Coffee Grounds - Ask Extension
I live in Loveland and am wondering if coffee grounds (after being perked) are good for the soil in Loveland. I am fairly new to the area and always...
Knowledgebase
Coffee Grounds #487469
Asked September 28, 2018, 11:58 AM EDT
I live in Loveland and am wondering if coffee grounds (after being perked) are good for the soil in Loveland. I am fairly new to the area and always used coffee grounds in the east.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
Yes, coffee grounds can be used. Generally we see them as a soil amendment or mulch. If using as a soil amendment, consider adding them to your compost and not dig them directly into your soil, as you can create "pockets". As a mulch, it's best if they are used in a thin layer (1/2" or less) and then covered with wood mulch. A thick layer of coffee grounds can actually get hydrophobic and not allow for proper water infiltration to the soil and plant roots.
Coffee grounds, though acidic, will NOT change the pH of our soils, as they are high buffered. We have a lot of free lime in our soils and any acid added is immediately neutralized by the base (lime).
Yes, coffee grounds can be used. Generally we see them as a soil amendment or mulch. If using as a soil amendment, consider adding them to your compost and not dig them directly into your soil, as you can create "pockets". As a mulch, it's best if they are used in a thin layer (1/2" or less) and then covered with wood mulch. A thick layer of coffee grounds can actually get hydrophobic and not allow for proper water infiltration to the soil and plant roots.
Coffee grounds, though acidic, will NOT change the pH of our soils, as they are high buffered. We have a lot of free lime in our soils and any acid added is immediately neutralized by the base (lime).
