From this week St. Michael’s Cafe will be offering its used coffee grounds for anyone who would like them.
Rich in nutrients they are a great addition for your compost (though shouldn’t make up more than about 10-20% of the total), and the brewing process removes most of the acid, leaving grounds close to a neutral pH.
You can:
Add to your main compost pile - turning well to avoid clumping.
Sprinkle directly around plants to deter common pests.
Worms and useful microbes love coffee, so you’re giving them a little reward for all their hard work! Especially useful for vermicomposting.
Mix with liquid to brew a great fertiliser.
NB. Some plants are more senstitive to an acidic pH so may not benefit from coffee - for example tomatoes; and if your dog has a tendency to eat everything it may be wise to only use the grounds in composting, rather than directly on the soil and caffeine can be toxic to them.
Bagged grounds are available throughout the week next to the cafe counter. They are in a paper bag with a biodegradable liner which can also be composted.