Hello Richard,

Research by Washington State University supports the premise that use of spent coffee grounds can be beneficial in gardens, though there are some guidelines as to volume used and method of application. (For instance, they are best composted first, as you mention.) Here is the published article: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315663227_Using_coffee_grounds_in_gardens_and_landscapes_WSU_Extension_Fact_Sheet_FS207E

As for the article you linked to, here is one counterpoint to consider. The link contained in the statement "coffee grounds also have antibacterial properties" leads to a paper studying the antimicrobial effects of coffee pulp, which is a byproduct of the processing of coffee beans and not the same as coffee grinds. Coffee farms have pulp to contend with if they opt to compost residues, but not end consumers. The Discovery article could be better-cited overall with regards to studies most applicable to home-composting situations.

Miri