Gardeners Urged to Sprinkle Used Coffee Grounds on Lawns This April
If you are a regular coffee drinker, you might discard your used coffee grounds without a second thought. However, these leftover grounds are more than just kitchen waste. They offer a natural way to boost your garden, particularly your lawn.
While many gardeners use coffee grounds for roses and hydrangeas, few consider the benefits for grass. Whether you are into sustainable gardening or simply desire greener grass, applying coffee grounds to your lawn can be a simple and eco-friendly upgrade, according to specialists at Turf Technologies.
The experts explained: “Not only can coffee revitalise us in the morning, it can also revitalise our lawns because of the minerals coffee contains – nitrogen and phosphorus.”
How Coffee Grounds Revitalise Your Lawn
Used coffee grounds contain approximately 2.5% nitrogen, one of the most important nutrients for healthy grass growth. This nitrogen is slow-release, meaning it feeds your lawn over time without the risk of burning it, unlike some synthetic fertilisers.
Beyond nitrogen, adding coffee grounds to your lawn improves soil structure. The grounds support beneficial microbes in the soil, which aid water retention, nutrient cycling, and overall soil health. This leads to stronger roots, better drainage, and increased drought resistance.
Additionally, earthworms are attracted to coffee grounds. The experts noted: “Earthworms eat the coffee grounds and, in return, aerate your lawn and encourage beneficial microbial activity.”
How to Apply Coffee Grounds to Your Lawn
The optimal time to use coffee grounds on your lawn is between April and May, when grass is actively growing. You do not need to save large quantities; scatter them daily or weekly to start feeding your lawn.
Allow used coffee grounds to cool and dry slightly before application. Sprinkle them over the lawn, aiming for about one cup per square yard of turf. After dispersing the grounds, water the area gently to help them settle into the thatch and reach the soil.
Spread the grounds evenly to avoid clumps. Alternatively, dump the grounds in several piles and use a rake to spread them over the desired area. The experts recommend reapplying the coffee grounds every month or two to enjoy a “thick, green turf.”
