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Do you enjoy a cup of coffee or a soothing brew of tea? Your garden does, too. Coffee grounds make a good soil amendment for acid-loving plants such as azaleas or camellias. Place used grounds in the bottom of the planting hole to encourage acid-forming bacteria or mix with mulch for a top dressing. Brew a cup of tea for yourself then steep the same tea bag in water overnight and feed your garden. Acid-loving plants will appreciate the pick-me-up.
Used tea bags may be added near the bottom of pot plants to help retain moisture. Layer two or three between the soil and the drainage pebbles to help keep roots moist.
Composting is an excellent way to neutralize the acid of both coffee grounds and tea leaves, making them suitable for plants that prefer a more balanced pH.
So treat yourself to a cup of the beverage you love and share it with your garden.
Monica Klein, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service