One common annoyance for gardeners is pests eating into their beloved plants. Al that hard work preapring the soil, sowing the seeds and nourishing their flowers, only to see slugs, aphids and caterpillars devour them is enough to cause a headache. In addition to this, using a suitable pesticide can be an issue for those who are not keen on adding chemicals to their plants for fear of causing further damage.
However, some experts have claimed one natural item can work both as an effective pest control solution and an organic fertiliser – and you do not have to look that far in your home to find it. Peruvian coffee farmer Joel Silva Arrascue and retailers Cafédirect revealed that coffee grounds are an exceptional way of keeping pests at bay and feeding your plants.
Joel cultivates his prize-winning Cafédirect coffee at an altitude of 1,900m above sea level and recycles coffee by-products into organic fertilisers.
He said: “Coffee is packed with beneficial nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus – key ingredients for healthy plant growth.
“This is because nitrogen helps plants produce chlorophyll, which means they can capture sunlight and so supports their growth.
“Potassium strengthens roots and helps plants withstand stress, while phosphorus is essential for healthy root development and supports the blooming of flowers and the growth of fruits.
“When used correctly, coffee grounds can significantly improve your soil quality. The key is knowing which plants will be the ones to benefit.”
Coffee grounds are a boon for acid-loving plants such as azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons and roses, reports the Express.
They also help boost vegetable crops such as carrots, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes and radishes.
To see the best of the coffee in action, Joel suggested this tip: “Always mix the coffee grounds into the soil rather than just scattering them on top.
“This is because laying them on the surface can cause a crust to form, which stops water from penetrating the soil and reaching the roots.
“Avoid using them on plants that prefer alkaline soil like lilacs, lavender and certain herbs and geraniums – as the slight acidity may be harmful.”
Farmers such as Joel often use coffee by-products as pest traps, such as for the coffee borer beetle.
According to experts, this is one of the “most destructive pests” for coffee plants, as it burrows into the coffee cherries and damages the beans.
If pests like slugs and snails are wreaking havoc in your garden, why not try scattering coffee grounds around the bases of your plants?
These plant-loving pests are not fans of coffee, so this simple trick can act as a natural deterrent to keep them at bay.
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