Can coffee grounds go in my garden?

The short answer is yes. If you love brewing coffee at home and at the same time are conscious about reducing waste, then this is the right read for you.

Hello, coffee lovers and gardening enthusiasts! My name is Servando, and I lead the P&R's Finance and Accounting Team. I’ve got a passion for numbers, delicious coffee and gardening!

There are many ways to repurpose your used coffee grounds and one of them is in your garden.

Here are just a few benefits of using coffee grounds in your garden:

• Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients that some plants need to grow.

• Mixing them into your garden soil can make it better by improving its structure, helping with drainage, and holding moisture more effectively.

• It can repel some insects and bugs, protecting your plants naturally.

• Adding coffee grounds to your compost pile or bin helps with decomposition, plus any worms in your pile will love you for it.

You can fertilise with coffee grounds by sprinkling them directly onto your soil and gently mixing them with a rake or garden fork. 

Or if you’re looking to make compost, adding your used coffee grounds to your compost pile or bin is also a great idea. It’s considered a green material, just like your kitchen scraps. This then needs to be mixed with brown material like dead leaves, woodchips etc. Here are some useful links to help you get some very productive compost action.  

(https://www.homesandgardens.com/advice/how-to-make-compost) (https://communitygarden.org.au/2022/02/composting-coffee-grounds)

Not all plants are created equal: While coffee grounds offer many benefits, it's important to consider your specific plants' needs. Australian native plants, often adapted to low-nutrient environments, may not require the extra boost from coffee grounds.

Veggie Patch Considerations: For veggie patches, coffee grounds can offer a mild nutrient boost, but moderation is key. Composting them before adding them to your soil is the safest approach. Avoid using them directly around seedlings.

Fruiting Tree Friends: Coffee grounds can be beneficial for some fruiting trees, particularly those that prefer slightly acidic soil, like citrus trees. However, use caution with mulching. A thin layer is best, and composting the grounds beforehand is recommended.

A final composting tip: Compost bins in kitchens, hidden under sinks or in dark cupboards can be a great home for pests and can get a little smelly. How about storing your kitchen scraps in a small container (ice cream containers are great for this) in your fridge before you empty them into your compost bin outside? Doing this will ensure you have no issues with pests or bad smells from your scraps starting to breakdown.

In conclusion, you can use coffee grounds in your garden. It benefits your plants, and at the same time, you're reducing your waste, so start collecting those coffee grounds today and give them a renewed purpose. Now you know the value of your coffee subscription can live on via the plants and veggies in your garden. Happy brewing and gardening!