Q: I recently heard that coffee grounds can be used as a natural fertilizer for your lawn. Can those leftovers from your morning coffee really benefit your backyard, or is this gardening tip too good to be true?
A: If you're looking for sustainable gardening ideas, using coffee grounds as a source of nutrients for your lawn seems appealing. After all, coffee is said to be good for plants, and it's much better to put coffee grounds to good use than toss them in the trash.
But when it comes to growing a more lush lawn, are latte leftovers really beneficial? According to experts, they might. Below, they share their insights and tell you how to navigate your lawn care tasks.
Are coffee grounds good for your lawn?
Coffee grounds can nourish plants
(Image credit: Thijs de Graaf / Alamy Stock Photo)
Matthew Koch, lawn specialist at Scotts Miracle Grow, agrees that coffee grounds are beneficial for your lawn because they're rich in nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth, he explains.
“They also contain important nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus that improve the overall health of your lawn,” Matthew continues, highlighting that these act as a food source for microorganisms that help break down organic matter, making nutrients more available to your grass.
Chrissie Handley of Online Turf agrees that using coffee grounds can have a positive effect on your lawn. However, she warns that coffee grounds shouldn't be used too often: “As with any fertiliser, using too much can do more harm than good to your plants. It can throw off the balance of the soil's pH levels, creating an unstable foundation for your grass to grow on.”
She also points out that you may need to use coffee grounds in conjunction with other lawn fertilizers for best results.
Matthew Koch
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Scotts Director of Biotechnology, Genetics and Seeds
Born and raised in New Jersey, Dr. Matthew Koch joined Scotts Miracle Grow in 2012 after earning his PhD in Plant Genetics and Breeding from Rutgers University. He began his career as a scientist in the Biotechnology Program and has since held a number of leadership roles, currently serving as Director of Biotechnology, Genetics and Seed, overseeing the research and development activities of these teams.
Chrissie Handley
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Lawn Care Experts at Online Turf
Chrissie Handley is a lawn care expert who works at Online Turf and has a wealth of expertise in turf installation, lawn maintenance and seasonal gardening advice.
How to Use Coffee Grounds for Your Lawn
Used in moderation, coffee grounds can help your lawn grow.
(Image courtesy of Holly Crossley)
Chrissy suggests putting the coffee grounds in a jar and letting them cool, then using a little at a time when you need it. To apply, sprinkle a thin layer on your lawn and stir it in with a rake, says Matthew. “It's best to apply when the lawn is dry, as this helps distribute the grounds more evenly,” he says.
Alternatively, you can add it to your compost pile first, which allows the waste to fully decompose and mix with the other organic matter to provide a balanced supply of nutrients, Matthew points out.
Jeremy Yamaguchi of Lawn Love also recommends this method, and for best results, recommends using compost after aerating your lawn and before sowing seed. This helps the seeds establish in the soil, germinate and grow roots deeper, he says.
Odor Control Filter
Epica's 1.3-gallon compost bin sits on your countertop for quick and easy collection of coffee grounds, and it's available in five different colors.
Jeremy Yamaguchi
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CEO of Lawn Love
Jeremy Yamaguchi is the CEO of Lawn Love, helping homeowners find high-quality, reliable lawn care. With an expertise in technology and industry experience, Jeremy is looking to revolutionize the lawn care industry.
FAQ
When is the best time to spread coffee grounds on your lawn?
Matthew recommends using coffee grounds for spring lawn care, as this is the time of year when most grasses are actively growing, and he explains that the added nutrients from the coffee grounds can help encourage growth.
Where can I get used coffee grounds?
Depending on the size of your lawn, you may need to keep a large stock of coffee grounds on hand, even if you're an avid coffee drinker like me. You can also try asking for leftovers from local restaurants and cafes – they'll often be free to take away.
Don't forget other steps to make your lawn thick and lush, like repairing bare spots and removing weeds without killing the grass. Our practical guide is full of useful tips.
