Adding coffee grounds to lawns can help grass grow back thicker and greener without the use of chemical fertilisers, offering a natural boost as winter approaches.
After a summer marked by repeated heatwaves, many gardens have seen grass turn brown and lawns look tired and dead. The upcoming frosts of winter add further stress. Low light levels, heavy rain, and bouts of ice and frost can compound problems for lawns, weakening them before warmer conditions return.
During heatwaves, grass can be scorched by endless days of sunshine without rain, especially if it is cut while sunny, as shorter grass has no shade and must use energy to grow without receiving water.
How Coffee Grounds Help Lawns
Nitrogen-rich coffee grounds can be sprinkled directly on the lawn. It is not advisable to waste water on the lawn when it is not raining, but timing the application with the next rainfall could give the grass a kickstart just as a drought ends.
The minerals in coffee can boost grass without burning or damaging it, and without harming wildlife that depend on it, including worms, moths, butterflies, and birds. These creatures can be affected by chemical fertiliser sprays but will not mind a splash of java.
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."
Winter Benefits and Soil Health
Lilydale Instant Lawn supports this approach: "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 your lawn isn’t just a summer activity; it can also be beneficial in winter. The organic material can improve soil health during the dormant season," the company added.
"By incorporating coffee grounds into your lawn care routine, you can enjoy a greener, healthier lawn while also recycling waste. Give it a try and see the difference it makes!"
