top of page
Search

Don’t Toss the Coffee Grounds!


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?

  1. Mix about 2 cups of grounds into 10 L of water

  2. Let it steep overnight

  3. 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!

 
 
 

Kommentarer


bottom of page