Coffee powder can be a great source of nutrients in your garden, making it a good addition to your compost. However, not every plant tolerates it. In this article we answer the questions, which vegetables don't like coffee grounds and what you can replace them with.
How does coffee powder affect the soil
To understand why some vegetables like coffee grounds and others don't, you first need to understand how they affect the soil.
- First, coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, which is an important component of plant nutrients in general. This not only adds organic matter to the soil but also improves drainage.
- Secondly, coffee powder logically contains caffeine and is acidic. Therefore, it makes the soil more acidic. This property must be taken into account when using ground coffee in the garden.
- Third, coffee grounds can change the pH of your soil. This is good for some plants and vegetables, but not ideal for others. That's why you should pay attention to the soil you start with. Ask yourself whether the soil is already acidic or alkaline.
What else should you consider??
Technically speaking, there are two types of coffee grounds, namely:
- Used coffee grounds, which is the end product of composting coffee powder.
- Raw coffee powder.
Coffee grounds that have already been used are slightly acidic. Freshly prepared (uncooked) ground coffee tends to be more acidic.
Which vegetables don't like coffee grounds?
The effects of coffee grounds on plants and vegetables vary. For some it can be a good source of nutrients, while others may not benefit from it. Factors such as the type of plant, the amount of coffee powder used, the type of soil and the type of irrigation all have an influence. Here are some vegetables that may not react well to coffee grounds:
- Beets: Coffee grounds can make the soil too acidic for beets. This vegetable prefers a pH in the range of 6 – 6.8.
- Potato: This vegetable can tolerate a soil pH of 5, but too much coffee grounds can be harmful.Notice: However, sweet potatoes are acid-loving plants that will benefit from using coffee grounds.
- asparagus: Using coffee powder alone could harm your asparagus plants. However, if you mix it with organics and use it in moderation, it can be beneficial. Asparagus prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.8. If your soil is neutral, you can add coffee powder to make it more acidic.
Which vegetables don’t like coffee grounds – be careful with these types:
- Kohl
- Root Peppers
- Carrots
- Parsley
- Saddlery
- Onion plants
These vegetables benefit from coffee powder, but be careful with tomatoes:
- Tomatoes: However, you should keep in mind that they do not grow well in fresh ground coffee, as it tends to be more acidic. You are more likely to benefit from previously used coffee grounds that are slightly acidic.
- Paprika
- radish
- Broccoli
A guide on how to properly use coffee grounds as tomato fertilizercan be found here!
Alternatives to coffee grounds that you can use in the garden
You can use these alternatives to fertilize vegetables that cannot tolerate coffee powder.
- Banana peelscontain mainly magnesium, potassium and calcium, as well as some nitrogen and sulfur. When you plant, you can add them to the soil or sprinkle them over the beds. Since they decompose slowly, it is sufficient to use them only once or twice during the growing season. We recommend using the peels of organic bananas, as the peels of conventionally grown bananas are treated with fungicides.
- Eggshells: Plants and vegetables that thrive on high calcium content in the soil benefit optimally from eggshells as fertilizer. This is because, in addition to calcium, they are also rich in fluorine, phosphorus, manganese, sulfur, iron, zinc and copper.
Tipp: To dissolve calcium, soak eggshells in water overnight. You will need the shells of one or two eggs for one liter. The next day, pour the water over your plants and vegetables.
How to use banana peels in the garden and what benefits they havefind out here!
Which Vegetables Don’t Like Coffee Grounds – Final Words:You need to be careful how you use coffee grounds in your garden. When used correctly, it can be a great tool, adding valuable nutrients to the soil and helping your plants and vegetables thrive.
However, there is a risk that the high caffeine content can harm the plants. The reason for this is that increasing soil acidity is not suitable for all plants and vegetables.
Also read:Coffee grounds against grubs: Fight the annoying pests with this natural remedy!
