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Plant fertiliser from coffee grounds

Plant fertiliser from coffee grounds

Coffee grounds are one of the simplest fertilisers around: they hold roughly 2% nitrogen and are slightly acidic. Acid-loving plants such as hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries and tomatoes benefit the most.

What you need

  • Used coffee grounds
  • Baking tray or flat plate
  • Small rake or spoon

Step by step

  1. 1

    Dry the grounds

    Spread the wet grounds thinly on a tray and let them air-dry for 1–2 days. Damp grounds go mouldy.

  2. 2

    Use sparingly

    Scatter about 1–2 tablespoons per plant around the root zone — never right against the stem.

  3. 3

    Work in and water

    Rake the grounds shallowly into the top layer of soil and water them in, so nutrients reach the roots instead of forming a crust.

Good to know

  • Feed every 2–4 weeks at most — too many grounds compact the soil.
  • Not suitable for succulents or lavender, which prefer alkaline soil.