Gardening Tip: Coffee Grounds in the Garden

Let’s talk about coffee grounds.

Hey, at Madres Espresso, we are more than just a pretty face.  We “have game” when it comes to all uses of coffee. Having said that, we thought we would toss a little gardening tip your way.  You can read it while you enjoy your morning espresso purchased, of course, from our flagship coffee stand on Cooper Point Road in West Olympia, or our newest coffee shop on Pacific Avenue on the East Side.

Setting the record straight about coffee grounds.

When considering how to use coffee grounds in the garden, keep in mind that they don’t acidify soil, contrary to popular belief. Although fresh coffee grounds are acidic, used grounds tend to be near neutral in pH. According to Oregon State University, “Coffee grounds are best at improving soil. As the coffee grounds feed the soil microbes, microbial glues are released that promote good soil structure and improve drainage.” That means a simple DIY coffee ground fertilizer still has plenty to offer your garden despite not being able to move the needle on your soil’s pH balance.

Toss them in your compost pile.

Our suggestion, and the suggestion of the local extension service, is to make coffee grounds a part of your composting pile.  That way, when it is time to spread that compost over your garden, you are spreading enriched compost, and your garden soil will thank you.  And then you can sit out on your patio, or on your balcony, and look out at the thriving garden plants and know you were wise enough to provide your soil with everything it needed.  And hey, as an added bonus, you can dazzle your friends with your new gardening tip.

A final word about Madres Espresso.

Madres Espresso is locally owned and operated, a fact we are proud of and a fact which we believe is very important for the local community.  Our profits are poured right back into Olympia’s economy, not shipped off to some out-of-town bank, not spent in other cities.

Stop by and give us a chance to know you.  After all, we are neighbors. With thirteen barista options, plus our owner, you will surely find someone you can strike up a friendly conversation with, and we absolutely promise that our customer service is the best you will find in the Greater Olympia Metro area.