Don’t Toss the Coffee Grounds!
- Monika Vítková
- Jul 5
- 2 min read

If you’re like me and rely on your daily coffee ritual, don’t chuck those used coffee grounds—they’re a goldmine for your plants (and even your skin!). Here’s how to turn that morning muck into garden magic.
Natural Plant Food & Soil Booster
Coffee grounds are packed with key nutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and even magnesium and iron—that your plants crave.
In the compost: Toss ’em in—it evens out green/brown ratios and speeds up the composting process .
As a mulch: Sprinkle a thin layer around plants to help lock in water, suppress weeds, and gradually feed the soil .
Mixed into soil: Gently mix grounds into garden beds or when potting up plants (helps with moisture retention and texture) .
Just don’t go overboard—too much at once can shift the pH a bit or block airflow .
Pest Deterrent
Coffee grounds aren’t just food for plants—they’re also a natural repellent!
Scatter them to help fend off slug and snail visitors .
They can annoy ants, caterpillars, and more—try spraying diluted grounds on affected leaves.
Cat trying to dig in your flower bed? Grounds often discourage them too .
Best Plants to Pamper
Some plants thrive with coffee grounds, especially those that like slightly acidic soil:
Azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries, hydrangeas — they absolutely love it .
Roses, ferns, strawberries, carrots also benefit from the nutrients and improved soil texture .
Use caution with plants that prefer alkaline or dry soil, like lavender, succulents, rosemary, tomatoes, garlic, and some bulbs—too much coffee can hinder their growth .
Liquid Fertilizer “Coffee Brew”
Need a quick energy drink for your plants?
Mix about 2 cups of grounds into 10 L of water
Let it steep overnight
Strain and use as a nutrient-rich plant drink once a week or every two weeks during growing season
It’s an easy way to feed roots directly without overwhelming them.
Indoor-Friendly Too
Got houseplants?
Use a small sprinkle when repotting—helps improve drainage and slowly feeds them.
Don’t toss it on top—fresh grounds can mold or attract fruit flies.
Quick Tips Summary
Tip | How To |
Moderation is key | Mix grounds into compost, mulch thinly, or dilute for a drink |
Know your plants | Use on acid lovers, avoid if they prefer alkaline soil |
Dry before storing | Prevents mold build-up |
Check pH after heavy use | Most grounds are mildly acidic/neutral—helps to test |
The Final Brew?
Instead of tossing coffee grounds, think of them as freebies from your daily brew—boost your garden, deter pests, reduce waste, and give your plants a tasty pick-me-up. Just don’t go overboard—treat them right, and both your greenery and the planet will thank you!
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