Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Livingetc
Livingetc
Lilith Hudson

Can you really use coffee grounds fertilize the plants in your backyard? Experts explain the pros, and the one big risk

A small outdoor table with a pair of gardening gloves, pots, and a pile of soil

The powers of caffeine are praised for their effects on the human body, but did you know that coffee can do wonders for plants in our backyard, too? That's right, it's time to stop throwing the ground bi-product of those now ubiquitous coffee machines away. Instead, you can use them to boost the growth of your garden. 

We're not talking about the caffeine hit that you rely on first thing in the morning. Rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous, coffee grounds act as a natural fertilizer for your plants, giving them a boost of organic supplements to promote better health. It's not as easy as simply pouring your coffee residue over your garden or chucking your grounds onto the soil, however. You'll need to know how to apply them properly, and which plants to steer clear of. 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.