Gardeners in Wales are being urged to add one natural item to their brown, crunchy lawns to help them recover and turn green again: coffee grounds. The nitrogen-rich material can be scattered directly onto the turf and, if timed with the next rainfall, can give the grass a head start as the drought breaks.
Why lawns turn brown in a heatwave
Following weeks of relentless heat and minimal rainfall, many gardeners have watched their grass turn brown and their lawns appear withered and lifeless. Lawn care is frequently overlooked, and the recent scorching weather has made maintaining a healthy lawn exceptionally challenging, particularly when hosepipe bans are in force and water supplies are increasingly scarce owing to the continued drought.
During a heatwave, grass becomes parched by prolonged sunshine without rainfall, especially if it is mown while sunny, as the shorter blades have no protection and must expend energy to regrow, yet receive no water. Grass is remarkably resilient, however, and will recover once rain eventually arrives.
How coffee grounds help
One method to revitalise the lawn when temperatures drop, without resorting to chemicals, is to scatter coffee grounds across the turf. The minerals within coffee can nourish the grass without scorching or harming it, and without causing damage to wildlife that rely on it, including worms, moths, butterflies and birds, all of which can be adversely affected by chemical fertiliser sprays.
According to GardeningKnowHow.com: "It isn't the caffeine that stimulates healthy grass growth, but rather the nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace minerals that coffee grounds contain. These nutrients are released slowly, which is a big benefit over quick release synthetic fertilisers. The nutrients in coffee grounds are slowly broken down, allowing the turf to have a longer period of time to absorb them ensuring stronger turf for longer."
An eco-friendly boost all year round
Lilydale Instant Lawn supports this view: "Coffee grounds are an excellent, eco-friendly way to give your lawn a nutrient boost. They are rich in nitrogen, which is a crucial element for grass growth."
Using coffee grounds on the lawn is not just a summer activity; it can also be beneficial in winter, as the organic material can improve soil health during the dormant season. By incorporating coffee grounds into a lawn care routine, gardeners can enjoy a greener, healthier lawn while also recycling waste.
