How to grow bigger, healthier hydrangeas with a simple kitchen waste hack

Hydrangeas are a favourite in summer gardens, thanks to their large, stunning blooms. However, it can be a letdown if they don't flower as grandly as expected .

One of the main reasons hydrangeas may struggle to grow is due to nutrient deficiency. But instead of splashing out on expensive store-bought feed, you can give your flowers a lift with coffee grounds .

According to a gardening enthusiast and founder of Hydrangea Love, the acidic nature and nutrients present in coffee grounds can help enhance hydrangea blooms and maintain their health.

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She explained: "Using coffee grounds for hydrangea plants offers several benefits that can enhance their growth and vibrancy."

"Coffee grounds are rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, which is crucial for healthy foliage. Additionally, they help improve soil structure and drainage, promoting root health".

"The slightly acidic nature of coffee grounds can also influence the soil pH, which is particularly beneficial for hydrangeas as it can help in achieving their characteristic blue blooms."

The nitrogen in coffee can aid in improving photosynthesis in hydrangeas, which will help the flower grow faster and result in larger blooms.

Coffee grounds also act as a natural pest deterrent. They are a popular method to keep slugs out of gardens as these pests cannot tolerate the strong smell of coffee.

How to boost hydrangea flowers with coffee grounds.

All you need to do is collect the leftover coffee from every time you brew a cup, or you could ask local cafes to donate their spent grounds.

Store these in a container until you're ready to feed your hydrangeas and be sure they are completely dried out before use.

To do this, spread the used grounds on a baking sheet and leave them to dry for a day or two. This helps prevent mould and makes them easier to handle, as the gardener explained: "This prevents mould growth and makes them easier to handle."

Once dry, distribute them evenly around the base of your hydrangea plants.

Remember not to overdo it; hydrangeas only need roughly a mug's worth of coffee per plant, and should be fed just once a month through the summer to reap the rewards.

You can also work coffee grounds into a heap of compost or turn them into a liquid fertiliser to assist your hydrangeas' blossoms.

The gardener advised: "Soak about a cup of used coffee grounds in five gallons of water for a week, stirring occasionally. Use this nutrient-rich solution to water your hydrangeas."

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Offering your hydrangeas coffee grounds in the summertime is an economical and environmentally friendly method for encouraging larger blooms.

However, remember not to give too much coffee, as hydrangeas only need around one cup per plant to flourish, and they only need feeding once a month throughout the summer season.

The gardener advised: "After incorporating coffee grounds, keep an eye on your hydrangeas for any signs of distress, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth."

"These symptoms could indicate an imbalance in soil nutrients. If necessary, adjust the amount or frequency of coffee ground application."

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