Coffee grounds aren't just for brewing your favorite morning pick-me-up. They can also provide a nutrient-rich, eco-friendly addition to your garden, giving your plants a jolt of energy!
In this guide, we'll explore plants that thrive when treated with coffee grounds. We'll also discuss planting zones to ensure your garden flourishes with friendly vibes and vibrant colors. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let's get started.
1. Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.), Zones 4-9
Azaleas are stunning flowering shrubs known for their vibrant blooms and lush foliage.
These versatile plants prefer partial shade to filtered sunlight and thrive in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth, and prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Azaleas adore the acidity that coffee grounds provide. Sprinkle used grounds around the base of your azaleas to help maintain the soil's pH and enrich it with nitrogen.
Apply a layer about 1/2 inch thick, being careful not to let the grounds touch the plant's stem directly. This practice can lead to more vibrant blooms and healthier foliage.
Read more: 11 Best Azaleas For Zone 5
2. Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), Zones 3-10
Blueberries are delicious and beautiful additions to any garden, offering year-round interest with spring flowers, summer fruit, and often brilliant fall foliage.
They require full sun for optimal fruit production and need well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination and better fruit set.
Blueberries thrive in acidic soil, making coffee grounds a perfect match. Mix used grounds into the soil or create a mulch around the base of your blueberry bushes to boost nutrients and maintain soil acidity.
Apply a 1-2 inch layer of coffee grounds mixed with organic mulch around the plants, refreshing it every few months during the growing season for improved fruit yield and plant vigor.
3. Camellias (Camellia spp.), Zones 6-10
Camellias are elegant evergreen shrubs prized for their glossy leaves and stunning flowers that bloom when many other plants are dormant.
They prefer partial shade, especially protection from hot afternoon sun, and thrive in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells, and fertilize sparingly to avoid bud drop.
Camellias love a bit of acidity in their soil, making coffee grounds an excellent addition. Add used grounds to your camellia's planting hole or top-dress the soil with a thin layer (about 1/4 inch) around the base of the plant. This helps maintain soil acidity and provides a slow-release source of nutrients for healthier growth and more abundant blooms.
Read more: Are Camellias Drought Tolerant?
4. Gardenias (Gardenia spp.), Zones 7-11
Gardenias are beloved for their intoxicating fragrance and pristine white flowers. These evergreen shrubs prefer partial shade to full sun and require well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. They need consistent moisture but are susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Gardenias benefit from high humidity and regular fertilization during the growing season. The sweet fragrance of gardenias will fill your garden when you treat them with coffee grounds.
As acid-loving plants, they appreciate the extra acidity and nutrients coffee grounds provide. Incorporate used coffee grounds into the soil around your gardenias or use them as a thin mulch layer to maintain soil acidity and provide a slow-release nitrogen source for more abundant blooms and healthier foliage.
5. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.), Zones 3-9
Hydrangeas are versatile shrubs known for their large, showy flower clusters. Most varieties prefer partial shade, especially in hot climates, and thrive in well-draining, rich soil.
Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells, and prune according to species as some bloom on old wood, others on new. Hydrangeas can change color based on soil acidity, making coffee grounds an interesting tool for gardeners.
Add coffee grounds to the soil for blue blooms to lower the pH. Pink hydrangeas prefer alkaline soil, so skip the coffee for these. For blue hydrangeas, work coffee grounds into the soil around the plant's drip line.
This can help maintain or lower soil pH, potentially intensifying the blue color of the flowers. Apply grounds sparingly, as too much can make the soil overly acidic.
Read more: Best Ways to Make Soil Acidic for Hydrangeas: Top Tips for Vibrant Blooms
6. Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.), Zones 4-9
Rhododendrons are majestic flowering shrubs closely related to azaleas, known for their large, showy blooms and evergreen foliage. They thrive in partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0.
These plants have shallow root systems, so they benefit from consistent moisture and a layer of mulch to keep roots cool. Rhododendrons love the acidity coffee grounds bring to the soil.
