Summer is just around the corner which means that soon it will be the perfect time to sit back, relax and enjoy a garden in full bloom. Some of the most popular plants in British gardens are rhododendrons and azaleas and if you want yours to bloom spectacularly there’s one task you need to do.
King Charles’ former gardener Jack Stooks, who worked at Highgrove House for 20 years, said there was one thing he always did to the King’s rhododendrons and azaleas to make them bloom best. His simple method is easy to replicate at home, and will ensure your flowers thrive this season. Jack said the secret is coffee grounds.
Speaking to Coffee Friend he said: “Coffee grounds tend to work best on acid-loving plants, so think rhododendrons or azaleas. Coffee contains nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and magnesium, which help plants grow strong and flower well. As the coffee grounds break down, they also improve the soil and help it hold onto moisture.”
In order to use coffee in your garden, it’s important to dry the grounds out first.
He said: “I usually spread them out on a baking tray on sunny days and then store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use them as a feed, mix the dried coffee grounds with compost before applying them around the roots of the plant. Lightly work the mixture into the soil and water it well.”
Using wet grounds can encourage mould growth, so make sure your grounds are properly dried.
He said: “Mixing the grounds deep into compost also helps incorporate them more evenly into the soil and prevents pets, particularly dogs, from eating large clumps, as coffee can be toxic to them.”
Another bonus of coffee grounds so that they can deter pests like slugs and snails. Jack said: “For plants like delphiniums or hostas, try placing a ring of dried coffee grounds around the base of the plant. Slugs and snails are less likely to cross it because of the rough texture, while the caffeine content can also act as a deterrent.”
“It’s also important not to overfeed the soil with coffee grounds, as too much can make it overly acidic. Use them gradually and think of coffee grounds primarily as a plant feed, rather than simply a way to get rid of pests.”
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