Coffee grounds

[foxtail]

For fertilizer. Any experience? Good, bad, nothing?

Edited August 23, 2015 by foxtail

[ghar41]

They are excellent. This has been discussed many time here before.

http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/22111-coffee-grounds-around-your-palms/?p=368153

[Hammer]

Do it!

[_Keith]

Just spread it out on top of the soil over the root zone and let nature do the rest.

[Howeadypsis]

Hmm

[Kai]

Get rid of insects and snails too!

[Gonzer]

Gives all my plants a good buzz.

[foxtail]

They are excellent. This has been discussed many time here before.

http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/22111-coffee-grounds-around-your-palms/?p=368153

Thanks for the Link.

[foxtail]

Do it!

Just spread it out on top of the soil over the root zone and let nature do the rest.

Hmm

Get rid of insects and snails too!

Gives all my plants a good buzz.

Thanks guys for your inputs. Hands to the coffee.

[PalmatierMeg]

I spread all my used grounds. Same with tea dregs

[trioderob]

don't spread it - that's the wrong way to use them.

you use them as rocket fuel to kick off a compost pile

much more bang for the buck

used THAT way and mixed with lawn clippings, weed and leaves you get a nice wheel barrel full o hot steamin compost

(nobody believes me here anymore- I lost all credibility after the "black stem" thread)

Edited August 24, 2015 by trioderob

[_Keith]

don't spread it - that's the wrong way to use them.

you use them as rocket fuel to kick off a compost pile

much more bang for the buck

used THAT way and mixed with lawn clippings, weed and leaves you get a nice wheel barrel full o hot steamin compost

(nobody believes me here anymore- I lost all credibility after the "black stem" thread)

No loss of credibility my friend. All depend on whether one makes compost or not. Most of mine does wind up in the compost, but I never hesitate to just spread them on the ground, too.

[foxtail]

don't spread it - that's the wrong way to use them.

you use them as rocket fuel to kick off a compost pile

much more bang for the buck

used THAT way and mixed with lawn clippings, weed and leaves...

Nice process, thanks Rob.

[DoomsDave]

Yes, use the coffee grounds. I don't drink coffee, but a neighbor used to give me hers, before she moved away and died.

But don't be afraid to use other stuff, too.

I've used and continue to use: palm leaves, whole and shredded; dicot leaves, ditto; dicot twigs, ditto; grass clippings, fern leaves, and food that went bad in the fridge and freezer.

I've buried dead animals; dogs, cats, raccoons, squirrels, birds, possums, skinks, skunks, snakes, fish. And, even a cute little kitten who got eaten by a coyote all except his tail, with a Wallichia distichia for a "headstone." ( ) And a big road-kill pitbull.

The dead nourish the living, like it or not.

And, kitty-cat dirt from the litter box. (Bury it, like Kruschev would have. Why? Don't bury and smell . . . ) Sometimes even used catbox filler. (Bury it, too.)

DON'T use: ivy, "red apple" aptenia, purple [expletive EXPLETIVE] nut sedge, morning glory roots, oh mommy.

[Gonzer]

I don't drink coffee,

Commie infiltrator!

As Rob stated, do NOT spread them. Even if you're not composting a mound/hill of grounds will attract earthworms like red sneakers to Davey's tootsies.

[Alicehunter2000]

Dang Dave ...... Super Freak! ..... A road kill pitbull? .....that's hardcore

[JT in Japan]

I don't drink coffee,

Commie infiltrator!

As Rob stated, do NOT spread them. Even if you're not composting a mound/hill of grounds will attract earthworms like red sneakers to Davey's tootsies.

I don't get the "don't spread them" mantra. Are you suggesting it's the depth or height of a conical pile at the base that does the trick? I'm thinking of sprinkling a layer in all my potted palms; Shall I make little pinches between my fingertips and thumb instead?"

JT

[_Keith]

I don't drink coffee,

Commie infiltrator!

