How to use Coffee Grounds in my Veggie Garden - Ask Extension
We've collected (used) coffee grounds from several coffee shops and have spread them on top of the veggie garden. Should we (1) till the grounds into...
Knowledgebase
How to use Coffee Grounds in my Veggie Garden #738143
Asked March 08, 2021, 4:40 PM EST
We've collected (used) coffee grounds from several coffee shops and have spread them on top of the veggie garden. Should we (1) till the grounds into the garden and THEN add chickity doo on top, or (2) add the chickety doo and other additions and till it ALL in at one time? We had our soil tested before we added the coffee grounds and were told not to add any lime this year.
Thank you for your help! We really appreciate it. Cindy & Charles
Henrico County Virginia
Expert Response
In this extension publication (http://pubs.cahnrs.wsu.edu/publications/pubs/fs207e/?p-page=2) it is recommended that fresh coffee grounds only be used as a mulch to avoid damaging plant roots.
And you mention that you did do a soil test, so I assume you are applying the chickity doo at the recommended rate per the soil test. Our soil test note #19 (https://resources.ext.vt.edu/contentdetail?contentid=2011&contentname=Soil%20Test%20Note%2019:%20Vegetable%20and%20Flower%20Gardens%20(Supplement%20to%20Soil%20Test%20Report))
which covers vegetables, recommends that the fertilizer be broadcast and turned in before planting except for those vegetables mentioned in the note.
And you mention that you did do a soil test, so I assume you are applying the chickity doo at the recommended rate per the soil test. Our soil test note #19 (https://resources.ext.vt.edu/contentdetail?contentid=2011&contentname=Soil%20Test%20Note%2019:%20Vegetable%20and%20Flower%20Gardens%20(Supplement%20to%20Soil%20Test%20Report))
which covers vegetables, recommends that the fertilizer be broadcast and turned in before planting except for those vegetables mentioned in the note.
