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Coffee grounds are free, nutrient-rich, and easy to come by — but should you use them in your garden? The answer is yes… with a few important caveats. Here’s what every gardener should know before dumping yesterday’s brew into the soil.
🌿 1. Using Coffee Grounds as Mulch
Don’t use them as a thick mulch layer — they can clump together like clay, blocking water and suffocating roots.
Do mix them with other materials (compost, leaves, straw) or lightly rake them into the soil.
Be cautious around seeds or seedlings — leftover caffeine may inhibit germination.
🌱 2. Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer
Coffee grounds are a slow-release source of nitrogen, potassium, and trace minerals.
Sprinkle lightly around plants or add to compost.
Considered a “green” material in composting — balance with plenty of “browns” (dried leaves, cardboard, etc.).
Worm bins: Yes! Worms generally love small amounts of coffee grounds. Filters can go in too.
🐌 3. As a Natural Pesticide?
Common myths claim coffee grounds deter slugs and ants — but experiments show they’re not effective barriers.
Might be mildly irritating to pests, but don’t rely on them as your main defense.
🐶 4. Warning for Pet Owners
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