Can I put coffee grounds on top of my plant soil?

Author: Teresa Johnston  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Coffee grounds are an excellent compost ingredient and are fine to apply directly onto the soil around most garden plants if used with care and moderation. Coffee grounds contain nutrients that plants use for growth.

Can I put coffee grounds directly on plant soil?

Yes you can. Used coffee grounds act as a slow release nitrogen fertiliser and also help to attract earthworms and cause beneficial microorganisms to thrive. Sprinkled around plants(as a thin mulch layer), can also help to deter snails and slugs, and apparently cats as well.

What plants should I not put coffee grounds on?

Avoid using coffee grounds on alkaline-loving trees, such as linden, ironwood, red chestnut and arborvitae. Coffee grounds used as mulch or compost inhibit plant growth on geranium, asparagus fern, Chinese mustard and Italian ryegrass. Definitely don't use coffee grounds with these plants.

Which plants like coffee grounds the most?

Acidic-loving plants such as azaleas, blueberries, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and roses will benefit from a sprinkling of coffee grounds around the base of plants. Vegetable crops that may benefit from coffee grounds include carrots, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, and radishes.

Can I sprinkle coffee grounds on my indoor plants?

Using used coffee grounds for plants can enrich the soil with nutrients like nitrogen, improve soil structure, and aid in water retention when done in moderation and for plants that thrive in slightly acidic conditions.

COFFEE GROUNDS FOR YOUR PLANTS!

How often should you put coffee grounds on indoor plants?

Once it's ready, you can pour it onto the soil around once a week for your plants to get the most benefits. But just like us, they can suffer from adverse effects if they have too much coffee.

What pests don t like coffee grounds?

The following insects have been reported to be disgusted by the scent of coffee grounds:
  • Slugs.
  • Bees.
  • Wasps.
  • Fleas.
  • Ants.
  • Snails.

Which plants like eggshells?

It is beneficial to use egg shells when growing your own vegetables like tomato, pepper and aubergine or plants such as roses, hydrangeas, spider plants, ferns and ivy. Another way to add this homemade fertiliser to your plants is through a calcium solution.

What are the disadvantages of coffee grounds as fertilizer?

Salts: Coffee grounds can contain salts, which can build up in the soil over time and become toxic to plants. Mold: Wet coffee grounds can attract mold, which can be harmful to plants. Caffeine: While caffeine is not toxic to plants in small quantities, it can be harmful if used in large amounts.

Can too much coffee grounds hurt plants?

Excess coffee grounds, if applied to the soil before composting, have multiple effects on the soil system. In addition to microorganisms tying up nitrogen temporarily, the caffeine residues in the spent coffee grounds can suppress germination and slow the growth of some plants.

When should you not use coffee grounds in the garden?

For example, avoid adding any caffeine to plants that are germinating. Freshly seeded areas should be avoided as well. Fresh grounds, and caffeine in general, have allelopathic properties. This can stunt plant growth and do more harm than good.

Do bell pepper plants like coffee grounds?

Bell Peppers: Vulnerable to damping-off disease, it is advisable to avoid using coffee grounds to deter fungal growth. Instead, consider using well-draining soil and proper spacing for optimal plant health.

How often do you put coffee grounds on hydrangeas?

Start adding coffee grounds to the soil surrounding your hydrangeas in late fall. Sprinkle them around your hydrangeas, but be sure to work them into the soil to help eliminate any off-putting smell. You do not need to do this process often—just two to three times per year should be sufficient.

How do you water plants with coffee grounds?

Sprinkle leftover coffee grounds directly into your plant's soil (or as part of a compost pile). Use a utensil like a fork to lightly mix the grounds into the top layer of the soil (a couple of inches) around the plant. You can also just sprinkle the grounds on top around the plant and leave it alone.

Can I sprinkle coffee grounds on my lawn?

The nutrients in coffee grounds are slowly broken down, allowing the turf to have a longer period of time to absorb them ensuring stronger turf for longer. Using coffee grounds as lawn fertilizer is also good for the worms. They love coffee almost as much as we do.

What do banana peels do for plants?

Banana peels contain: calcium, which promotes root growth helps add oxygen to your soil. magnesium, which assists with photosynthesis. sulphur, which helps plants develop strong roots and repel pests.

Are tea bags good for plants?

Tea Can Work As A Natural Fertilizer

As the tea leaves and bag begin to break down and decompose, they release nutrients into the soil that helps plants retain water and thrive. That said, you should use tea only on your plants that like acidic soil.

Can I mix coffee grounds and eggshells together for my garden?

Depending on the size of your garden, compile enough of each component to contribute a moderate amount to each hungry plant. Combine the two together, crush the eggshells by hand even more (which should be easier now that they're fully dry), and sprinkle the mixture across the soil bed.

What plants do not like coffee grounds?

According to Real Simple, some plants that don't like coffee grounds include:
  • Lilacs.
  • Lavender.
  • Geraniums.
  • Squash and zucchini.
  • Roses.
  • Asparagus fern and asparagus.
  • Chinese mustard.
  • Italian ryegrass.

Do coffee grounds attract mice?

Mice typically do not like coffee grounds scattered around the kitchen. The strong aroma of coffee is generally unpleasant to mice, which can act as a deterrent.

What animal hates coffee grounds?

Will coffee grounds keep rabbits away? Sprinkling coffee grounds among your plants may help to ward off rabbits and other small mammals due to coffee's powerful scent.

Are eggshells soaked in water good for plants?

The results showed the eggshell-infused water contained 4 milligrams of calcium and potassium. "Eggshells will add some immediate calcium to the soil if ground up to a fine powder," Austin wrote.

Are coffee grounds good for potted plants?

Coffee grounds, used or fresh, are high in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. In addition, coffee contains trace micronutrients like boron, copper, iron, and zinc. While the quantity and proportions of these nutrients may vary, coffee grounds still make an ideal natural fertilizer for many houseplants.

How do I know if my soil needs calcium?

Symptoms of calcium deficiency include stunted plant growth, leaf curling, dark leaf veins, weakened plants, and blossom-end rot in fruits. Fruit plants like tomatoes and peppers may develop dark, sunken areas in the fruit.

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