Coffee grounds to deter bugs?

BetsyC 5/14/2012, 5:03 pm

Somewhere I read (not here!) that used coffee grounds sprinkled in the dirt around plants will deter cutworms, hornworms and other pests. Does anyone have a comment on this? Thank you!

floyd1440 5/14/2012, 8:20 pm

I have heard the same as well but I think I found it on the internet. Now I stopped at Starbucks the other day to get some coffee grounds and they put them if nice silver packages which have labels on them.

Noticed they have a PH of 6.9 and some other stuff..perhaps they have some more info on their website???

cheyannarach 5/14/2012, 8:28 pm

http://lifehacker.com/5583176/draft-keep-your-yard-and-garden-pest-free-without-harsh-chemicals

This might help Very Happy

**camprn** 5/14/2012, 8:33 pm

Here is a nice article from a while ago, but it is chock full of pleasantly surprising info about using used coffee grounds in the garden.
http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/homegarden/article/Give-your-garden-a-jolt-with-coffee-grounds-1126438.php

**llama momma** 5/14/2012, 8:59 pm

Great article, lucky timing, this afternoons haul from Starbucks, just over 40 pounds. I sure appreciate the information, my hostas are beginning to get attacked by slugs so I look forward to giving them help along with the other garden uses that were mentioned.
Coffee grounds to deter bugs? 3170584802

Coffee grounds to deter bugs? 3170584802

BetsyC 5/14/2012, 9:08 pm

Oh, I am SO glad I asked! Thank you, everyone.

GWN 5/14/2012, 9:56 pm

it was a good article, it is great that starbucks does that. Thanks

BetsyC 5/14/2012, 11:31 pm

I am going to ask a small independent coffee shop right across the street if they'd like to contribute!

**camprn** 5/15/2012, 7:05 am

BetsyC wrote:I am going to ask a small independent coffee shop right across the street if they'd like to contribute!

Go for it! I get 30# plus bags of spent coffee ground from my local coffee roaster/ shop. The bags are usually piled out their back door. On occasion I get a nice bag of chaff to pour into the compost pile too. Very Happy

KDeus 5/15/2012, 8:29 am

Great article! Thanks so much for sharing Smile

I would have never thought to use the beans for mulching pathways. I don't know if I'd ever leave the garden! reading

rschack 5/15/2012, 11:08 am

camprn wrote:Here is a nice article from a while ago, but it is chock full of pleasantly surprising info about using used coffee grounds in the garden.
http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/homegarden/article/Give-your-garden-a-jolt-with-coffee-grounds-1126438.php

Really interesting cyclops

Now I am going to have to try using coffee grounds for mulching around my tomato plants.

floyd1440 5/15/2012, 8:18 pm

The "Bucks" has been a great sourse of coffee grounds and I have been putting it in my compost pile but now I will put some on my tomatoes...I wonder how they effect cukes?

Dunkinjean 5/15/2012, 9:23 pm

Hi!

Just a silly question flower

- how much coffee grinds do you put in the garden per plant?

claudiamedic 5/15/2012, 9:46 pm

Any concerns/issues with decaf coffee grounds? I see that the caffeine is what is toxic to many critters. Does the acidity differ? study

givvmistamps 5/16/2012, 2:01 am

The acidity should be the same whether decaff or regular. I'm not sure if lacking caffeine will make a difference, though I'll find out soon. I usually make my coffee half-caff or 3/4 decaf, and I'll be trying this out for certain!

rschack 5/16/2012, 2:15 pm

I looked up some more information on using coffee grounds for mulching and some people say that if you do this to only put a small amount around the plant because it has a tendency to harden and cake up. From what I have heard on here, though, I really want to try it.
What are some suggestions for using it as a mulch?
Are there any plants that I should avoid using them with?
thinking

**Kelejan** 5/16/2012, 3:41 pm

I went into my nearest Subway this morning and they said they put their coffee grounds in the garbage each day and are not allowed to give them away. I got the inpression the guy did not know what I was talking about; I will go in early tomorrow and talk to the owner. Sad

**llama momma** 5/16/2012, 6:16 pm

Try Starbucks Kelejan, they have the Grounds For Gardeners program.

floyd1440 5/16/2012, 8:08 pm

llama momma wrote:Try Starbucks Kelejan, they have the Grounds For Gardeners program.

I have received several bags of grounds from Starbucks and they like to give them to gardeners. One thing I noticed is that if you get them, they are wet and will mold in a few days.

So I wonder if I should dry the next bag I get to store them. Anyone else have problems with wet grounds molding in time?

Coffee grounds to deter bugs? 3170584802

cheyannarach 5/16/2012, 8:12 pm

I own a coffee shop and save grounds for my friends and they always mold. If you set them out in the sunshine when it's nice and dry the mold will clear up in no time.

**camprn** 5/16/2012, 9:20 pm

cheyannarach wrote:I own a coffee shop and save grounds for my friends and they always mold. If you set them out in the sunshine when it's nice and dry the mold will clear up in no time.

+1

**Kelejan** 5/16/2012, 9:46 pm

floyd1440 wrote:
llama momma wrote:Try Starbucks Kelejan, they have the Grounds For Gardeners program.

I have received several bags of grounds from Starbucks and they like to give them to gardeners. One thing I noticed is that if you get them, they are wet and will mold in a few days.

So I wonder if I should dry the next bag I get to store them. Anyone else have problems with wet grounds molding in time?

Thanks also to llama momma and cheyannarach.

Will go to Starbucks (located in our local Safeway) tomorrow morning. Very Happy

**llama momma** 5/17/2012, 6:48 am

Kelejan - I have found some differences even among Starbuck locations. One city location said I was the first person to ask for grounds, and put the grounds in large plastic bags. Another city location didn't offer the program. I found the suburban Starbucks to be the best supplier. The store has a basket where you pick up the sealed heavy duty silver colored bags. The bags weigh about 10-12 pounds.

**walshevak** 5/17/2012, 11:16 am

The Starbucks in Wilmington, NC said "sure you can have em". They are in the back in the dumpster. Checked the bags and they were mixed with paper cups, rubber gloves, gift cards, etc. Yuck.

Kay

**llama momma** 5/17/2012, 1:08 pm

I'd get hold of the manager or district manager and see if you can get them to cooperate. Or try another store.

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