Are used coffee grounds safe and effective for fertilizing a lemon tree & avocado tree?
Question:
Answers:
Coffee is acidic so in large amounts it will change your soil pH while citrus trees prefer a soil pH in the range 6–7. Coffee grounds have a pH reading from 3.0 to 5.0
Coffee Grounds N-P-K 2 - 0.3 - 0.2 (This is for dry weights)
It is a minor source of calcium, magnesium and carbohydrates..
Use no more than 1lb/100 sq ft unless on acid loving plants
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/groundsfo...
It is best for use in alkaline soils. However you can compost it to neutralize the acidity or mix your own fertilizer with it.
Example N-P-K: _2-4-2
4 parts coffee ground
1 part bone meal
1 part wood ashes
Coffee is acidic while wood ashes are basic so this is a balanced use of the two. However coffee is not particularly "slow release" as are most organic fertilizers. The nitrogen will be available quickly so you have to watch out applying high quantities at one time, better to apply smaller amounts several times.
They are safe, but not entirely effective. They lack other essential minerals and vitamins fruit trees need.
Yes. Actually, used coffee grounds are one of the best fertelizers. And it doesn't have to do with animal feces! How cool is that?
the coffee grounds will help keep the pH level down in the 5.5 to 6.5 range. There is a little nitrogen they put into the soil over a long period of time. Just make sure you work them into the soil, or the grounds will form a barrier that will not let moisture in.
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