With summer rapidly approaching, it won't be long before you can kick back and soak up the sight of a garden bursting with colour. Rhododendrons and azaleas rank amongst the most beloved plants in British gardens, and if you want yours to put on a truly spectacular display, there's one essential task you simply cannot overlook.
Former Gardener's Secret
Jack Stooks, King Charles' former gardener who spent 20 years working at Highgrove House, revealed the one thing he consistently did to the King's rhododendrons and azaleas to keep them blooming magnificently. His straightforward technique is easily replicated at home and will ensure your flowers flourish this season.
Jack's secret weapon? Coffee grounds. Speaking to Coffee Friend, he said: "Coffee grounds tend to work best on acid-loving plants, so think rhododendrons or azaleas. Coffee contains nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and magnesium, which help plants grow strong and flower well. As the coffee grounds break down, they also improve the soil and help it hold onto moisture."
How to Use Coffee Grounds
Before putting coffee to work in your garden, it's essential to dry the grounds out thoroughly first. He said: "I usually spread them out on a baking tray on sunny days and then store them in an airtight container. When you're ready to use them as a feed, mix the dried coffee grounds with compost before applying them around the roots of the plant. Lightly work the mixture into the soil and water it well."
Bear in mind that using wet grounds risks encouraging mould growth, so ensure your grounds are completely dried out beforehand. He added: "Mixing the grounds deep into compost also helps incorporate them more evenly into the soil and prevents pets, particularly dogs, from eating large clumps, as coffee can be toxic to them."
Additional Benefits
An added benefit of coffee grounds is their ability to repel pests such as slugs and snails. Jack said: "For plants like delphiniums or hostas, try placing a ring of dried coffee grounds around the base of the plant. Slugs and snails are less likely to cross it because of the rough texture, while the caffeine content can also act as a deterrent."
It's also important not to overfeed the soil with coffee grounds, as too much can make it overly acidic. "Use them gradually and think of coffee grounds primarily as a plant feed, rather than simply a way to get rid of pests," he concluded.
