My sister likes her cup of coffee in the morning before starting work and picks me up a regular supply of used coffee grounds from a well known, tax evading company in the UK.
Used coffee grounds are beneficial for an allotment as they can be composted to enrich the soil with nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus , and potassium, or applied directly in thin layers to repel pests like slugs and snails. When adding them to the soil, it's best to mix them in to avoid creating a mat that blocks water absorption and to do it sparingly around young plants. Composting is the best method for long-term soil improvement and a more immediate nutrient release.
Benefits for your allotment
- Soil enrichment: Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other trace minerals that nourish plants. Composting them with "browns" like dried leaves improves the soil's structure over time.
- Pest deterrent: The gritty texture of coffee grounds is an effective way to deter slugs and snails from reaching plants. Sprinkling a ring around sensitive plants can stop them from attacking.
- Attracts earthworms: Earthworms love coffee grounds, which helps aerate the soil and improve its overall condition.
- Improves soil health: Coffee grounds can help suppress certain fungal rots and wilts, and their addition can boost water retention in the soil.
- Compost them: The safest and most effective method is to add used coffee grounds to your compost bin. They are considered "green" matter due to their nitrogen content, so be sure to balance them with plenty of "browns".
- Apply directly (with caution):
- Sprinkle a thin layer over the soil and lightly rake or dig them in.
- Avoid applying thickly, as they can form a mat that prevents water from reaching the soil.
- Do not use them as a thick mulch or apply directly around very young seedlings, as they can inhibit growth.
- Create a pest barrier: Sprinkle a ring of grounds around the base of plants to keep slugs and snails away.
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