Roses are a must when it comes to gardens because of how beautiful and versatile they are. The flowers work along patios and among shrubs, as ramblers and climbers, meaning no matter the type of garden you have, there will be a rose for you. Roses are typically easy to grow, making them great for beginners. Most need sun and heavy soils to thrive, but there are some types that still do well in shaded areas and soils of poorer quality.
When planting roses adding compost to the prepared hole will improve the soil quality which is essential for great growth. Compost is nutrient-rich material that is produced from decomposed organic matter. It offers plenty of benefits for plants acting as a natural fertiliser and soil conditioner. Compost is typically made from kitchen waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps and eggshells. However, there is another kitchen waste that works wonders for plants and can be applied directly to the soil.
Gardeners’ World revealed that coffee grounds contain nutrients crucial for plant growth, making them “an excellent compost ingredient.” The gardening source also added that if used with care and in moderation, the grounds can be applied “directly onto the soil.”
The grounds are high in nitrogen, contain potassium and phosphorus, and are a source of organic matter, making them a great help to “nutrient-hungry plants like roses.”
When using coffee grounds for your plants, adding them to compost containers or worm bins is generally considered “the safest way”. The grounds rot down well, and homemade compost is great for enhancing soil and growing healthy plants.
However, for those who would rather put it straight onto soil, Gardeners’ World notes that it is fine to do so “as long as it’s not in the same place, time after time.”
The compost gem is also great as a pest repellent against slugs, which dislike the caffeine in coffee and the texture of the grounds. Some gardeners have also used it to banish ants, cats and foxes.
As with many natural repellents, it is important to apply it frequently, especially after rain, to get the best results.