Coffee grounds are a true treasure for fertilizing both ornamental and fruit plants. While fruit peels are ideal for composting, coffee grounds are equally valuable. In fact, besides adding them to compost, coffee grounds can be used in a myriad of ways in your garden.
Coffee grounds serve as an eco-friendly and organic natural fertilizer, offering numerous benefits to plants and serving as an alternative to many gardening products. Here, we’ll list various ways you can use coffee grounds in your garden.
Before delving into the uses, it’s essential to consider a practical tip for preserving coffee grounds. Prior to storing them in a glass or plastic container, it’s recommended to let them dry thoroughly, as moisture can lead to spoilage.
- Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer: Mix coffee grounds with soil to fertilize it. This doesn’t need to be done daily but rather once or twice a week. You can also directly pour coffee grounds into pots or garden beds. The result is similar to that of organic fertilizer, as it doesn’t acidify the soil but enriches it with nutrients. You can also soak coffee grounds in water overnight to create a liquid fertilizer that can be applied to soil or plants.
Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, promoting plant growth and flowering.
- Deter Ants and Snails: A thin layer of coffee grounds can enhance garden soil, and the natural composition of coffee helps repel unwanted guests like ants and snails. Snails find it difficult to crawl over ground coffee, creating a barrier that keeps them away from plants. Coffee grounds also deter ants from invading your garden.
- Feed Compost Worms: Adding worms to your compost can make it more effective, and among the various nutrients they enjoy, coffee grounds are on the menu. Worms are vital for gardens, and they love coffee. Of course, it’s crucial to add it in moderation to avoid adverse effects, such as worm death due to coffee acidity. A small cup once a week is sufficient.
By incorporating these simple tips, you can make the most of your coffee grounds to promote a thriving and healthy garden.
