1/5/2008


Hi Everyone...

I have a question I've heard that coffee grounds
(Already used ) is a great way to give citrus trees acidity
they need ? Is this true ? Can it be used all the time or once
in awhile.. Thanks...


Cheers.....Joe.....

My camellias and roses get all of my coffee grounds though I can't see any reason why citrus would not benefit as well. If you've got access to large amounts such as from Starbucks or some such I wouldn't dump an inch or more around the trees as they tend to crust over and mold. Might give you a foot rot problem.

But small amounts will supply organic matter and a bit of nitrogen. I'm not convinced the soil acidification is anything other than transitory though.

.....Alan.

If you want organic fertilizer, you can also add hair around the trees.

Contrary to popular belief, citrus are not really acid loving trees. Citrus do prefer a VERY MILD acidic soil of only a pH of approximately 6.5. 6.5 would certainly not be called an acid soil. - Millet

Coffee grounds, could be beneficial to in ground trees. Used coffee grounds are normally reported to have a pH of around 5.5, but Starbucks reports that most of the acidity is removed in the brewing process, leaving used grounds with an average PH of 6.9 (almost neutral) and a carbon-nitrogen ration of 20-1. Ground supply about 1.5 percent nitrogen, 2 percent potassium and 3 percent magnesium. However, using grounds in a container might be difficult to incorporate into the soil, and would tend to wash aside with watering. - Millet