As a horticulture student I mainly studied crops and cultivation techniques. It fascinates me how many diverse plants can grow from small, nearly identical seeds. Favourite fruit: blueberries, grapes, raspberries, pears Favourite vegetables: mushrooms, peppers, kohlrabi, onions, garlic.
To grow and to produce as much fruit as possible, strawberries need nutrients. Learn all about which fertilisers to use and when to feed strawberries to increase your harvest.
You cannot beat the lovely, sweet flavour of strawberries (Fragaria) grown in your very own garden. Getting the nutrients your strawberries need is the key to getting big, juicy berries from your plants. Find out which fertilizer to use and when and how often to feed your strawberry plants below.
Coffee grounds have become a popular soil amendment for home gardeners looking to boost plant growth. But do strawberry plants actually benefit from the addition of used coffee grounds? As an avid strawberry grower myself, I’ve experimented with using coffee grounds in my berry patch and discovered some key insights. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about the effects of coffee grounds on strawberry plants, including the potential benefits and drawbacks.
Why Coffee Grounds Help Strawberry Plants Thrive
There are a few key reasons why incorporating used coffee grounds into the soil can be advantageous for strawberry plants:
Provide Essential Nutrients
Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other trace elements that plants need to grow. The grounds release these nutrients slowly as they break down acting as a gentle, organic fertilizer. Nitrogen in particular promotes lush, green foliage, while phosphorus and potassium support strong root development and runners.
Increase Organic Matter
Mixing coffee grounds into the soil adds organic material, which improves soil structure and water retention. The extra organic matter also encourages beneficial soil microbes. These microorganisms help make nutrients available to plant roots through the decomposition process.
Lower pH Levels
Coffee grounds contain acidic compounds that can help lower pH levels. Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil in the 5.5 to 6.5 pH range. If the native soil is too alkaline, the berries may struggle to properly take up nutrients. The acidic nature of coffee grounds helps achieve an optimal pH balance.
Repel Pests
Research indicates that coffee grounds contain compounds like caffeine that can deter common garden pests like slugs and snails. Sprinkling the grounds around plants creates a gritty, uncomfortable barrier that makes it harder for these slimy creatures to reach tender foliage and fruit.
Readily Available Resource
For those who drink coffee daily, used grounds are an abundant, free resource. Rather than ending up in the trash, the grounds can be conveniently reused in the garden. It’s an easy way to put a waste product to work enhancing your strawberry patch.
Using Coffee Grounds Safely and Effectively
While coffee grounds offer clear benefits, they should be used judiciously to avoid potential issues:
-
Start with small amounts – Add no more than a thin layer of grounds when topdressing plants. Excessive amounts can lead to nutrient imbalances or salt buildup.
-
Mix thoroughly into soil – To avoid mold growth, thoroughly incorporate grounds into the top few inches of soil rather than leaving a thick surface layer.
-
Balance acidity – Monitor soil pH when adding acidic coffee grounds, and adjust as needed with lime or other amendments. Ideal pH is key.
-
Pair with compost – For best results, blend grounds with compost, leaf mold, or aged manure. This balances nutrition and improves soil structure.
-
Alternate with fertilizer – Use coffee grounds to complement your normal fertilizer routine. Don’t rely solely on grounds to meet all nutrient needs.
-
Avoid compressed layers – Spread grounds loosely and evenly. Compressed layers can restrict water and air flow needed for healthy roots.
The Ideal Way to Use Coffee Grounds for Strawberries
Based on my experience nurturing bountiful strawberry beds, this is my recommended method for making the most of coffee grounds:
-
Test soil pH in the spring and adjust if needed to reach the 5.5 to 6.5 range. Strawberries prefer slightly acidic conditions.
-
Mix used coffee grounds into compost piles throughout the season. Let the grounds decompose fully over several months.
-
Before planting strawberries, dig 2-3 inches of compost containing grounds into beds to enrich soil.
-
Side dress established plants monthly with a thin 1/4 inch layer of fresh grounds around drip lines.
-
Scatter dry grounds lightly around plants to deter slugs and snails if they become a problem.
-
Continue testing and amending soil pH annually. Coffee grounds impact acidity over time.
The key is integrating grounds gradually and routinely, while monitoring soil conditions. This harnessies the perks of coffee grounds without overdoing it.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Using Coffee Grounds for Strawberries?
While coffee grounds offer tangible benefits, overdoing it can cause issues including:
-
Nutrient imbalance – Too much nitrogen from the grounds can inhibit fruit production and yield smaller berries.
-
Excess acidity – Lowering pH drastically with grounds can make it difficult for plants to access nutrients.
-
Soil compaction – Thick layers of grounds can create dense, overly moist soil that impedes root growth.
-
Mold concerns – Grounds left in thick piles on top of soil can become a breeding ground for harmful fungal diseases.
