Okay, here is my sharing about fertilizing hydrangeas with coffee grounds:
So, I’ve been trying to get my hydrangeas to really pop this year. I heard about this trick using coffee grounds, and I thought, “Why not give it a shot?” I mean, I drink enough coffee, so I always have grounds on hand.

I started by collecting my used coffee grounds. Every morning after making my coffee, I dumped the grounds into a separate container instead of throwing them in the trash. It felt good to reuse something that I would normally just discard. You know, kind of a small win for the environment and for my wallet, ’cause fertilizer can get pricey.
My Steps to Use Coffee Grounds
- Gathering: Collected used coffee grounds from my daily coffee brewing.
- Storing: Stored them in a container, making sure it was somewhat airtight to prevent them from getting moldy. But, word to the wise, don’t seal it completely because they can ferment.
- Applying: Once a month, I sprinkled about a cup of grounds around the base of each hydrangea, but not directly touching the stem. You want to make sure you spread it evenly.
- Mixing: I mixed the grounds into the top layer of the soil. You don’t want them just sitting on top, especially if you get a lot of wind or rain in your area. And it helps them break down faster, which is the whole point.
- Watering: After applying the grounds, I watered the plants thoroughly. This helps the nutrients seep down into the soil where the roots can get at them.
I noticed that over time, the soil seemed richer, and my hydrangeas started looking healthier. I even managed to get that cool blue hue on the blooms by using the coffee grounds. It’s a slow process, and you won’t see results overnight, but it definitely made a difference.
And that’s pretty much it! It’s super easy, and honestly, I felt like a gardening pro doing something good for my plants and reducing waste at the same time. I don’t know, some folks think it’s an old wives’ tale, but it worked for me. Just remember, use it in moderation and don’t go overboard, you can always add more if needed. Give it a try and see if your hydrangeas don’t thank you for it!