Lemon trees (Citrus limon) originally come from Mediterranean regions. They love warmth and sun, but are extremely sensitive to cold. Therefore, in this country they are only grown in tubs and only spend the summer outdoors. As a container plant, the lemon tree therefore requires special care. Mainly, attention must be paid to correct fertilization, since the supply of nutrients in the bucket is very limited. However, it is not always necessary to use mineral fertilizers. Are coffee grounds also suitable for fertilizing lemon trees?
Fertilize lemon tree with coffee grounds
The lemon mainly needs a high proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for good and healthy growth and development of fruit. In most cases, a mineral citrus fertilizer from the trade is quickly used to ensure the supply of these nutrients. In addition, however, some home remedies for fertilizing the lemon tree should also be considered. A very popular organic fertilizer is coffee grounds. This agent can have several advantages over commercial fertilizer:
- contains sufficient amount of potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus
- ensures optimal growth, cell structure and stability
- environmentally friendly
- non-toxic
- costs nothing, since waste in the household
- pH slightly acidic, between 6.4 and 6.8
- Less pest infestation on plants
- Over-fertilization not possible
- therefore no breeding ground for parasites
- good snail defense
- also expulsion of ants, by covering the odor traces
- Prevention of nitrogen deficiency
- prevents leaf discoloration
- older plants love coffee, especially the potassium content
- this prevents the leaves from dying off
- Phosphorus content promotes metabolism, i.e. flower and root growth and fruit formation
However, using coffee grounds as a fertilizer has more of an effect short-term effect. Therefore, its frequent use hardly harms the lemon, since, as already mentioned, over-fertilization cannot take place. However, you should not only fertilize the lemon tree with coffee grounds, but also use other home remedies.
time
In general, the lemon tree needs more nutrients during its annual growth phase. The nutrients are also dependent on the temperature and the incidence of light.
- fertilize from April to September
- with the beginning of the new shoot
- longer if necessary, until growth stops
- Water consumption also indicates nutrient requirements
- once a week during the growth phase
- once a month if the remedy lasts longer (e.g. for comfrey and stinging nettle decoction)
application
Coffee grounds accumulate in the household almost every day. Unless tea is preferred to coffee. But its residues are also good organic fertilizers, more on that later. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using it:
- Always use the set dry
- Otherwise mold will quickly form
- wet coffee grounds harm plants
- after brewing set cool
- Spread out on a plate or kitchen paper to dry
- leave everything in a dry place overnight
- The best way to store the dried "powder" is in a screw-top jar
tip: The application of coffee grounds to the top of the compost pile provides nutrients and produces a fine compost.
It is now possible to bring the "powder" directly into the soil, but liquid fertilization can also take place. When using the following should be noted:
in powder form
- never mix into the soil as a lump, but little by little
- Apply to surface of soil directly around plant and work flat into soil
- This is how nutrients get to the roots properly and develop their full effect
- Mix evenly with the soil when repotting
- Remove old coffee grounds before fertilizing again
- otherwise there is an increased risk of compaction and also the risk of mold
- mix some earth with the set and replace the old, upper layer of earth with it
- remove old soil about three centimeters
as a liquid fertilizer
- alternatively put the set in a watering can
- should be dry, then all ingredients are fully contained
- fill with water and pour
- only around trunk
- never pour water directly onto leaves
tip: Alternatively, liquid fertilization with cooled coffee can also be used. To do this, dilute the coffee with water in a ratio of 1:1. Half a cup of coffee per plant per week is enough.
Other home remedies for fertilization
The lemon tree not only loves coffee, but other home remedies are also ideal for ensuring a supply of nutrients. They usually cost nothing and accumulate in the household.
Lemon leaves and peel
In nature, fruits and leaves fall to the ground and rot. This is how the valuable nutrients get into the soil.
- Dry and chop leaves and peel
- prevents mold growth
- either distribute it on the bottom of the bucket in spring when repotting or
- work into the surface of the soil
blood meal
This is dried animal blood from slaughter. It is rich in iron and is particularly suitable for fertilizing lemon trees in the event of iron deficiency symptoms.
- apply directly to the surface of the earth, work in lightly
- then pour
- in case of deficiency symptoms one to three teaspoons per plant per week
- alternatively use fresh blood from the butcher
- apply directly to soil and then water
- also frozen blood in the form of BARF feed for dogs and cats
- divide this into pieces and apply, do not water
- pay attention to the origin of fresh blood
tip: A mixture of ground blood and coffee grounds is ideal. The lemon tree thus receives additional trace elements for balanced growth.
vegetable and potato broth
- When cooking, valuable ingredients get into the cooking water
- particularly suitable for potato water
- let the water cool down
- the longer the cooking time, the more minerals and trace elements are contained
vegetable broth
danger: The cooking water for vegetables and potatoes must not be salted! The salt damages the roots of the plants!
pond and aquarium water
Lucky are those who have their own pond in the garden or an aquarium. There are many microorganisms in the water. These form the basis for good fertilization.
- Water once or twice a week during the growing season
- from late summer only once a month
tea
Tea, whether brewed in a tea egg or from a tea bag, is also ideal for fertilizing the lemon.
- Place one to three teaspoons of tea leaves on the surface of the soil and work in
- alternatively add a cup of tea to the irrigation water
- fertilize with tea leaves and leaves once or twice a month
- water weekly with diluted tea
- mainly use of green and black tea
algae and algae lime
Both are suitable for fertilizing lemon trees to balance the pH of the soil if it is too acidic. Of course, valuable nutrients are also included.
- economical use
- a handful a month
- perfectly adequate as it is rich in vitamins and minerals
- at the beginning of the growth phase
- continue to be given during fruit formation and ripening
- superficial incorporation into the substrate
- then water well
Algae fertilizer
compost, horn shavings and manure
Manure in general is a good fertilizer. However, he must then be properly rotted. The same goes for compost.
- when used, fertilizer must be taken from the middle or lower layer
- even distribution and incorporation of the material into the soil substrate
- Addition when potting or repotting
- Horn shavings, manure and compost have a long-term fertilizing effect
Comfrey and nettle decoction
Both herb manures provide the lemon tree with optimal nutrients. At the same time, they can be used to combat pests. It is rich in iron, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
- Finely chop or cut plant parts
- place in sealable container
- fill up with water
- everything must be well covered
- Seal the jar and keep warm and sunny
- Leave to soak well for 12 to 48 hours
- Strain the broth
- dilute with equal parts water
- water once a month
- Sud gets into all root tips
- for faster broth making, simmer 30 to 45 minutes
- then let it soak for one to three hours
- check everything and you're done
Fertilize currants with nettle manure
tip: By using hard tap water, additional lime can be supplied to the lemon tree with regular watering. In this way, the high demand for lime is optimally covered.