Coffee Grounds In Garden
Most of us are big consumers of coffee and in the process we create lots of coffee grounds. What to do with them? Whatever you do don't throw them out. Coffee grounds are valuable especially in the garden.Starbucks did a study on coffee grounds and found that most of the acidity is removed in the brewing process, leaving the grounds with an average PH of 6.9 and a carbon-nitrogen ration of 20-1.
Consider keeping a small container or plastic bag under your sink to collect those daily coffee grounds, then use them as you see fit. Try to use them within two weeks. Some coffee places like Starbucks will even give out grounds. (Like we needed another reason to go to Starbucks)
Here are some suggested uses for coffee grounds in gardens.
- 1. Add grounds to a composter if you maintain one. They accelerate the process and increase the nitrogen balance. Coffee grounds are considered green material like grass clippings.
- 2. Use grinds as a fertilizer. Sprinkle around plants that like a more acidic soil (like blueberries, strawberries, azaleas and rhododendrons)
4. Sprinkle into soil before planting to repel snails
5. Sprinkle around the house to repel ants.
6. Sprinkle grinds and orange peels on flower beds to prevent cats from using them as a litter box
7. Use coffee grounds for worm farming. Worms enjoy coffee and turn them into castings for the garden.
8. Improve your soils PH, grounds will lower the PH over time. Aim for rate of 10 pounds (dry weight) per 1000 square feet so as not to drastically alter the soil.
9. Make a coffee tea from grounds for a gentle, fast-acting liquid fertilizer. Use about a half-pound of wet grounds in a five-gallon bucket of water. Place the grounds in a pair of panty hose or sock and let the bucket sit covered for about a week before using. This tea can be used when watering or as a foliar spray.