How to Use Coffee Grounds in the Garden

How to Use How to Use Coffee Grounds Coffee Grounds in the Garden in the Garden

Coffee grounds improve soil structure. Coffee grounds improve soil structure. As coffee grounds degrade, they help produce substances that help form humus, or healthy and loose organic soil. As coffee grounds degrade, they help produce substances that help form humus, or healthy and loose organic soil.

They add nutrients. They add nutrients. Composted coffee grounds will eventually add small amounts of nitrogen and micronutrients to the soil. Composted coffee grounds will eventually add small amounts of nitrogen and micronutrients to the soil.

Coffee grounds improve water retention. Coffee grounds improve water retention. Whether or not that’s a benefit depends on how dry or wet your soil already is. Whether or not that’s a benefit depends on how dry or wet your soil already is.

They may suppress harmful fungi and bacteria. They may suppress harmful fungi and bacteria. The “good” fungi and bacteria found in composted coffee grounds may help fight off some of the “bad” ones, such as those that cause root rot. The “good” fungi and bacteria found in composted coffee grounds may help fight off some of the “bad” ones, such as those that cause root rot.

Coffee grounds kill slugs. Coffee grounds kill slugs. Oregon State University research shows that using a 1 to 2 percent solution of coffee grounds mixed with water as a soil drench can eliminate slugs in the garden. Oregon State University research shows that using a 1 to 2 percent solution of coffee grounds mixed with water as a soil drench can eliminate slugs in the garden.

Composting Coffee Grounds Composting Coffee Grounds For a coffee grounds compost pile , stick to a ratio of at least three parts leaves to one part grass clippings and one part coffee grounds. For a coffee grounds compost pile , stick to a ratio of at least three parts leaves to one part grass clippings and one part coffee grounds.

Direct Application Direct Application If you prefer to just spread the coffee over the soil around your plants, use a layer no more than ½ inch thick. Then cover them with 4 inches of another mulch such as wood chips. If you prefer to just spread the coffee over the soil around your plants, use a layer no more than ½ inch thick. Then cover them with 4 inches of another mulch such as wood chips.

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