Unveiling the garden perks of used coffee grounds

Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and other highly beneficial micronutrients for plants. Thanks to their caffeine content and texture, they can effectively repel pests such as slugs and ants. Grounds improve soil structure by enhancing water and air permeability, positively affecting plant growth.

In addition to macronutrients, coffee grounds contain micronutrients such as magnesium, copper, and zinc. The intense odour and texture of the grounds repel pests, deterring them from approaching our plants.

The first step in using coffee grounds in the garden is collecting them. After enjoying your morning cup of coffee, set the grounds aside in a container instead of discarding them. The collected grounds can be stored for several days before being used in the garden.

Coffee grounds should be properly dried to ensure they are ready for garden use. Spread them on newspaper or paper towels and leave them in a warm, airy place for a few days. Drying the grounds prevents mould formation and facilitates later storage.

Coffee grounds are a natural way to deter slugs effectively. The texture of the grounds makes it difficult for slugs to move across the soil. Sprinkle the grounds around plants susceptible to damage from these pests. This should be done regularly, especially after rain, which washes the grounds away. This way, we can effectively protect our plants from destruction.

Similarly, coffee grounds also repel ants. The intense aroma of coffee effectively discourages these insects from frequenting our garden. To keep ants away from plants, simply sprinkle the grounds where insects are most active. You can also mix the grounds with borax to further enhance their effectiveness in combating these pests.

Coffee grounds can be used as an effective fertiliser for both garden and potted plants.

It is recommended to use a smaller amount of ingredients for potted plants. Simply add one to two teaspoons of ground to around 250 millilitres (roughly a cup) of water, mix it well, and use it to water the plants in the pots. This proportion of ingredients is suitable for smaller plants and helps avoid over-fertilisation.

The ground nutrient solution is excellent for plants that prefer acidic soil. For potted plants, the grounds solution can be used for peace lilies, cacti, anthuriums, or Stephanotis.

Garden plants that benefit from the ground fertiliser include hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries, and azaleas.

Before using coffee grounds, it's advisable to check what type of soil your plants prefer.