Coffee Gounds OK Around Tomato Soil?
You think working coffee grounds into the soil around tomato plants would be helpful or harmful. Guess I could try it on one & see what happens huh?
- rainbowgardener
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Ever notice how quickly used coffee grounds get moldy if left around? That means it's a good substrate for fungal growths and, worked into the soil, will help nurture the soil fungi -- aka mycorrhizae.
There are good soil fungi and bad soil fungi, but healthy diversity keeps them in balance. And fungal hyphae and mycelia are an important ink in the soil foodweb.
So I vote yes, to helpful for tomatoes.
There are good soil fungi and bad soil fungi, but healthy diversity keeps them in balance. And fungal hyphae and mycelia are an important ink in the soil foodweb.
So I vote yes, to helpful for tomatoes.
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So, I think the general consensus from all I've read is that coffee grounds are great, not good, for your garden. Either adding them fresh or composting them some first. Some folks have claimed they might be too acidic, but from what I've read, that's just a myth. Most of the acid comes out in the coffee and little is left behind in the grounds. I hear they are also great as worm food for those into vermiculture. I guess the real question would be is it possible to add too much?
Now, since I'm a scientist by nature I started a goofy little experiment last night. I dumped some grinds leftover from that morning's java into a solo cup and dropped in a couple seeds. Two seeds sown directly in 100% spent coffee grounds. I wonder if they'll sprout and develop normally? I'll update this thread in a week or so...
Now, since I'm a scientist by nature I started a goofy little experiment last night. I dumped some grinds leftover from that morning's java into a solo cup and dropped in a couple seeds. Two seeds sown directly in 100% spent coffee grounds. I wonder if they'll sprout and develop normally? I'll update this thread in a week or so...
Eh, they might sprout just from the moisture(remember the bean and wet tissue experiment?), but I doubt they will develop normally.JayPoc wrote:So, I think the general consensus from all I've read is that coffee grounds are great, not good, for your garden. Either adding them fresh or composting them some first. Some folks have claimed they might be too acidic, but from what I've read, that's just a myth. Most of the acid comes out in the coffee and little is left behind in the grounds. I hear they are also great as worm food for those into vermiculture. I guess the real question would be is it possible to add too much?
Now, since I'm a scientist by nature I started a goofy little experiment last night. I dumped some grinds leftover from that morning's java into a solo cup and dropped in a couple seeds. Two seeds sown directly in 100% spent coffee grounds. I wonder if they'll sprout and develop normally? I'll update this thread in a week or so...
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