Fertilizing apple trees with coffee grounds: a good idea?

Coffee grounds are a popular household remedy that even has an effect in botany. But is the natural fertilizer alternative suitable for every type of plant? This guide addresses the question of whether gardeners should fertilize an apple tree with old coffee grounds .

Too much coffee grounds is harmful

Many people already know not to dispose of their old ground coffee in the trash or compost. The remaining powder is ideal for enriching plant substrate with nutrients. But what actually makes coffee grounds so valuable?

  • enables fertilization without chemicals
  • inexpensive
  • simple application
  • very nitrogenous

The latter point is particularly interesting for the fertilizer application of an apple tree. Nitrogen is an important component of soil and promotes the growth of a plant. But that is precisely what is desired in apple trees only to a certain extent. If the tree receives too much nitrogen, it is so keen on growing that it invests all its energy in budding. Instead, he neglects the formation of flowers, whereupon the fruit formation fails to materialize.

Note: This fertilizer rule applies not only to apple trees, but also applies to fruit trees in general and flowering plants. In addition, pruning also reduces crop yields by stimulating growth.

At the same time, increased growth due to an excess of nutrients makes the apple tree more susceptible to fungal attack. This is also because focusing on growth weakens its defenses.

Note: Heavy nettle growth under the apple tree indicates a very high nitrogen content in the soil.

alternatives

If you still want to do without mineral fertilizers in your own garden, there are numerous home remedies available as alternatives, which are also easy to produce and therefore inexpensive:

organic material

  • stable dung
  • Compost
  • horn meal or horn shavings
Note: Although horn meal is also rich in nitrogen, it only provides the trace element in small quantities. Older trees in particular benefit from the gift, as they are no longer as vigorous as young trees.

Simplified files:

  • young apple trees: 1 to 1.5 kg mature compost, 10 g horn meal or horn shavings
  • older apple trees: 4 kg compost, 80 g horn meal or horn shavings

banana peels

  • rich in potassium (important for flower and fruit formation)
  • cut into small pieces
  • work into the ground
Note: Banana peels should not be used too often. With increased use, they do not rot sufficiently.

nettle manure

  • promotes growth, the immune system, budding and vitality of the tree
  • also helps against pests
  • dilute with water before use or add to irrigation water
  • pour onto the root disk

wood ash

  • rich in potassium
  • work into the ground
  • or sprinkle on the tree disc

It is usually sufficient to simply sprinkle the wood ash on the surface of the earth near the trunk. With the next rainfall, the valuable minerals get into the soil.

urine

  • Do not use too often as urine is slightly acidic
  • not suitable when taking certain medications
  • do not use animal urine

green manure

  • as underplanting of the apple tree
  • lupins
  • Klee
  • Kapuzinerkresse
  • Melisse
  • Wicke
  • mustard
  • field pea

frequently asked Questions

The frequency of fertilizer application for apple trees depends on how many years they have been standing. In contrast to older specimens, young trees require comparatively little fertilizer. By incorporating organic material such as compost into the soil when planting, the gardener provides his tree with sufficient care for the first few years.

Twice a year it’s time to fertilize an apple tree. The first dose is in early spring. The tree then requires fresh nutrients in May or June. Fertilizer later has a negative effect. At this point, the shoots are already well developed, but new shoots may not develop sufficiently until winter.

Kira Bellingham

I'm a homes writer and editor with more than 20 years' experience in publishing. I have worked across many titles, including Ideal Home and, of course, Homes & Gardens. My day job is as Chief Group Sub Editor across the homes and interiors titles in the group. This has given me broad experience in interiors advice on just about every subject. I'm obsessed with interiors and delighted to be part of the Homes & Gardens team.

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