Tomatoes need a steady diet of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to grow the juiciest fruit. According to experts, there is a kitchen scrap item that contains these nutrients
Tomatoes require a consistent supply of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to yield the most succulent and flavourful fruit. Experts suggest that coffee grounds, a common kitchen waste item, are rich in these nutrients. Jim and Mary Competti from the I Grow Tomatoes blog explained that the majority of fertilisers consist of what’s commonly known as the “big three” nutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
These nutrients work in harmony to foster “strong and healthy tomato plants”. Nitrogen is crucial for promoting growth and filling out the foliage of tomato plants, enabling the foliage to convert sunlight into nutrients.
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Phosphorus aids tomato plants in producing buds and flowers. Without it, tomato plants would find it difficult to set flowers, thus “greatly reducing yields”, reports the Express.
Tomato plants require potassium to “help improve the quality of the fruit produced” and to “reduce the chance of tomato plants succumbing to disease”. Moreover, potassium is vital during the flowering stage to assist plants in producing and ripening fruit.
Fortunately, used coffee grounds “contain all of the ‘big three’ essential nutrients, but they also contain trace elements of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron – all nutrients that tomato plants also utilise to “grow and produce the best fruit that’s full of flavour”.
However, the benefits of coffee grounds extend beyond just serving as a fertiliser. They can actually be used to help improve the soil as well, allowing tomato plants to “grow stronger and push out a more extensive root system” – a root system that can “improve harvest totals dramatically”.
For the benefits of added nutrients, it’s best to incorporate used coffee grounds during planting. This initial boost of nutrients and additional moisture is vital to help transplants establish quickly and produce strong early root growth.
To achieve this, add two to three tablespoons of coffee grounds to the planting hole before adding the tomato plant. Ensure to plant your tomatoes deep to give them the best chance of absorbing nutrients.
When mixing in grounds, only use spent coffee grounds, as fresh grounds contain acids that can alter the soil’s pH and be “harmful to tomato plants”. However, the usefulness of spent coffee grounds does not cease at planting time. You can utilise them as a top-dressing for tomato plants throughout the growing season.
Jim and Mary said: “Every three to four weeks, sprinkle on a few tablespoons around the base of each tomato plant. This helps to provide plants with a low and steady stream of nutrients every time it rains or you water.
“The grounds on top will also help to loosen the soil and add structure as they break down. So not only are the coffee grounds adding nutrient value to your plants, they are improving the soil at the same time.”