Sprinkle used grounds around these showstoppers to keep them thriving. Mix the grounds with organic mulch and apply a 1-inch layer around the plant's drip line, avoiding direct contact with the stem.
This practice helps maintain soil acidity, improves soil structure, and provides a slow-release source of nutrients for healthier growth and more vibrant blooms.
7. Roses (Rosa spp.), Zones 2-11
Roses are classic garden favorites, offering a wide range of colors, sizes, and fragrances. They generally prefer full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Regular pruning, deadheading, and fertilizing promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Roses and coffee grounds are a match made in garden heaven. Mix grounds into the soil or sprinkle them around your rosebushes to supply extra nutrients and help ward off pests.
The nitrogen in coffee grounds can promote lush foliage growth, while the slightly acidic nature can help maintain ideal soil pH.
Additionally, coffee grounds can deter some common rose pests like slugs and snails. Apply a thin layer of grounds as a mulch, refreshing it every few weeks during the growing season.
Read more: 5 Plants to NEVER Grow Next to Your Roses & 7 Companions They’ll Love!
8. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), Zones 2-10
Tomatoes are popular garden vegetables prized for their versatility and flavor. They thrive in full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Regular watering, support structures, and pruning are key to healthy growth and fruit production.
Tomatoes benefit from the nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus in coffee grounds. Add used grounds to the planting hole or mix with compost to give your tomatoes a healthy boost. The grounds can improve soil drainage and water retention while slowly releasing nutrients.
However, use moderation as too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of fruit production. Sprinkle a thin layer of grounds around the base of the plants monthly, or mix them into your compost before applying.
Read more: Can You Plant Cucumbers And Tomatoes Together?
9. Carrots (Daucus carota), Zones 3-10
Carrots are cool-season root vegetables that prefer full sun to partial shade and deep, loose, well-draining soil. They thrive in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 and require consistent moisture for optimal growth and flavor.
Coffee grounds can help to deter carrot pests, like root maggots, while improving soil structure. Sprinkle used grounds around your carrot plants for a pest-free, nutrient-rich harvest.
Mix the grounds into the top inch of soil or create a thin barrier around the carrot rows. The grounds' gritty texture can deter soft-bodied pests, while their nutrient content slowly feeds the plants. Be cautious not to over-apply, as too much nitrogen can cause forked or hairy carrots.
10. Radishes (Raphanus sativus), Zones 2-10
Radishes are fast-growing, cool-season root vegetables that prefer full sun and well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They're perfect for beginner gardeners due to their quick maturity and ease of growth.
Like carrots, radishes benefit from coffee grounds' pest-deterring properties. Mix grounds into the soil or create a barrier around your radishes to keep them safe and healthy.
The grounds can improve soil structure, enhance drainage, and slowly release nutrients. They may also help repel flea beetles, a common radish pest. Sprinkle a thin layer of grounds around the radish plants or mix them into the top inch of soil.
Remember that radishes prefer not-too-rich soil, so use coffee grounds sparingly to avoid overly lush leaf growth at the expense of root development.
11. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), Zones 2-9
Spinach is a nutrient-packed, cool-season leafy green that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Spinach grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times, making it an excellent choice for continuous harvests.
Spinach enjoys a little extra nitrogen in the soil, making coffee grounds a beneficial addition. Sprinkle coffee grounds around your spinach plants for a nutrient boost that will promote lush, leafy growth.
Mix a thin layer of grounds into the top inch of soil before planting, or side-dress established plants with a light sprinkle of grounds. The nitrogen in coffee grounds can help produce larger, healthier leaves, while the grounds also improve soil structure and water retention.
Be careful not to over-apply, as too much nitrogen can lead to bitter-tasting leaves.
12. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Zones 2-11
Lettuce is a cool-season crop that grows best in full sun to partial shade, depending on the climate. It prefers well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Regular watering and harvesting of outer leaves can prolong the growing season.
Lettuce plants appreciate the nitrogen-rich addition of coffee grounds to their soil. Use coffee grounds as a side dressing or mix them into the soil to give your lettuce a vibrant, healthy growth spurt.
