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Coffee grounds for the garden

Brie
Brie Posts: 13,431 Ambassador
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The OH has gone back to using a cafetiere for the morning java fix.  And I've heard that coffee grounds are good for the garden or bad for the slugs or something.

So I'm wondering if anyone could advise how they manage getting the sludge to the garden or if there are any hints or anything of which I need to be aware.
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  • twopenny
    twopenny Posts: 6,799 Forumite
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    edited 30 December 2024 at 11:50AM
    During the pandemic I had regular coffee from a van on the sea front and he would save the grounds for me.

    I put them out to dry but they didn't store well.
    I put some on the compost heap.
    Winter couldn't be bothered so just emptied them onto the veg bed.
    My great aunt used to keep a bucket outside the back door and put all the slops from the kitchen in it then watered the garden with it. That would work for coffee grounds if you don't want to keep going into the garden.

    They did not keep slugs away :# 

    Here's one link
    I also asked the question but I guess it was in some other thread and not a headed one.

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  • Zinger549
    Zinger549 Posts: 1,374 Forumite
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    I usually just rinse the coffee pot and tip it out on the soil or grass.
    Come on you Irons
  • molerat
    molerat Posts: 33,477 Forumite
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    edited 30 December 2024 at 12:35PM
    The odour is supposed to deter slugs and caffeine is deadly in a strong enough dose. Just tip the drained off grounds into a plastic tub.
  • -taff
    -taff Posts: 15,052 Forumite
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    Mine goes in the compost bag and thence to the bin. I'm not going out to sprinkle three teaspoons around a plant :)
    Non me fac calcitrare tuum culi
  • YBR
    YBR Posts: 614 Forumite
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    I have a small compost bin (old ice cream tub would do) in the kitchen to tip such things into, then periodically take out to the compost heap in the garden. I sometimes put half an eggbox in the bottom to stop the stuff adhering (egg boxes will compost too) or line it with compostable magazine wrapper (but that doesn't compost well for me).
  • People sell old coffee grounds on ebay and gumtree or try too but I imagine your local coffee shop could help if so inclined .
  • Brie
    Brie Posts: 13,431 Ambassador
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    twopenny said:
    They did not keep slugs away :# 

    Well that's a disappointment.  But I guess if it worked really well someone would be selling used grounds in the garden centres.

    Thanks all for the ideas - I might try watering the border with cafetiere - goodness knows if nothing else it might break up the rock like soil a bit.....


    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on Debt Free Wannabe and Old Style Money Saving boards.  If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.

    "Never retract, never explain, never apologise; get things done and let them howl.”  Nellie McClung
  • twopenny
    twopenny Posts: 6,799 Forumite
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    Blimey that's a bit heavy FreeBear!

    Soot keeps slugs away. Even stays put in damp conditions. Does need refreshing after heavy rain.
    And it feeds the plants.
    Win, win - without getting arrested ;)

    I can rise and shine - just not at the same time!

    viral kindness .....kindness is contageous pass it on

    The only normal people you know are the ones you don’t know very well


  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 17,217 Forumite
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    twopenny said:
    Blimey that's a bit heavy FreeBear!
    Apologies. I tend to go for solutions that give the biggest bang for the buck without always thinking through the consequences.
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  • Brie
    Brie Posts: 13,431 Ambassador
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    FreeBear said:
    Brie said: - goodness knows if nothing else it might break up the rock like soil a bit.....
    Ammonium Nitrate* fertiliser mixed with diesel oil. Apply a match and stand well back. The big boom should break up the rock and clear out cobwebs. You might get a visit from the bomb squad, so maybe not a good idea..


    *) Since the days of IRA truck bombs, nitrate fertilsers are now prilled and coated to reduce the absorption of fuel oils.
    I wouldn't dare!!  We're in a relatively quiet neighbourhood (1 couple under 65, just) but also relatively close to an airport.  I'm sure there would be repercussions!!  

    Meanwhile - trying to figure out who's been pulling plants out of my pots.....there's always something!!

    Happy New Year All!!!
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on Debt Free Wannabe and Old Style Money Saving boards.  If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.

    "Never retract, never explain, never apologise; get things done and let them howl.”  Nellie McClung
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