As Rob stated, do NOT spread them. Even if you're not composting a mound/hill of grounds will attract earthworms like red sneakers to Davey's tootsies.

Why on earth would you NOT want to attract earthworms. That is specifically what I DO want.

[trioderob]

the coffee grounds have a huge "surface area" which enables a gigantic amount of microbes to develop.

you now have a huge army of microbes which can break down organic matter within hours - not months.

this rapidly created compost then releases huge amounts of nutrients when watered.

lets call this "compost tea"

in addition all kinds of anthropoids and worms invade this fresh compost when they die they release nitrogen.

the worms leave a mucus lining on their tunnels which also grow microbes.

and if you are lucky- you get the best of all - fungi which can completely break down the compost into stable humus.

so you are literally creating fertile top soil

[foxtail]

Yes, use the coffee grounds. I don't drink coffee, but a neighbor used to give me hers, before she moved away and died.

But don't be afraid to use other stuff, too.

I've used and continue to use: palm leaves, whole and shredded; dicot leaves, ditto; dicot twigs, ditto; grass clippings, fern leaves, and food that went bad in the fridge and freezer.

I've buried dead animals; dogs, cats, raccoons, squirrels, birds, possums, skinks, skunks, snakes, fish. And, even a cute little kitten who got eaten by a coyote all except his tail, with a Wallichia distichia for a "headstone." ( ) And a big road-kill pitbull.

The dead nourish the living, like it or not.

And, kitty-cat dirt from the litter box. (Bury it, like Kruschev would have. Why? Don't bury and smell . . . ) Sometimes even used catbox filler. (Bury it, too.)

DON'T use: ivy, "red apple" aptenia, purple [expletive EXPLETIVE] nut sedge, morning glory roots, oh mommy.

A road-kill pitbull? Haha you are the man.

Anyway, thanks for the other tips.

[foxtail]

Dang Dave ...... Super Freak! ..... A road kill pitbull? .....that's hardcore

Yeah, hardcore-Professional Level haha

[foxtail]

the coffee grounds have a huge "surface area" which enables a gigantic amount of microbes to develop.

you now have a huge army of microbes which can break down organic matter within hours - not months.

this rapidly created compost then releases huge amounts of nutrients when watered.

lets call this "compost tea"

in addition all kinds of anthropoids and worms invade this fresh compost when they die they release nitrogen.

the worms leave a mucus lining on their tunnels which also grow microbes.

and if you are lucky- you get the best of all - fungi which can completely break down the compost into stable humus.

so you are literally creating fertile top soil

Ohh, thanks for the info Rob.

[Phoenikakias]

the coffee grounds have a huge "surface area" which enables a gigantic amount of microbes to develop.

you now have a huge army of microbes which can break down organic matter within hours - not months.

this rapidly created compost then releases huge amounts of nutrients when watered.

lets call this "compost tea"

in addition all kinds of anthropoids and worms invade this fresh compost when they die they release nitrogen.

the worms leave a mucus lining on their tunnels which also grow microbes.

and if you are lucky- you get the best of all - fungi which can completely break down the compost into stable humus.

so you are literally creating fertile top soil

Hey Rob,

did you really want to write anthropoids or rather you wanted to write arthropods

[trioderob]

oh yea- my bad.

that pitbull bit is a real classic on the forum.

one guy puts compost out - another coffee grounds- then there are those who bury pitbulls for the palms...................

[DoomsDave]

Dang Dave ...... Super Freak! ..... A road kill pitbull? .....that's hardcore

Yeah, hardcore-Professional Level haha

There is no hardcore too hard for the love of your palms.

(The poor dog was dead, stiff as a board, no tags.)

Oh, and don't forget the wood ashes. I have two fireplaces, which produce a lot during the season.

[foxtail]

Dang Dave ...... Super Freak! ..... A road kill pitbull? .....that's hardcore

Yeah, hardcore-Professional Level haha

There is no hardcore too hard for the love of your palms.