Sprinkle a thin layer of grounds around the base of the plants, being careful not to let them touch the leaves. The grounds can improve soil structure, enhance water retention, and slowly release nutrients. This can result in larger, more flavorful leaves.
However, use moderation, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth and potentially bitter taste.
13. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Zones 1-9
Cabbage is a cool-season crop that thrives in full sun and well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. It requires consistent moisture and benefits from regular feeding for optimal growth and head formation.
Cabbage plants can benefit from the added nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus that coffee grounds provide. Sprinkle used grounds around your cabbage plants to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Mix a thin layer of grounds into the soil before planting, or apply as a side dressing around established plants. The grounds can improve soil structure, enhance water retention, and provide a slow-release source of nutrients. This can lead to larger, more tightly formed heads.
Coffee grounds may also help deter some common cabbage pests. As with other plants, use moderation to avoid over-fertilization.
14. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.), Zones 2-11
Marigolds are cheerful, easy-to-grow annuals that thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. They're not only colorful and fragrant but also known for their pest-repelling properties in the garden.
Marigolds can benefit from the nutrients in coffee grounds. Mix used grounds into the soil or sprinkle them around your marigold plants to encourage strong, healthy growth. The nitrogen in coffee grounds can promote lush foliage and vibrant blooms, while the grounds also improve soil structure and water retention.
Apply a thin layer of grounds around the base of the plants, being careful not to let them touch the stems. The grounds may also help deter some garden pests, enhancing the marigolds' natural pest-repelling abilities. Remember that marigolds prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, so don't over-apply coffee grounds.
15. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), Zones 3-9
Potatoes are versatile root vegetables that prefer full sun and loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. They require consistent moisture and benefit from hilling to protect developing tubers from sunlight. Potatoes can benefit from the added nutrients that coffee grounds provide.
Mix used grounds into the soil before planting or sprinkle them around your potato plants as they grow to improve their yield. The nitrogen in coffee grounds can promote healthy foliage growth, which is crucial for tuber development. The grounds also improve soil structure and water retention, creating an ideal environment for potato growth.
Sprinkle a thin layer of grounds around the plants before hilling, or mix them into your compost before applying. Be cautious not to over-apply, as excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of tuber production.
16. Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa), Zones 3-10
Strawberries are beloved perennial fruits that thrive in full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. They require consistent moisture and benefit from regular feeding for optimal fruit production.
Strawberries love the acidity and extra nutrients coffee grounds offer. Mix grounds into the soil before planting, or use them as a mulch around your strawberry plants to promote a more abundant harvest.
The grounds can help maintain soil acidity, improve soil structure, and provide a slow-release source of nutrients. This can lead to stronger plants and sweeter berries.
Apply a thin layer of grounds around the plants, being careful not to cover the crown. The grounds may also help deter slugs and snails, common strawberry pests. Refresh the coffee ground mulch every few weeks during the growing season.
17. Eggplants (Solanum melongena), Zones 4-10
Eggplants are warm-season vegetables that thrive in full sun and rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. They require consistent moisture and benefit from regular feeding for optimal fruit production.
Eggplants, like their nightshade relatives tomatoes and potatoes, can benefit from the nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus found in coffee grounds. Mix used grounds into the soil or sprinkle them around your eggplant plants for a nutrient boost.
The nitrogen can promote healthy foliage growth, which is crucial for fruit development. Apply a thin layer of grounds around the base of the plants monthly, or mix them into your compost before applying.
The grounds can also improve soil structure and water retention. Be cautious not to over-apply, as excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of fruit production.
18. Peppers (Capsicum spp.), Zones 1-11
Peppers are warm-season vegetables that prefer full sun and well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. They require consistent moisture but are susceptible to overwatering.
Pepper plants enjoy the added nutrients from coffee grounds, particularly nitrogen. Sprinkle used grounds around your pepper plants or mix them into the soil to encourage healthy growth and a bountiful harvest.
