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Used coffee grounds in garden #811992

Asked September 23, 2022, 4:55 PM EDT

Hello! I keep reading conflicting reports - is it beneficial to mix used coffee grounds in my garden soil? I have read reports saying it is beneficial and I’ve read reports saying that the caffeine in the grounds could poison the soil and kill earthworms! Thank you!

Franklin County Ohio

Expert Response

The consensus appears to be that coffee grounds are good as a soil additive, and also as a component in the compost pile.  That said, the gardener needs to apply a thin layer of the grounds to the soil, or use a  limited amount in compost.  (I have found no references to harm done to worms.  In fact, it appears to provide then with beneficial nutrition.)  See the following for more information and be sure to also click through to the referenced article from the University of Wyoming:  https://news.extension.uconn.edu/2022/05/19/using-coffee-grounds-in-your-garden/#

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