How to Use Coffee Grounds As House Plant Food
When used as a plant fertilizer, coffee grounds can replenish the soil acidity that is often lost in potted and in-ground plants. Coffee grounds work best when used on plants that require an acidic soil environment to thrive, such as rose bushes, blueberries, azaleas and tomatoes. The nitrogen in coffee grounds also raises the temperature of the soil, which can kill weeds and curb pests. Coffee grounds can be converted into solid and liquid fertilizers.
Solid Fertilizer
Loosen the top layer of soil around the base of the plant with a gardening spade.
Sprinkle a handful or two of coffee grounds in the loose soil. Use the spade to turn over the dirt and mix in the grounds.
- When used as a plant fertilizer, coffee grounds can replenish the soil acidity that is often lost in potted and in-ground plants.
- The nitrogen in coffee grounds also raises the temperature of the soil, which can kill weeds and curb pests.
Water the plant to allow the nutrients from the coffee grounds to seep into the soil.
Repeat as frequently as once weekly.
Liquid Fertilizer
Drop a handful of used coffee grounds into a 2-quart pitcher. Fill the pitcher the rest of the way with warm water. Set it in a cool place.
Allow the coffee grounds to steep for two to three days, creating a weak coffee solution.
Strain the liquid through a mesh sieve or a piece of cheesecloth to remove the grounds. Dispose of the coffee grounds.
- Water the plant to allow the nutrients from the coffee grounds to seep into the soil.
- Drop a handful of used coffee grounds into a 2-quart pitcher.
Pour the liquid fertilizer around the base of the plant. Repeat once weekly.
Clean My House With Coffee Grounds?
Set an open or ventilated container of coffee grounds in the refrigerator or in a room to neutralize any smells that may exist there. Coffee grounds can also be used to clean dishes, pots and pans that have hard-to-remove stains baked onto their surfaces. Do not use coffee grounds on dishes that may be porous or absorbent, as the grounds can stain the dish ware. Allow mixture to steep for at least an hour. If cockroaches take up residence in your home, give them the oust by adding about 2 inches of moist grounds to a jar. Line the neck of the bottle on the inside with double-sided sticky tape. Coffee grounds also work for keeping ants away.
- Pour the liquid fertilizer around the base of the plant.
- Set an open or ventilated container of coffee grounds in the refrigerator or in a room to neutralize any smells that may exist there.
Tip
If you don't drink coffee, visit your local coffee shop. Often, the owner will give you used coffee grounds.
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References
Tips
- If you don't drink coffee, visit your local coffee shop. Often, the owner will give you used coffee grounds.
