Starbucks for the Garden
Many people aren't aware of this, but Starbucks will gladly give
away their used coffee grounds, just for asking. They often
have a bucket, somewhere in the store. If not, someone will be
more than happy to fill a bag for anyone who asks. Starbucks
discusses their garden grounds program at http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/compost.asp and gives
information and tips on using the grounds in the garden.
In general, they report that most of the acidity is removed from the
grounds during the brewing process, the grounds have an average pH
of 6.9 and a C-N ratio of 20:1. They are particularly great
for mulching acid loving plants like rhododendrons and azalea.
They also function as an excellent accelerator for compost to
increase nitrogen balance. Consider coffee grounds "green"
material, similar to grass clippings. Microbes will turn the
coffee from slightly acidic to a neutral level, so they will not
turn the compost pile acidic. Coffee grounds should be limited
to 25% of the volume of your compost pile.
Coffee Grounds are one of the best kept garden
secrets, and offer the following benefits:
- They smell great
- Good source of N
- Coffee grounds used as mulch will help reduce slugs and snails
- Great food for worms and worm farms
- Available in large quantities for free from Starbucks - Thanks!!
