Are you a coffee lover? You are definitely not alone. Our days are filled with coffee cups and coffee scraps in our containers. Does this sound familiar to you? Did you know that coffee scraps, which are often thrown away after making a delicious cup of coffee, can be reused as a valuable natural fertilizer for your plants? Yes, these scraps, rich in essential nutrients, can improve soil health and promote plant growth. In another useful video on Instagram page ‘creative_explained’, we found out how to use leftover coffee scraps to grow more vegetables or fruit plants in the kitchen garden.
Composting Coffee Scraps
The easiest way to use coffee scraps is to add them to your compost pile. Coffee scraps are rich in nitrogen, a vital nutrient for plant growth. They also help improve soil structure and aeration, creating a favorable environment for root growth.
Also read: Do you love coffee? 3 ways to make coffee-flavored cold drinks for summer
DIY Coffee Grounds Fertilizer: How To Make Natural Fertilizer:
For a quick and easy fertilizer, mix used coffee grounds with cinnamon and club soda (carbonated water). This mixture provides a balanced blend of nutrients that can benefit your plants.
Material:
Used coffee grounds (from one cup of coffee)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup club soda
Instruction:
- Place the used coffee grounds in a bowl.
- Add cinnamon and club soda.
- Mix well until the ingredients are completely combined.
- Pour this mixture directly onto the soil around your plants, about once every two weeks.
- Avoid using excessive quantities as this may cause nutrient imbalances.
Read this also: Don’t know what to do with used coffee grounds? Use them in these 5 creative ways
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Benefits of using coffee grounds as fertilizer:
- Rich in nutrients: Coffee residues contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential macronutrients for plant growth.
- Improves soil health: Coffee residues help improve soil structure, aeration, and water holding capacity.
- Repels pests: The strong aroma of coffee residue can repel some pests such as ants and slugs.
- Increases microbial activity: Coffee scraps can encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
Additional Tips
- Freshly ground coffee powder: For best results, use freshly ground coffee powder.
- Dilute the mixture: If using coffee grounds fertilizer for sensitive plants, dilute it in water before adding it.
- Avoid overuse: Excessive use of coffee grounds can cause nutrient imbalances and soil acidification.
So, the next time you make a cup of coffee, remember to save those leftovers and put them to good use!
