fertilizer. Use about a half-pound can of wet grounds in a five-gallon bucket of water; let sit outdoors to achieve ambient temperature.

Mix into soil for houseplants or new vegetable beds.

Encircle the base of the plant with a coffee and eggshell barrier to repel pests.

If you are into vermi-posting, feed a little bit to your worms

Answer 4

Different studies have shown wide disparages in the actual NPK content of used coffee grounds. Maybe the difference in the roast? Anyway these different tests have arrived at figures from 2 percent to as much as 33 percent nitrogen. What they all agree on is that coffee grounds are acid and if used in excessive amounts can change the pH of your soil. They are good for retaining moisture, improving tilth and earthworms love them, so use them on your garden, but sparingly. They do however, make an excellent addition to your compost.

Answer 5

Coffee grounds are high in Nitrogen. Also, I believe that trees, and plants are like us, a little caffine goes a long way in a beautiful day. When I water the houseplants, I will use what is left over from the morning coffee(cooled), dilute it with water and the plants absolutely thrive.

Starbucks usually has used grounds for free for compost.

good luck & blessing

Answer 6

worms are the very best composting device,
the coffee grounds speed them up a little and they might eat more but the little things eat most anything,
i all ways bury grounds, egg shells, and paper, but cardboard seems to also be a favorite for them
i think unprocessed grounds may be a little acidic
for house plants

Answer 7

It can add colour to flowers by adding certain nutriens to the soil also bannana peels certain flowers become a deeper blue especially and redder reds have done this and it works don't know enuff to go into details as how.

Answer 8

I think coffee grounds would be too acidic to apply directly to soil but this same property may help compost to break down faster.

Answer 9

yes and egg shells and fish bones it gives plants an excellent source of nutrients that promotes very healthy plants,

Answer 10

Yes but it is acidic. So you will need to add it to plants in need. It does work.