Is coffee good for plants?

I seem to remember someone telling me years ago, that coffee grounds poured around a plant helps to keep insects away, may be confused on that though. Other than that, it’s the Nector of Life.

I don’t have links for you, sorry, but my friend (who teaches botany and horticultural techniques) says absolutely NOT, because the caffeine can actually disrupt the natural growth tendencies.

Thanks @canidmajor

The grounds seem to be.

But there is caffeine in the grounds, @SnipSnip. When you water the plant it sends it throughout.

@SnipSnip The grounds used in compost, and thoroughly broken down in the composting process, seem to have the caffeine so diluted and washed out that they pose no harm. But fresh grounds are a problem.

Coffee grounds improve soil with nutrients and hydration as well as pest control which supports healthy plants. However, watering plants with a coffee/water mixture can appear to speed up plant growth when in reality the lull that follows ends up stunting growth. The use of coffee grounds and using diluted brewed coffee are two very different things. Grounds are a go.

OK. Unless you’re educational background is in botany, I’ll stick with the advice of someone whom I know has the scientific background.

It appears that coffee grounds are good for the soil.

https://www.greenthumb.com/coffee-grounds-really-good-soil/

But it kind of depends on what types of plants you want to use coffee grounds on.

https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/how-to-use-coffee-grounds-in-the-garden

We use used coffee grinds to fertilize some of our garden plants at certain times of the year. Otherwise, the grounds and filter go into the compost bin.

I don’t think that the caffeine or control of insects are the issue…it’s about maintaining the pH balance.

I thought that the coffee was too acidic and would kill the plants.

@elbanditoroso Some of our fruit trees prefer an acidic environment.

Coffee is good for everything.

Can’t beat it with a stick. @Caravanfan

@Nomore_Tantrums At the strength I drink it I can.

LOL @Caravanfan