Coffee Ground Liquid Fertilizer

This is a simple way to give your plants a nutrient boost using used coffee grounds.

Ingredients

• 1 cup used coffee grounds (cooled, preferably dried out if being stored before use)
• 1 gallon of water (room temperature works fine)
• Some other kind of strainer (e.g. cheesecloth, tea strainer, etc.)

Instructions

1. Combine 1 cup of used coffee grounds with 1 gallon of water in a bucket or container.
2. Stir and cover.
3. Let it steep for 24–48 hours.
4. Strain out solids using your strainer.
5. Store in a sealed container for up to 1 week in a cool place.
6. Stir before each use.

How to Use

• Houseplants: Water once every 2–4 weeks during growing season (check out this chart for general fertilization guidelines).

• Outdoor plants: Pour around the base of plants, avoid foliage.

⚠️ Notes & Warnings

• Don’t overdo it—too much nitrogen can cause leafy growth at the expense of flowers or fruit.
• Always use used (i.e. brewed) coffee grounds—fresh ones are too acidic.
• Keep mixture away from pets, caffeine can be toxic to them!

I’ll update and add any tweaks I’ve made, what plants liked it best, or future experiment ideas!