(The poor dog was dead, stiff as a board, no tags.)

Oh, and don't forget the wood ashes. I have two fireplaces, which produce a lot during the season.

And you're totally correct. All for the Love of the palms.

[JT in Japan]

the coffee grounds have a huge "surface area" which enables a gigantic amount of microbes to develop.

you now have a huge army of microbes which can break down organic matter within hours - not months.

this rapidly created compost then releases huge amounts of nutrients when watered.

lets call this "compost tea"

in addition all kinds of anthropoids and worms invade this fresh compost when they die they release nitrogen.

the worms leave a mucus lining on their tunnels which also grow microbes.

and if you are lucky- you get the best of all - fungi which can completely break down the compost into stable humus.

so you are literally creating fertile top soil

Sorry Rob, but that still doesn't explain "don't spread them." By spreading them, the surface area you mention would be larger, if you consider the surfaces of every single ground, once spread, being now more open and exposed to to the microbes et al. Are you saying that packing grounds together, as opposed to sprinkling them ("spreading") willy nilly, creates more heat and energy, that in turn works better/quicker with the microbes? That's the only thing that seems to make sense with this advice, no disrespect intended.

JT "just trying to understand"

[Jimhardy]

I just repotted a bunch of palms(Trachys)that were covered with

white spider mites,first they were sprayed with high pressure

from the hose and then I mixed in some cheap coffee I bought at

the store,a lot...doesnt seem to baother the palms as they are nice

and green...no new bugs either-we shall see.

I also sprinkled some around my T.Martianus and banana plants

as they both like acid soil.

[Hammer]

Hey Jim...thread hijack alert...got any photo updates of your tropical slice of tundra garden?

[foxtail]

I just repotted a bunch of palms(Trachys)that were covered with

white spider mites,first they were sprayed with high pressure

from the hose and then I mixed in some cheap coffee I bought at

the store,a lot...doesnt seem to baother the palms as they are nice

and green...no new bugs either-we shall see.

I also sprinkled some around my T.Martianus and banana plants

as they both like acid soil.

Hmmm, acid soil. Something to consider because I don't know which palms as today,love that kind of soil. Edited August 25, 2015 by foxtail

[dalmatiansoap]

Im using it widely, palms, bananas, veggies, fruits, greens in general.

Here is my "weekly" dose

In black bags are pine needles

Im not sure if it its going to be visible here in this pic (phone cam, low q ) but its covered with a honey bees. So there are some benefits more than just beeing soil amendment.

[Gonzer]

the coffee grounds have a huge "surface area" which enables a gigantic amount of microbes to develop.

you now have a huge army of microbes which can break down organic matter within hours - not months.

this rapidly created compost then releases huge amounts of nutrients when watered.

lets call this "compost tea"

in addition all kinds of anthropoids and worms invade this fresh compost when they die they release nitrogen.

the worms leave a mucus lining on their tunnels which also grow microbes.

and if you are lucky- you get the best of all - fungi which can completely break down the compost into stable humus.

so you are literally creating fertile top soil

Sorry Rob, but that still doesn't explain "don't spread them." By spreading them, the surface area you mention would be larger, if you consider the surfaces of every single ground, once spread, being now more open and exposed to to the microbes et al. Are you saying that packing grounds together, as opposed to sprinkling them ("spreading") willy nilly, creates more heat and energy, that in turn works better/quicker with the microbes? That's the only thing that seems to make sense with this advice, no disrespect intended.

JT "just trying to understand"

A smaller but thicker and taller area of coverage (think of a pyramid) is much more enticing to worms than a thin layer. The shape of the paper or gold filters is what, about 3" - 4" thick with grounds? Just plop it down.

