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Coffee grounds are acidic, and if you put them on plants that like neutral or alkaline soil, they won’t be good for your plants at all. Use coffee grounds with plants that crave acidity to change the pH level of your soil.
The Risks of Using Coffee on Plants. In low concentrations, coffee likely won't have any major adverse effects on your garden. However, cautions Pearsoll, you shouldn't use it in place of fertilizer. "Coffee grounds can be a good supplement to a well-rounded fertilization plan," he says.
Some plants do not benefit from adding coffee grounds to their soil. Plants like lilacs and lavender prefer alkaline soil, so the slight acidity may harm them. The caffeine in coffee grounds can also harm some herbs and geraniums. Be sure to research the optimal conditions for your plants before adding coffee grounds.
Can Deter Slugs and Snails from Plants. Many people claim that used coffee grounds act as a deterrent against slugs and snails. These nasty pests are a common problem for gardeners, as they feed on foliage that can look unsightly and, in some cases, even cause the decline and deterioration of plants.
Coffee grounds can inhibit seed germination and cause stunting of plants. Avoid using coffee grounds around young seedlings or new plants. Using too much coffee grounds around mature plants can also cause stunting and suppressed root growth.
So, as long as you properly brew the coffee grounds beforehand and only apply a light dusting, the caffeine content will be too minimal to hurt the plants. Myth 3: Fresh coffee grounds are a nitrogen fertilizer
Coffee that has been roasted but never brewed is fine for acid-loving plants, including rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, Pieris, andromeda and camellia. Uyterhoeven suggests...