The best way to avoid these potential problems is through moderate use balanced with other organic matter, paired with routine soil testing.
Achieving the Best Results with Coffee Grounds
Follow these tips and tricks for success when adding grounds to your strawberry patch:
-
Let fresh grounds dry for a few days before use to reduce mold risk.
-
Alternate coffee grounds with high-phosphorus bone meal to balance nutrition.
-
Blend into the top 2-3 inches of soil where feeder roots are most active.
-
Limit use to once per month during peak growing season for a gentle fertilizer effect.
-
Combine with compost or manure to introduce a diverse mix of nutrients and beneficial microbes.
-
Mulch with pine straw or wheat straw to prevent direct contact between berries and grounds.
-
Rake away old grounds mulch after harvest to prevent excessive soil acidification over time.
The Bottom Line: A Valuable Soil Amendment in Moderation
While used coffee grounds should never be the sole focus of your soil health practices, they can serve as a beneficial supplement. The grounds offer a readily available source of organic matter, nutrients, and pest deterrence when applied judiciously alongside compost and pH-balancing amendments. Take care not to overdo it, and you can harness the perks of this unique garden addition for better strawberry success.
Feeding strawberries naturally
Natural fertilisers such as leaf humus or bark compost encourage soil life and improve soil structure over time. They have proven to be particularly effective for feeding strawberries in autumn. Natural slow-release fertilisers or horn manure are also suitable for feeding strawberries.
Using tomato feed for strawberries is also an option. For strawberries, too, our Plantura Tomato Food is a great choice. It gives tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) all the nutrients they need. It consists primarily of organic plant matter that is slowly decomposed by soil microorganisms. Its high potassium and phosphorus content helps strawberry plants to flower and produce fruit. Its nitrogen content encourages plant growth and leaf formation.
We have made a fertilization guide for you to follow so that you can give your strawberries the right amount of nutrients:
Summary: When and how much to feed your strawberries
- Mix 60 to 110 g/m², or 5 to 9 tablespoons, of our Plantura Tomato Food into the topsoil before you plant.
- Water the soil and plants to activate the fertiliser granules
- Each plant should get 40 to 70 g of fertilizer in the fall after the harvest and again in the spring.
Which fertiliser is best for strawberries?
Strawberries are little picky when it comes to their nutrient requirements. The high salt content of mineral fertilisers and household compost, for example, can harm the plant. Natural fertilizers like leaf humus, bark compost, horn shavings, or a plant-based slow-release fertilizer like our Plantura Tomato Food will help your plants flower and produce a lot of fruit.
- Perfect for tomatoes, chillies, courgettes, cucumber & more
- For healthy plants & an abundant tomato harvest
- Child-safe fertilizer that lasts a long time and doesn’t contain any animal products
List Of Vegetables That Like Coffee Grounds
FAQ
Are coffee grounds good around strawberry plants?
What is the best thing to feed strawberry plants?
Are eggshells good for strawberry plants?
What plants should I not put coffee grounds on?
Are coffee grounds good for strawberries?
Coffee grounds are a popular home remedy for improving the health and productivity of strawberry plants. They are rich in nutrients that can benefit strawberries, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Coffee grounds also contain beneficial microbes that can help to improve soil health and suppress plant diseases.
Can You Add coffee grounds to a strawberry plant?
Luckily for us all, coffee grounds are quite easy to add to your soil. As a general rule of thumb, when adding coffee grounds to your soil, your strawberry plants should be sitting in 25% coffee grounds and 75% nutrient-rich soil. To obtain this, add 1 cup of new or used coffee grounds for every 3 to 4 cups of soil.
Can strawberries grow in coffee soil?
Some of the strawberry types that have been known to thrive in coffee-rich soil include Alpine, Alexandria, and Honeoye. So, if you’re looking to give your strawberries a little help, it’s always best to do a bit of research on your particular type of strawberry before adding coffee grounds to your soil.
Can you use coffee grounds on strawberries in the winter?
If you’re growing strawberries as a perennial, I would suggest not using coffee grounds on them in the winter. This is because the strawberry plants are more dormant and don’t need many nutrients. In fact, too many nutrients sitting in the soil can chemically burn the plant’s roots.
How much coffee grounds do you need for a strawberry plant?
A good rule of thumb is to use about 25% coffee grounds and 75% soil. This will give your plants the benefits of coffee grounds without overdoing it. Potted strawberry plants have limited amounts of soil versus their garden counterparts, so you’ll want to keep an eye on the pH level. Test your soil every few months and adjust accordingly.
Can you use coffee grounds to fertilize strawberries?
Overall, coffee grounds are a safe and effective way to fertilize strawberry plants. However, it is important to use them in moderation and to avoid using coffee grounds that have been treated with chemicals. There are a few different ways to use coffee grounds for strawberries.