Blooms abounding with unprecedented vibrancy and luxuriance.
In the quest for a greener and more sustainable garden, coffee lovers can rejoice! Coffee grounds, a byproduct of our daily brew, can be transformed into a valuable fertilizer for plants, particularly hydrangeas. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use coffee grounds effectively for your hydrangea bushes.
Firstly, it is recommended to compost coffee grounds before using them as a fertilizer for optimal nutrient release. This process breaks down the grounds, releasing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for healthy plant growth.
Regular use of coffee grounds can result in a noticeable color change in hydrangeas within a few weeks. Coffee grounds are slightly acidic and help gradually lower soil pH, which is essential for blue blooms in hydrangeas because acidic soil unlocks aluminum uptake by the plant. This, in turn, affects the color of the hydrangea flowers, making them turn blue or purple in acidic soil and pink or lavender in alkaline soil.
To use coffee grounds effectively, follow these tips for application. Spread them around the base of the plant, avoiding excess use. Mixing 1 cup of coffee grounds with compost and optionally Epsom salt improves nutrient content while maintaining acidity. It is important to monitor soil pH regularly, aiming for pH 6 or lower for blue flowers, to avoid overacidification and plant stress.
It is worth noting that coffee grounds should not be used as the sole source of nutrients for plants. To maintain a balanced soil composition and minimise risks, gardeners recommend alternating coffee grounds with other organic additives like compost, manure, or wood ash.
To prepare coffee grounds for use, let them dry a bit after brewing. Once dry, gently spread the dried coffee grounds around the base of the hydrangea bush, avoiding direct contact with the stem. Work the coffee grounds a few inches into the soil rather than leaving them on the surface to prevent water repellency and uneven pH changes.
Because coffee grounds acidify soil slowly, patience is needed. Applications should be spaced over several months and combined with other acidifying amendments like pine needles or peat moss if needed. Avoid excessive use of fast-acting chemical acidifiers such as aluminum sulfate, which can harm plants if overapplied.
Checking hydrangea bloom color and soil pH every 3 months helps adjust amendments to maintain the desired acidity and vibrant flower hues. With these simple steps, you can enjoy the benefits of using coffee grounds as a valuable fertilizer for your hydrangeas, contributing to a greener and more sustainable garden.
[1] Gardening Know How. (2021). How to Use Coffee Grounds in the Garden. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/coffee-grounds-in-the-garden.htm
[2] The Spruce. (2021). Can You Use Coffee Grounds in the Garden? https://www.thespruce.com/using-coffee-grounds-in-the-garden-1399026
[5] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021). Hydrangeas: Growing, Care, and Troubleshooting. https://www.almanac.com/plant/hydrangeas
By incorporating coffee grounds into your home-and-garden routine, you can enrich your lifestyle with sustainable gardening practices. Composting and applying coffee grounds to your hydrangea garden can provide essential nutrients and help balance soil pH, contributing to vibrant and colorful blooms.