The grounds can improve soil structure, enhance water retention, and provide a slow-release source of nutrients. This can result in stronger plants and potentially spicier peppers.
Apply a thin layer of grounds around the base of the plants monthly, being careful not to let them touch the stem. As with other fruiting plants, use moderation to avoid promoting excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.
19. Green Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), Zones 2-10
Green beans are easy-to-grow vegetables that thrive in full sun and well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They come in bush and pole varieties, with the latter requiring support.
Green beans can benefit from the added nitrogen that coffee grounds provide. Mix used grounds into the soil before planting or sprinkle them around your bean plants to help them grow strong and healthy.
The nitrogen in coffee grounds can promote lush foliage, which is essential for good bean production. Apply a thin layer of grounds around the base of the plants, being careful not to let them touch the stems.
The grounds can also improve soil structure and water retention. However, as beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, use coffee grounds sparingly to avoid over-fertilization.
20. Sweet Corn (Zea mays), Zones 3-10
Sweet corn is a warm-season crop that requires full sun and fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.8. It needs consistent moisture and benefits from regular feeding for optimal growth and ear development.
Sweet corn plants love the extra nitrogen boost coffee grounds offer. Sprinkle used grounds around the base of your corn plants or mix them into the soil to encourage tall, healthy stalks and delicious ears of corn.
The nitrogen in coffee grounds can promote strong stalk growth and lush foliage, which are crucial for ear development. Apply a thin layer of grounds around the base of the plants monthly, or mix them into your compost before applying.
The grounds can also improve soil structure and water retention. Be mindful not to over-apply, as excessive nitrogen can delay tasseling and reduce yield.
21. Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo), Zones 2-10
Zucchini are prolific summer squash that thrive in full sun and rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. They require consistent moisture and benefit from regular feeding for optimal fruit production.
Zucchini plants can benefit from the added nutrients in coffee grounds, particularly nitrogen. Sprinkle used grounds around your zucchini plants or mix them into the soil to promote a more abundant harvest. The nitrogen can encourage healthy leaf growth, which is essential for fruit development.
Apply a thin layer of grounds around the base of the plants monthly, being careful not to let them touch the stems. The grounds can also improve soil structure and water retention.
As zucchini are heavy feeders, they appreciate the extra nutrients, but use moderation to avoid promoting excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.
Are You Ready to Energize Your Garden?
Armed with knowledge about these 21 plants that enjoy coffee grounds, you can now perk up your garden and make the most of your daily coffee waste.
Your garden will be brimming with life, color, and flavor as your plants thrive with the help of this sustainable, nutrient-rich addition. Remember to use coffee grounds in moderation, as over-application can lead to imbalances in soil nutrients or pH. Always monitor your plants' response and adjust accordingly.
By incorporating coffee grounds into your gardening routine, you're not only nurturing your plants but also contributing to a more sustainable approach to waste management.
So, let's raise a cup of coffee to eco-friendly gardening and the joy of nurturing these coffee-loving plants!
Thanks for this info . We live on the 6th floor and have a huge veranda. We are growing many flowers and this year we’re experimenting with tomatoes, bins , cucumbers, eggplants & pepper. For sure we will apply the coffee grounds. How often should we sprinkle them with the grounds?
Thanks Helen 😊
Applying a thin layer once a week should do the trick.
I hear from many articles that either coffee grounds are great or terrible for plants. Can you explain this? Also, is it the area/zone that might be why it works or not?
Depends on preferred ph;
plants preferring acidic ph will benefit from coffee grounds in the soil.
Does it hurt to sprinkle coffee that hasn’t been used? Or is it too strong?
I have bought coffee that I didn’t like, and I hate to toss it. No one at the office wants it either. Maybe I should just leave it on the curb with a sign? 🙂
Will try this.
I put coffee grounds in my jade plant. It’s grown so much.
Love plants especially as food or medicine
Just wondering with the coffee grounds do they have to be fresh from when you make a pot each day or can you save them from time to time and used it?
What about Africian Violets? How do I care for them?
Are coffee grounds good for any type of succulent? And Xmas cactus?