Using Coffee in Your Garden

March 01, 2021

Spring is here, and it's time to start your warm-weather garden. Did you know there are several ways that you can use coffee grounds in your garden this spring and summer? From compost to fertilizer, there are several ways you can recycle your coffee grounds and use them in your garden. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use them in ours:

 

Compost with Coffee

If you compost at home, coffee grounds are a great addition to your bin or pile. Not only do coffee grounds add nitrogen to your compost pile, but they also contain trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium that will greatly benefit your plants.

 

Fertilizer

Did you know that used coffee grounds have a near-neutral pH? Used coffee grounds can be added directly to your garden soil, and it won't affect the acid levels. Adding used coffee grounds can help to improve drainage, aeration, and water retention in the soil. For those acid-loving plants like azaleas, hydrangeas, blueberries, lilies, and even your root vegetables, you can sprinkle on or mix in fresh coffee grounds.

 

Pest Deterrent

Fresh coffee grounds are a great pest deterrent for slugs and snails. They're abrasive, and slugs and snails don't like going over them, so if you're looking to keep these pests away, sprinkle coffee grounds near your snail-prone plants.

 

If you're looking for some new plants to add to your garden or you have a few to rehome, stop by Growers Alliance and check out The Veteran Garden Project's community plant shelves on our patio. Next time you come by the cafe, take some seeds, clippings, or even a little plant from their shelf that's been brightening our outdoor space. In exchange, leave a few seeds, clippings, or plants from your garden!

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