Coffee Grounds As Lawn Fertilizer – How To Apply Coffee Grounds On Lawn
Just as the aroma and caffeine of a cup of Joe in the morning stimulates many of us, using coffee grounds on grass can also stimulate healthier turf. How are coffee grounds good for lawns and how to apply coffee grounds on the lawn? Read on to learn more about feeding lawns with coffee grounds.
How are Coffee Grounds Good for Lawns?
It isn’t the caffeine that stimulates healthy grass growth, but rather the nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace minerals that coffee grounds contain. These nutrients are released slowly, which is a big benefit over quick release synthetic fertilizers. The nutrients in coffee grounds are slowly broken down, allowing the turf to have a longer period of time to absorb them ensuring stronger turf for longer.
Using coffee grounds as lawn fertilizer is also good for the worms. They love coffee almost as much as we do. The earthworms eat the grounds and in return aerate the lawn with their castings, which breaks up the soil (aerates) and facilitates beneficial microbial activity, further stimulating lawn growth.
Improper synthetic fertilizer applications often result in lawn burn as well as contaminating our water via ground run off. Using coffee grounds as lawn fertilizer is an eco-friendly method for nourishing the lawn and it can be free or darn near so.
How to Apply Coffee Grounds on Lawns
When using coffee grounds on the grass you can save your own or hit up one of the multitude of coffee houses. Starbucks does indeed offer grounds gratis, but I am sure smaller coffee shops would be more than willing to save the grounds for you as well. So how do you go about feeding lawns with coffee grounds? You can be super lazy and simply throw the grounds out onto the lawn and let the earthworms dig it into the soil.
Don’t let the grounds completely cover up grass sprigs. Rake or sweep it out lightly so there aren’t any deep piles atop the grass. You can also use a bucket with holes punched through the bottom or a spreader to broadcast the grounds. Voila, can’t get much simpler than that. Reapply the coffee ground lawn fertilizer every month or two thereafter to promote a thick, green turf.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Amy Grant has been gardening for 30 years and writing for 15. A professional chef and caterer, Amy's area of expertise is culinary gardening.
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday Display
Whether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own Backyard
In addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
By Amy Grant
-
Sustainable Turf Species For A Greener Lawn
Click here for some of the most sustainable types of turf grass you can grow for an eco-friendly lawn.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
How To Grow A Sustainable Lawn
Adjust your thinking about a perfect green lawn and consider more sustainable methods. Click here to learn how.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Will Frost Kill Grass Seed And How To Help New Turf Survive
Learn how to help your newly sown grass survive frost and freezing weather.
By Amy Grant
-
Lawn Problems That Aren’t Really Problems
Your lawn may not require as much work as you think. Learn which common problems aren’t really problems.
By Teo Spengler
-
Why A Manual Push Mower Is Good For You And The Environment
Reel mowers are making a comeback, but why? Click here to learn about reel mower pros and cons.
By Amy Grant
-
Fertilize Grass In Fall For A Lush Lawn In Spring
For everything you need to know about fertilizing your lawn in the fall, click here.
By Susan Albert
-
Tips For Mowing Stripes In Lawn
Wouldn’t it be great to have stripes in your lawn like a sports field? Learn how here.
By Susan Albert
-
Late Summer Lawn Care Checklist
Plan to do some late summer care and maintenance of your lawn so it will be healthy and beautiful in the spring. Here are some tips.
By Laura Miller