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How to Grow a Coffee Plant Organically
Growing coffee plants organically is the best way to ensure they produce top-quality beans. Soil is key when it comes to creating healthy plants, with rich, well-draining soil ideally replicating its native habitat for maximum flavorful bean production. Coffee also needs plenty of water since tropical climates need plenty of rain. Keep your plant happy and harvest only when its fruits have reached maturity!
Quality potting mix is essential to growing healthy plants, and choosing an organic variety is even more critical. Look for one with good drainage and slightly acidic pH similar to coffee’s native environment – commercial options exist that use peat moss, perlite or other organic substances as ideal growing mediums.
Before transplanting seedlings, soak the seeds for 24 hours in water to soften their hard outer shell and enable easier root formation. Sow these in either your container or pot filled with well-draining organic soil (we recommend our Plantura Organic Herb & Seedling Compost as it offers ideal organic matter/sand ratio for seedlings).
Once planting has taken place, add a layer of mulch to cover the soil for both weed suppression and moisture control. A sand-based organic mulch like that shown here would be an ideal option, or try choosing another eco-friendly option such as shredded leaves or pine needles instead.
Mulch can also help regulate soil temperatures by keeping the underlying ground from heating up too rapidly, which would otherwise scorch young seedlings.
Fertilize your coffee plant regularly with a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as rose or citrus fertilizers, which are designed for heavy feeders such as coffee. However, you could make your own organic fertilizer using coffee grounds (which are full of nutrients that your plant craves) instead. Take care not to overwater as too much moisture could harm it.
Keep an eye out for any pests that might be bothering your plant, such as nematodes. These disgusting worms can be particularly harmful to coffee plants as they attack their roots and cause root knots or stunted growth. To combat nematodes effectively, clear old roots out before planting and regularly add organic matter to the soil; beneficial nematodes may also help.
The finest tasting, highest quality coffee beans come from farms managed by individuals and families who take pride in caring for both their land and product. Farmers work to maintain strict processing standards that satisfy strict quality control criteria while taking great pride in their work – their personal experience combined with financial incentives ensure their products meet or surpass industry standards while they constantly look for ways to enhance both.