Are coffee grounds beneficial for broccoli?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Used coffee grounds provide broccoli plants a nitrogen boost and repel slugs. I apply 1 cup per plant, monthly. Pacing is important. Last season, when I added coffee grounds too often, the soil pH fell below 5.8, which was detrimental to plant growth. Now, I check the pH every two weeks and mix coffee grounds with the compost instead of putting them directly in the soil to help buffer acidity.
Benefits
- Adds 2% nitrogen content to soil
- Slugs avoid gritty texture of grounds
- Improves water retention in sandy soils
Application
- Mix 1 cup grounds per plant into top 3 inches of soil
- Combine with crushed eggshells for calcium boost
- Apply monthly during active growth phases
Risks
- Overuse lowers pH below 6.0
- Mold growth if applied too thickly
- Caffeine residue harms earthworms
Compost grounds first to reduce acidity. They go haywire when you're trying to establish a pH level, I layer them and leaves and grass clippings for 60 days, It stabilizes the pH level. Also, fresh ground has the potential to harm seedlings, add them to established plants, with 4 or more true leaves.
In my clay soil, coffee grounds improved drainage when mixed in a ratio of 1:3 with sand, allowing water to drain more quickly. In sandy soils, coffee grounds help retain moisture; I only had to water every five days instead of every three days. Always use coffee grounds with balanced fertilizer to make up for the low levels of phosphorus and potassium.
Read the full article: How to Grow Broccoli: Expert Tips for Home Gardens
