Do Coffee Grounds Assist Ivy Grow?
Used coffee grounds are a inexpensive source of fertilizer for ivy (*Hedera spp. *) growing in the lawn, but they might be damaging to potted ivy. Employ them properly and they will help your outdoor ivy flourish.
Where Ivy Grows
Ivy grows outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 11. It thrives in organically-rich soil and also a partial- to full-shade exposure. Soil pH isn’t particularly essential for ivy, but it prefers soil with plenty of organic matter. Ivy is considered invasive in many regions of the United States.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are a high-nitrogen fertilizer, using an analysis of 2-.3-.6 to 2.1-.3-.3. The first number represents nitrogen, the second represents the third party is potassium. This analysis shows that coffee grounds are good for ivy, which prefers high-nitrogen fertilizer.
Houseplant Ivy
Coffee grounds should not be utilized to soften potted ivy, since the grounds have to be broken down by soil microbial activity in order to earn the nitrogen available to the plant. In a container of potting soil, they won’t be subjected to bacterial activity and might even absorb nitrogen from the ground. Coffee grounds may also grow fungus in potting soil and bring fruit flies.
Garden Ivy
For ivy growing outdoors, use 1 to 2 1/2 pounds of coffee grounds each 25 square feet of soil. Mix it to the top 3 to 6 inches of soil with a shovel, dirt rake or hand rake. Take care not to disturb the ivy’s shallow roots. Put on the coffee grounds in late winter or very early spring when plants begin to grow new shoots.