UK households are being encouraged to put their used coffee grounds to good use in the garden this January. According to former Royal gardener Jack Stooks, speaking on behalf of Coffee Friend, coffee grounds can be a valuable resource during the colder months, helping to prepare gardens for a flourishing spring.
Stooks advises against discarding coffee grounds, suggesting they be added to compost heaps. "Coffee adds nitrogen, which is a key nutrient for healthy plant growth, and it also helps speed up the decomposition process," he explained. Alternatively, coffee grounds can be used as a mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Beyond coffee, Stooks recommends leaving lawns untouched during winter to avoid damage from cold and frost. "Walking on or cutting the lawn during this period can compact the soil, harm the roots, and leave the grass more susceptible to disease. Leave it until the spring to mow," he said.
For those with dahlias, Stooks reassures that it is not too late to lift and store them. After the first frosts, cut back the greenery, gently dig up the tubers, brush off excess soil, and let them dry in a shed. Once dry, store them in a container with dry compost in a cool shed over winter, ready for replanting in spring.
Finally, Stooks urges gardeners to plant late daffodils and other spring bulbs now to ensure a beautiful display. Bare-root roses are also recommended as they produce summer flowers year after year, making them a lasting gift for a loved one or a treat for your own garden.
