Why Your Compost Needs a Caffeine Kick (And How to Give It One!)
Mornings wouldn't be the same without that fresh cup of coffee. But have you ever considered what happens to those used coffee grounds after you've had you drink it? They're a hidden gem for your garden's compost heap!
Be sure to check out my page on what else you can compost!
Coffee Grounds: More Than Just Leftovers
We all know compost loves kitchen scraps, but coffee grounds are in a league of their own. Here's why they're brilliant:
- Nitrogen Boost: Plants crave nitrogen to grow strong and healthy. Coffee grounds are packed with this essential nutrient, giving your compost a natural kick.
- Attracts the Right Crowd: Worms and helpful microbes adore coffee grounds. Adding them to your compost is like throwing a party for these little decomposers, which will speed up the composting process.
- Balances the pH: If your compost is too alkaline, coffee grounds can help to nudge it back towards a more neutral level. This creates a happier environment for all the beneficial organisms working away in your compost heap.
- Free and Easy: Most of us have coffee grounds lying around anyway. Why not put them to good use?
How to Use Coffee Grounds in Your Compost
It's simple:
- Collect Them: Empty your cafetière or filter straight onto your compost bin.
- Mix It Up: Coffee grounds can clump together, so give your compost a good turn to spread them out.
- Don't Overdo It: A little goes a long way. Aim for coffee grounds to make up no more than 20% of your compost to keep everything balanced. Take a look at this post about balancing your waste.
- Extra Tip: Used paper coffee filters can also be added to your compost, as they'll break down too.
Beyond Compost: Other Uses for Coffee Grounds
- Deter Pests: Sprinkle coffee grounds around plants to deter slugs and snails.
- Fertilise Acid-Loving Plants: Mix coffee grounds into the soil around blueberries, rhododendrons, and azaleas for a gentle, acidic boost.
- I’ve written a post about the coffee cups I use. They are made from recycled plastic coffee cups!
Let's Get Brewing!
Next time you reach for your favourite brew, remember those coffee grounds are more than waste. They're a secret weapon for creating rich, nutrient-packed compost to make your garden thrive. So, put the kettle on and let's get composting!
I'm Adam, the founder of Compost Guy. I'm passionate about empowering people to embrace composting! Whether you're a seasoned composter or just starting your journey, I'm here to help.
