The Effects of Coffee Grounds on the Okra Plant

Coffee Composition

• Coffee grounds contain many of the nutrients that plants need. Nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash are among the chemicals found within coffee grounds. Other vitamins and carbohydrates are also present. Coffee grounds contain acidic content that nourishes okra plants, but you don't want to put them in the garden every day. Too many coffee grounds may raise the pH balance of your soil and become damaging to plants.

Coffee Mulch

• Dry coffee grounds in the oven with the temperature set on low. Dried grounds may be scattered around the okra plants as mulch. Alone, coffee grounds deliver a lot of nutrients to the garden, but they also release a lot of acid into the soil. Balance out of the mixture with eggshells, a natural source of lime. Eggshells should be saved over time and air dried before they're mixed with coffee grounds.

Coffee Compost

• Mix coffee grounds with other natural ingredients to create an enriching compost. Cornstalks, pine needles, leaves, wood shavings and straw are all "brown" ingredients, which are high in carbon. Green materials that contain nitrogen include vegetable peels and leaves, grass clippings, seaweed, weeds and manure. Compost is added to the garden at a ratio of approximately 5 pounds per 3 cubic feet. Spread a generous layer of compost around okra plants to give them a rich source of vitamins and nutrients.

Okra Fertilizer

• Okra requires approximately 25 to 70 pounds of nitrogen per acre, depending on soil quality, when it's first planted. A generous helping of coffee grounds will help provide the needed nitrogen. Fertilize the plants with your coffee grounds again when they grow 6 to 8 inches tall, then against 2 to 3 weeks later. Regular fertilization helps okra vegetables grow larger and healthier, and helps to prevent pests and disease that may weaken the plant. Healthy, strong plants are much more tolerant of problems.