Plant Bits

Here are a few tips to help you in your garden.

Acidic Soil

Acidic soil sometimes is deficient in magnesium. When this happens, it is better to add dolomitic lime, which will increase the pH level and add the deficient mineral. Use Epsom salts if the soil’s pH level is at or near neutral, when magnesium levels are low.

Coffee Grounds in the Garden

With many coffee houses and espresso stands giving customers spent grounds, it has become a popular compost material. There are several things to consider when using grounds in the garden.

Coffee grounds add nitrogen (2 percent) and small amounts of phosphorus (0.3 percent) and potassium (0.3 percent). When applying, sprinkle on top of the soil; do not incorporate it, as it will tie up nitrogen while it breaks down, just like any uncomposted vegetative matter.

Many believe that spent coffee grounds are acidic and using it in the garden will lower the ph level of the soil.  In reality once it’s brewed the grounds become neutral.

Coffee appears to have allelopathic chemicals which will inhibit the growth of some plants, including many weeds. Lettuce benefits from coffee grounds; however, tomatoes, ryegrass and wheat are negatively impacted. Using grounds after they are composted will insure plants will not be adversely affected by coffee. Use care when using them fresh in the garden bed.


Beer Fertilizer?

Sure you’ve heard some “self-proclaimed” garden experts give advice to use beer for fertilizer on lawns and in the garden. I sometimes wonder if these “experts” come up with creative garden concoctions after consuming a few too many. Yes, beer has vitamins and minerals in it, which in larger amounts might prove beneficial to plants. Yet, beer contains alcohol, which in worse case scenarios can cause plant death or leaf burn. At the very least, alcohol stunts their growth.

Instead of using liquor products in the garden, save the beer for human consumption. Buy a quality fertilizer (organic being the best choice), or make your own organic fertilizer that is formulated to feed plants what they really need and want.