Coffee grounds are often touted as a great addition to the garden, but not all plants benefit from them. In fact, some plants can be adversely affected by coffee grounds.
Understanding what plants don't like coffee grounds can help you make better gardening decisions and ensure your plants thrive. Let’s dive in and discover what plants don’t like coffee grounds.
Why some plants don't like coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are highly acidic, and while this can be beneficial for acid-loving plants, it can be harmful to others. Additionally, coffee grounds contain caffeine, which can inhibit plant growth. Here are some plants that generally don't like coffee grounds.
What plants don’t like coffee grounds?
Here are some plants that you shouldn’t give coffee grounds to.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most well-known plants that don't like coffee grounds. The acidity of coffee grounds can stunt the growth of tomato plants and affect their overall health. If you want to provide nutrients to your tomato plants, consider compost that is low in acidity.
Lavender
Lavender prefers alkaline soil and thrives in well-drained conditions. Adding coffee grounds can make the soil too acidic and retain too much moisture, leading to root rot. For healthy lavender plants, avoid using coffee grounds and opt for lime or other soil amendments that increase alkalinity.
Rosemary
Rosemary, like lavender, prefers slightly alkaline soil and good drainage. Coffee grounds can make the soil too acidic for rosemary to grow well. To keep your rosemary healthy, stick to neutral or slightly alkaline soil amendments.
Plants sensitive to nitrogen
Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, which can be detrimental to plants that prefer low-nitrogen soil. Examples include clovers and legumes, which can fix their own nitrogen from the atmosphere. These plants can suffer from nitrogen burn if coffee grounds are added to their soil.
Plants that prefer sandy soil
Plants that thrive in sandy, well-draining soil, such as succulents and cacti, generally don't like coffee grounds. The fine particles of coffee grounds can compact the soil, reducing its drainage capability and leading to root rot. For these plants, stick to soil mixes designed for cacti and succulents.
Final thoughts on what plants don’t like coffee grounds
While coffee grounds can be beneficial for certain plants, it's important to know what plants don't like coffee grounds to avoid harming them. Tomatoes, lavender, rosemary, and plants sensitive to nitrogen or that prefer sandy soil should be kept away from coffee grounds. By understanding the needs of your plants, you can ensure they receive the proper care and nutrients to thrive.
If you haven’t quite found your signature coffee blend yet, why not test-drive some Essenza Coffee? If you’ve enjoyed this deep dive, be sure to check out the rest of the resources on our blog. If you have any questions, please reach out to the friendly team.