Coffee Grounds for Plants? How To Give Your Garden A Boost
Coffee is a daily ritual for many people around the world, but what happens to all those used coffee grounds? If you make fresh coffee at home using brewing methods such as espresso, pour over or French press, you will be left with used coffee grounds at the end of your brew. Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider repurposing them in your garden. Coffee grounds are a versatile and eco-friendly addition to your gardening routine, offering a range of benefits for your plants and the environment. Below we’ve detailed 5 reasons why you should reuse you leftover coffee grounds for plants:
Nutrient-Rich Fertilizer
Coffee grounds are a rich source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Nitrogen promotes leafy green growth, phosphorus supports root development, and potassium aids in overall plant health and resistance to disease. By adding coffee grounds to your soil, you're providing your plants with a natural and nutrient-rich fertilizer.
2. pH Balancing
Coffee grounds are slightly acidic, which can be beneficial for plants that prefer acidic soil, such as blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons. However, it's important to note that coffee grounds can also lower the pH of your soil over time. To avoid making your soil too acidic, it's best to use coffee grounds in moderation and to mix them with other organic matter, such as compost.
3. Environmentally Friendly
Using leftover coffee grounds in your garden is an environmentally friendly practice. Instead of sending them to the landfill, you're repurposing them in a way that benefits your plants and the soil. Coffee grounds are a renewable resource that can be easily incorporated into your gardening routine.
4. Improved Soil Structure
Coffee grounds are organic matter that can improve soil structure. They help to break up compacted soil, allowing for better water drainage and root penetration. This is particularly beneficial for clay soils, which tend to be heavy and poorly draining. The addition of coffee grounds can create a more aerated and friable soil, promoting healthier plant growth.
5. Natural Pest Repellent
Does coffee repel pests? Coffee grounds can act as a natural pest repellent. Some insects, such as slugs and snails, are repelled by the caffeine in coffee grounds. Sprinkling coffee grounds around the base of plants can deter these pests, protecting your garden from damage. Additionally, coffee grounds can help to repel some types of ants and discourage cats from using your garden as a litter box. You can even repel mosquitoes and wasps if you burn coffee grounds in a similar way to incense which can be a really useful DIY repellent, according to Home and Garden.
ADVICE: You should be careful when leaving ground coffee around dogs. Coffee contains caffeine, which is toxic to dogs in large amounts. Even small amounts of caffeine can cause symptoms such as restlessness, vomiting, increased heart rate, panting and seizures in dogs. The American Kennel Club mention ‘if your dog ingests unused coffee grounds or beans or tea bags, it could cause serious toxicity.’ So be mindful when using coffee grounds on your garden if your furry friend is nearby.
Leftover coffee grounds are a valuable resource that can be used to improve your garden in a variety of ways. They provide essential nutrients, improve soil structure, act as a natural pest repellent, and can help balance the pH of your soil. By using coffee grounds in your garden, you're not only benefiting your plants but also reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable gardening practice. So, the next time you make a cup of coffee, consider saving the grounds for your garden. Your plants will thank you!