[trioderob]

Sorry Rob, but that still doesn't explain "don't spread them." By spreading them, the surface area you mention would be larger, if you consider the surfaces of every single ground, once spread, being now more open and exposed to to the microbes et al. Are you saying that packing grounds together, as opposed to sprinkling them ("spreading") willy nilly, creates more heat and energy, that in turn works better/quicker with the microbes? That's the only thing that seems to make sense with this advice, no disrespect intended.

JT "just trying to understand"

the reason is that the microbes are alive and give off heat. in a compost pile this heat builds up. as the temp goes up the microbes multiply at an extremely faster rate then if they where room temp. they multiply millions of times faster. because there are so many of them they can turn anything organic into compost at an incredible rate.

why do you thing the compost pile is at 165 degrees on a very cold morning ?

Edited August 26, 2015 by trioderob

[foxtail]

Im using it widely, palms, bananas, veggies, fruits, greens in general.

Here is my "weekly" dose

In black bags are pine needles

Im not sure if it its going to be visible here in this pic (phone cam, low q ) but its covered with a honey bees. So there are some benefits more than just beeing soil amendment.

WOW Dalmatian, you drink a lot of coffee. Nice Butia you have there.

[Cosmo]

Speaking of roadkill. What about armadillos? Here in TX there's always a bunch of them on the roadside sunbathing upside down.

[_Keith]

Speaking of roadkill. What about armadillos? Here in TX there's always a bunch of them on the roadside sunbathing upside down.

That is one bit of road kill to leave alone, the only animal that can carry ________________.

[JT in Japan]

Sorry Rob, but that still doesn't explain "don't spread them." By spreading them, the surface area you mention would be larger, if you consider the surfaces of every single ground, once spread, being now more open and exposed to to the microbes et al. Are you saying that packing grounds together, as opposed to sprinkling them ("spreading") willy nilly, creates more heat and energy, that in turn works better/quicker with the microbes? That's the only thing that seems to make sense with this advice, no disrespect intended.

JT "just trying to understand"

the reason is that the microbes are alive and give off heat. in a compost pile this heat builds up. as the temp goes up the microbes multiply at an extremely faster rate then if they where room temp. they multiply millions of times faster. because there are so many of them they can turn anything organic into compost at an incredible rate.

why do you thing the compost pile is at 165 degrees on a very cold morning ?

Right. That makes sense, and exactly what I assumed above. :-).

The confusion for me was thinking of coffee grounds as an ingredient, a simple nitrogen additive, in which case the shape of it in your dirt is meaningless. But your focus is on coffee grounds as an engine to help produce heat and attract microbes and earthworms, and the shape is critical for this. That wasn't intuitive to me.

Peace.

JT

[dalmatiansoap]

WOW Dalmatian, you drink a lot of coffee. Nice Butia you have there.

Lol, thats from friends coffe bar. Thanks

[foxtail]

WOW Dalmatian, you drink a lot of coffee. Nice Butia you have there.

Lol, thats from friends coffe bar. Thanks

HAHA

[palmsnbananas]

Yes, use the coffee grounds. I don't drink coffee, but a neighbor used to give me hers, before she moved away and died.

But don't be afraid to use other stuff, too.

I've used and continue to use: palm leaves, whole and shredded; dicot leaves, ditto; dicot twigs, ditto; grass clippings, fern leaves, and food that went bad in the fridge and freezer.

I've buried dead animals; dogs, cats, raccoons, squirrels, birds, possums, skinks, skunks, snakes, fish. And, even a cute little kitten who got eaten by a coyote all except his tail, with a Wallichia distichia for a "headstone." ( ) And a big road-kill pitbull.

The dead nourish the living, like it or not.

And, kitty-cat dirt from the litter box. (Bury it, like Kruschev would have. Why? Don't bury and smell . . . ) Sometimes even used catbox filler. (Bury it, too.)

DON'T use: ivy, "red apple" aptenia, purple [expletive EXPLETIVE] nut sedge, morning glory roots, oh mommy.

This is the most epic post on this forum ... I smell an award!.. or is it decomposing road kill