Coffee grounds are full of organic matter.

To reap the benefits, compost them first so your plants have access to all the nutrients.

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If a cup of coffee (or several!)

Coffee grounds being added to aloevera plant as natural organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen for healthy growth

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Benefits Of Coffee Grounds In Soil

What Is Soil Amendment?

Coffee groundsare packed with nutrients and full of organic matter.

They are often erroneously referred to as a fertilizer instead of what they are, a soil amendment.

Close-up of woman’s hands throwing away coffee in a compost bin

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What Are Coffee Grounds Made Of?

Halleck adds coffee grounds need to be decomposed by microbes first to release nitrogen and other nutrients.

Can I Add Coffee Grounds Directly To My Soil?

A small amount of coffee grounds can beadded directly to the soil.

“Coffee grounds can be used in moderate amounts directly to the soil around plants,” says Evans.

Wondering how much to add to your soil?

Will Coffee Grounds Change The Soil pH?

see to it you only add a small amount of used coffee grounds.

Nitrogen:Nitrogen is an important mineral for plants.

“Remember that nitrogen gets pulled out of the soil during the decomposition cycle,” explains Halleck.

Compost needs a mixture of carbon or “browns” and nitrogen “greens” to break down properly.

Coffee grounds also stabilize nutrients for better distribution in the final product, she adds..

The goal is to create layers of greens and browns so everything in the compost pile can decompose.

“Too much nitrogen or too much carbon can stall your compost decomposition.”

Size also influences how quickly or slowly the compost takes.

How Often Can You Add Coffee Grounds To the Pile?

Can You Add Coffee Grounds To Your Houseplants?

“You need microbes to break down that organic matter,” says Halleck.

The coffee grounds need to break down first to provide the nutrients to your houseplants.

Adding coffee grounds to your houseplants is likely to attract pests and grow mold.

Used coffee grounds should be used sparingly when applied directly to the soil or to plants.

Start with a small amount for established plants and see how they react.