Tomatoes and strawberries, the quintessential fruits of summer, can yield a more bountiful harvest with proper fertilisation. For gardeners looking to ensure their plants thrive, learning how to fertilise them correctly is key to enjoying a cornucopia of succulent fruits come summer.
The Benefits of Coffee Grounds
Gardeners might look beyond traditional shop-bought chemicals and consider utilising coffee grounds as a natural growth boost. According to Jim and Mary Competti from the This Is My Garden blog, coffee grounds are one of the “easiest and best ways” to ensure a “bigger and better harvest than ever this year” for tomatoes. The Compettis have shared their insights: “Coffee grounds have all kinds of uses when it comes to improving soil and helping plants grow.” They believe that coffee grounds can significantly elevate the health of tomato plants, especially when used correctly.
The suitability of coffee grounds for tomato plants lies in their possession of “two key attributes” that are “extremely beneficial” to both young seedlings and mature plants. These used coffee grounds are rich in three vital nutrients—nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium—which are essential for tomato plants. Importantly, these nutrients are readily available in a form that allows quick absorption by the tomato plant when integrated into the soil. Moreover, the ability of spent coffee grounds to “retain a tremendous amount of moisture” contributes to the production of plumper and juicier tomatoes.
Practical Applications for Tomatoes
Gardeners are buzzing about the versatile uses of coffee grounds for their tomatoes and strawberries. Nicole Metzger, a gardener, praises coffee grounds as an “absolutely good fertiliser.” For tomatoes, a spoonful of caffeine magic—three to four tablespoons of coffee grounds blended into each planting hole’s soil—can boost moisture retention around the roots.
Tips for Strawberry Plants
For strawberry plants that thrive in acidic soil, coffee grounds can be particularly beneficial. Here are some tips:
Direct Application: Sprinkle coffee grounds straight to the base of the plants. When watered, the grounds will nourish the shallow root system.
Soil Mixture: Mix coffee grounds with garden soil at a one-to-four ratio before planting. This provides a nutrient-rich environment for the plants.
Liquid Fertiliser: Steep coffee grounds in water for a couple of days to create a nutrient-packed liquid fertiliser. Mix about half a cup of coffee grounds into a gallon of water and allow it to soak for 24 to 48 hours, stirring occasionally. This process enables the nutrients to disperse throughout the water, creating an all-natural liquid fertiliser.
By incorporating these methods, gardeners can enhance the health and productivity of their tomato and strawberry plants, ensuring a fruitful summer harvest.
