Can coffee grounds be used to fertilize plants?
Question:
Can coffee grounds be used to fertilize plants?
Answer:
Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant
Thank you for your question about using coffee grounds as fertilizer. Yes, grounds contain some of the major plant nutrients and some important micronutrients, but in very small quantities. It’s probably best used as a soil conditioner in moderate amounts. Better yet, it’s a great ingredient in your compost pile.
Some people think that coffee grounds will lower soil pH, but because the grounds are in the neutral range (6.5 – 6.8), this is not the case.
This fact sheet from Oregon State explains the pros and cons of coffee grounds and also some exciting information about using coffee for slug control. If Used Properly, Coffee Grounds can Improve Soil and Kill Slugs.