Coffee ground as a fertiliser/ around base of plants to deter pests....opinions pleas

[carly]

So, I have been reading but really am not sure. I have read that used ground coffee can be added to water to make a fertiliser but I think I would be more interested in using it to scatter around the base of my plants to deter little pests. Apparently it is good for tomato, pepper and some other vegetable plants. Has anyone ever used it for anything like this?
Would be interested in an array of opinions from people tia

[bario1]

I use copious amount of used coffee grounds in my compost and leafmould bins, as it's great for bulking out, and helps to keep the piles moist. However, I wouldn't use it directly on my beds as either a fertiliser or a mulch, as it's quite acidic, and there really isn't any hard evidence to suggest it benefits growth in any way.

[carly]

I use copious amount of used coffee grounds in my compost and leafmould bins, as it's great for bulking out, and helps to keep the piles moist. However, I wouldn't use it directly on my beds as either a fertiliser or a mulch, as it's quite acidic, and there really isn't any hard evidence to suggest it benefits growth in any way.

I have been reading that used coffe grounds are not acidic as the water flushes the PH level down.

[bario1]

Could well be the case, Carly... i'm just not convinced that it does any good as anything other than a soil improver (once composted). I'm not a big fan of this guy, but you might find this article interesting:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeands...nts-its-a-myth

[Jay-ell]

A few other threads to read

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...nds_66252.html
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...nds_92794.html
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...lek_90535.html
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...nds_88850.html

[veggiechicken]

Lots of threads about coffee grounds. here's a couple to start you off -

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...nds_88850.html
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ghlight=coffee
I don't use them as I can't stand the smell!


Snap - jay-ell

[roitelet]

They do discourage slugs and snails and I have also used them against flea beetle. I think it is the smell that discourages them but the grounds need to be replaced after rain. Dare I mention it? They also discourage cats!!!

[Cadalot]

What ever you do don't mention cats! it also masks the smell of blood Fish and Bone and appear to stop the foxes going bonkers and digging everything up.

Lot's of science based and experiments re coffee grounds to be found on the OneYardRevolution | Frugal & Sustainable Organic Gardening web site at https://www.youtube.com/user/OneYardRevolution


Coffee specific Videos at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...e-BS0AKbKcZFJ4

I sprinkle around the plants as well as adding to my Compost Daleks

[DannyK]

...and helps to keep the piles moist.

That should make sitting down a bit easier!

[damian1225]

That should make sitting down a bit easier!

Beat me too it!! LOL

[carly]

So, firstly thank you for all of your replies. I have looked at the links provided and saved some article for bedtime eating tonight. Will have to have a think and maybe try it on one plant and see how that goes.