Coffee grounds are produced when coffee beans are ground and then steeped in hot water.
They’re not just for drinking anymore.
You can use coffee grounds as mulch, fertilizer, insecticide, insect repellent, natural bug deterrent, plant food and more.
Do coffee grounds go bad?
No. Coffee grounds should be kept in an airtight container in a dry place (like the pantry).
Once they get wet, they begin to lose their potency over time.
That said, they’re also pretty strong and can cause irritation when applied directly to your skin.
So, unless you’re going to eat them, don’t put them on your skin.
How long do coffee grounds last?
If you purchase coffee grounds and store them in an airtight container, they should remain fresh for about two weeks.
But once you open them up to the air, they’ll start to degrade much faster than that.
Can coffee grounds be reused?
You can reuse coffee grounds many times.
Just make sure you rinse them out well before doing so.
It’s best to brew a new pot of coffee every few days to avoid contaminating the grounds.
Keep in mind, though, that each cup of coffee requires at least one teaspoon of grounds.
What are the benefits of using coffee grounds?
There are plenty of ways to use coffee grounds that you may not know about.
Some examples include:
- As mulch: Coffee grounds are known to deter pests like aphids, caterpillars and slugs. Plus, they provide nutrients to your garden while helping to reduce weed growth. Apply coffee grounds to your yard in fall and winter. In spring, apply them after your lawn has been mowed.
- Fertilizer: As previously mentioned, coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. They’re great for adding nutrients to your soil.
- Insecticide: The caffeine in the coffee grounds makes them toxic to insects. For example, you could spread a layer of coffee grounds around the perimeter of your home to repel ants.
- Natural bug deterrent: When you sprinkle coffee grounds around your house, they act as a natural bug deterrent. This is especially helpful during the summer months.
- Plant food: Coffee grounds can help feed your plants by providing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Simply add one tablespoon of grounds to a gallon of water and soak them overnight. Then, drain and add to your watering system. You can repeat this process every couple of weeks.
Are coffee grounds good for plants?
Yes.
According to the University of Maryland Extension, coffee grounds can be used as a fertilizer for indoor plants.
You can also use coffee grounds to repel bugs without having to spray harmful chemicals around your property.
What are some uses for coffee grounds?
Here are just a few more ways to use coffee grounds:
- Compost: You can create compost by mixing coffee grounds with peat moss, vermiculite, shredded leaves, straw and other organic matter.
- Soil conditioner: You can mix coffee grounds into your existing soil to give it added nutrients.
- Mulch: Coffee grounds provide a barrier against weeds and hold moisture in the soil.
- Drainage: Coffee grounds can be mixed with gravel to fill in small holes in your yard. The mixture will eventually break down and form a solid base for your grass.
How should coffee grounds be stored?
Keep coffee grounds in an airtight container.
Store them in a dry location away from light.
To prolong their shelf life, keep them in a cool, dark place.
Use coffee grounds within a month after opening.
What are the disadvantages of using coffee grounds?
There isn’t really any downside to using coffee grounds, but here are a few things to consider:
- It takes effort to grind the grounds. You’ll need to buy a grinder that works well with coffee grounds. If you don’t already own one, you may want to invest in one now. It’s easy to find inexpensive coffee grinders online.
- They can stain clothing and furniture.
- The smell is very potent.
- You’ll need to clean the grinder regularly.
- They’re expensive.
What are some tips for using coffee grounds?
To keep your coffee grounds from going bad, try these tips:
- Store them in an airtight container.
- Rinse them thoroughly before reusing them.
- Brew a fresh batch of coffee each week.
- Don’t let them sit in direct sunlight.
- Never use them on your skin.
- Replace them every six months.
How can coffee grounds be used to improve the soil?
Mixing coffee grounds into the soil provides several benefits:
- It helps prevent erosion.
- It reduces the amount of pesticides needed around your home.
- It improves drainage.
- It adds nutrients to the soil.
- It reduces the number of weeds in your yard.
What are some uses for coffee grounds?
Coffee grounds can be used to treat several types of plants.
Here are a few examples:
- Grow edible flowers: Add coffee grounds to your flowerpots to encourage healthy blooms.
- Repel ants: Sprinkle coffee grounds around your house to keep ants away.
- Kill worms: Spread coffee grounds around your yard to kill unwanted worms.
- Treat fungus: Mix coffee grounds with sawdust and water to treat fungal infections.
- Remove stains: Rub coffee grounds on your carpet to remove stubborn stains.
- Improve drainage: Pour a layer of coffee grounds around the perimeter of your yard to prevent flooding.
- Eliminate odors: Spray coffee grounds around your home to eliminate smells.
- Increase humidity: Place coffee grounds around your house to increase humidity.
How can coffee grounds be used to improve the soil?
Coffee grounds are full of nitrogen, which is essential for growing plants.
They can also help retain moisture in the soil.
Adding coffee grounds to your yard can enhance its overall health and appearance.
How to Make Easy and Delicious Cold Brew Coffee
Equipment
- 1 glass
Ingredients
- Light to medium roast coffee
- Nut milk bag
- Plastic pitcher
- Cold water and ice to taste
Instructions
- Grind the beans to coarse (or "french press") grind. If you prefer your coffee on the bitter side, go for medium.
- Put the coffee in the nut milk bag.
- Add distilled water (or tap water will do). Ratio is 4:1.
- Steep in a nut milk bag for 12+ hours in the counter or in the fridge. For bitter coffee, leave it there for 18+ hours.
- Remove the bag from the coffee and squeeze out the remaining liquid.
- Dilute the coffee with cold water and ice cubes to taste (I prefer 1:1).
- If you like, add sweeteners and/or your milk of choice. Or just enjoy it like that.
Video
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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