I am sometimes asked about what are the benefits of using coffee grounds around gardens?
So using my favourite A1 search engine ‘Perplexity’ I found the following:
Coffee grounds can benefit garden soil and plants by improving soil structure, adding nutrients, enhancing water retention, and aiding composting, but should be used in moderation to avoid potential harm.
Coffee grounds release nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and trace minerals (such as magnesium, calcium, and copper) when they break down in the soil, supporting plant growth and health.
They act as a slow-release fertiliser, feeding plants over time with these nutrients.
Adding coffee grounds to soil improves drainage, aeration, and water retention, making the soil more suitable for healthy plant roots, particularly for moisture-loving plants.
The coarse texture helps combat compacted soils, allowing water and air to reach plant roots more efficiently.
Coffee grounds are highly effective in compost piles, providing nitrogen that boosts microbial activity and accelerates decomposition.
They help mulch regulate moisture and keep soil from drying out, and can be mixed with other organic materials for best results.
Application of coffee grounds may protect plants from fungal infections and discourage pests, such as slugs, due to caffeine content.
Coffee grounds should not be applied too heavily or too frequently, as excessive amounts can create a barrier that prevents water or air from reaching roots and may cause acidity issues.
After brewing, coffee grounds are nearly neutral in pH and do not significantly acidify soil, contrary to popular belief.
Overuse can encourage mold or overheating in compost and soil, so balance with other materials and avoid exceeding 25% of total compost volume.
So if in a coffee shop and they are giving away free coffee grounds grab some for your gardens.
Now another tree seed which has great advantage to your soil and plants is Wallys Neem Tree Granules and Powder.
My search engine has this to say: Neem cake (What they are called in India) is an organic soil amendment and fertilizer that improves soil fertility, boosts plant growth, provides natural pest control, and enhances overall soil health in gardens.
Neem cake enriches soil with essential nutrients, including NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and important micro nutrients like magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
It promotes beneficial soil microbial activity, improving soil structure, water-holding capacity, aeration, and the decomposition of organic matter, which increases soil fertility.
Neem cake helps balance pH and reduces harmful alkaline content by producing organic acids during decomposition.
The slow-release properties provide a sustained supply of nutrients throughout the growing season, reducing the need for frequent fertilizer applications.
Neem cake stimulates healthy root development, supports nutrient uptake, and boosts plant immunity, which results in better growth and higher yields.
The cake naturally repels common garden pests (e.g., nematodes, soil-borne pathogens, and insects) and disrupts their life cycles due to the presence of azadirachtin and other compounds.
It acts as a natural fungicide, preventing diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot. Plants grown with Neem cake show improved resilience to environmental stressors such as drought and heat.
Neem cake is a versatile and eco-friendly input for soil fertility management and natural pest control, making it highly valued in sustainable and organic gardening.
I found years ago that sprinkling Wallys Neem Granules under my citrus trees took care of all the insect pests in the tree including borer within 6-8 weeks.
In India the kernels of the Neem Trees are harvested and then cold pressed for Natural Neem Oil like Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil.
Sometimes chemical extraction is used but no longer is the Neem Oil natural.
After one pressing of the kernels they are left with very dark Neem Cake which indicates there is still a good residue of oil in the end product.
Sometimes they will cold press again and even for a third time to get more oil out.
That leads to light colored inferior Neem Granules or Powder which are cheaper by the ton to import but not any where near as effective as the real McCoy from only one cold pressing.
Wallys Neem Granules which are various sizes to largest bits are most suitable under trees and shrubs for use as they will slowly break down over several months.
On the other hand Wallys Neem Tree Powder is of even particle size and nice to use in planting hole, mixed with potting mix or side dressing of plants.
For carrot fly just sprinkle the powder along the row with the carrot seeds and later when the tops are up side dress the row with more powder.
For Grass Grub in the lawn sprinkle the powder over the affected areas after mowing the lawn when the soil is moist. Lightly water to wash down onto the soil and if able roll the lawn with a roller to press the powder into the moist soil… Good bye grass grubs.
Mix the powder with your potting mix to control root mealy bugs and nematodes in the pot plants.
Using Neem Cake and Coffee Grounds are great products for enhancing your soil and garden plants.
Image credit: & Bloss
Products mentioned are from Wallys Range of products and can be found in some garden shops or by Mail Order on www.0800466464.co.nz
Problems ring me at: Phone 0800 466464
Garden Pages and News at www.gardenews.co.nz
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Mail Order products at www.0800466464.co.nz
