Used coffee grounds

Pauline 7

I have heard that you can use used coffee grounds in the garden, but what are they used for?  I am wondering if it is worth saving ours. 

Fire

Best for putting in the compost.

steephill

Our kitchen waste bin is about 50% coffee grounds which we have been putting in our compost bins for years. It adds organic matter and bulk so seems to be a good thing overall. You can also use them as a growing media for mushrooms if you fancy creating your own fungus mini-farm.

Fairygirl

Some people think they help keep slugs/snails away from plants.
Yet another myth 

As the others have said, in the compost is the best use for them.

PurpleRose

If you ask in the coffee chains, Costa, Starbucks etc.. or local independent coffee shops they will give you a bag of coffee grounds for the compost. We are tea drinkers in our house so have plenty of tea leaves but when we go out for a brew I always come out with a bag of coffee grounds 

Pauline 7

Thanks, but I don't have the space or enough waste to make my own compost. Should I mix it when I fill my pots or hanging baskets?

steephill

If I wasn't going to compost it I would just use it as a general mulch spread on the soil.

Hostafan1

Waitrose give them away too.

Fire

Or save a give to a friend or neighbour who composts. Our local cafes give theirs to gardeners.

Marlorena

If you grow roses, do use them as a mulch... there is no need to compost them first.. they supply extra nitrogen, small amounts of phosphorus and potassium...  whilst I use used tea, I have heard claims that the coffee produces more larger blooms on roses...

Coffee grounds are very acidic, but a lot of this is lost in the brewing and drinking... what's left is fairly neutral ph... 

Pauline 7

Thanks all. It looks like they will be going round my roses.