Coffee grounds are a popular home remedy for soil improvement. It contains valuable nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which promote plant growth and increase soil fertility.

Not all plants tolerate coffee grounds

But despite its benefits, coffee grounds are not suitable for all plants, writes, among others, the specialist plant retailer Compo. The high acid content and the caffeine it contains can stress sensitive species. Plants that prefer calcareous or alkaline soils should not be fertilized with coffee grounds. These include many ornamental plants, herbs and some vegetables.

Coffee grounds as fertilizer: These plants react sensitively

The following plants should not be fertilized with coffee grounds:

• Crocuses
• Tulips
• Daffodils
• Bluebell
• aster
• Chrysanthemums
• Clematis
• Apple
• lavender
• carrots

Young plants and seedlings are also sensitive to caffeine and should not come into contact with coffee grounds.

Good Growth of Plants: This is how you need to use coffee grounds

Experts recommend allowing coffee grounds to dry well before use to prevent mold from forming. In addition, it should only be used in moderation – Over-fertilization can make the soil acidic and inhibit plant growth. If you are unsure, you can check the pH of the soil with simple test strips before using coffee grounds.

This is how coffee grounds work in the garden

As an organic material, coffee grounds improve soil structure and increase water storage capacity. It can be applied directly to the ground or composted. Natural coffee grounds are particularly suitable for plants that prefer acidic soils fertilizer. These include, for example, hydrangeas, rhododendrons and blueberries.