UK households are being urged to take an unusual step in their gardens this January: saving and using their leftover coffee grounds. Despite the chilly weather, this simple act can provide a significant boost to outdoor spaces, according to expert advice.
Why Coffee Grounds Are a Winter Garden Essential
Speaking on behalf of Coffee Friend, former Royal gardener Jack Stooks has highlighted the multiple benefits of repurposing coffee waste. "Don't bin your coffee grounds," Stooks advises. "Put them to good use in your garden during the colder months."
One of the most effective methods is to add the grounds to your compost heap. Composting transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, improving its structure and fertility. Coffee adds nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for healthy plant development, and can help speed up the decomposition process of other materials.
Alternatively, coffee grounds can be used directly as a mulch. A layer sprinkled around the base of plants helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, and helps regulate soil temperature during winter's fluctuations.
Key Winter Jobs for a Flourishing Spring Garden
Beyond coffee grounds, Stooks outlined several other essential tasks for the January garden. A critical piece of advice is to hold off on lawn care until spring arrives. The combination of cold temperatures, frost, and wet conditions makes grass vulnerable. Walking on or cutting the lawn now can compact the soil, damage roots, and increase susceptibility to disease.
For gardeners who have missed the optimal window to lift summer bulbs like dahlias, there is still hope. Provided the ground hasn't frozen solid, Stooks suggests it's not too late. After the first frosts, trim back the foliage, gently excavate the tubers, brush off excess soil, and let them dry in a shed. Store them in a container with dry compost in a cool place over winter, ready for replanting in spring.
Planting Opportunities in the Chilly Months
January is also the prime time for planting certain bulbs and shrubs. Late daffodils and other spring bulbs need to go into the ground soon to ensure a beautiful display later in the year. Furthermore, Stooks recommends bare-root roses as a top pick for winter planting. Not only do they make a beautiful and long-lasting gift, but they will also produce summer flowers year after year.
By tackling these tasks during the quieter gardening months, UK households can safeguard their plots and lay the groundwork for a vibrant and flourishing garden paradise when the sunshine makes its comeback.
