If you have a dog, it’s been suggsted that people with gardens do not do this, as it could put their health at risk
Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer
05:05, 08 Nov 2025
Dog owners have been warned not to risk it(Image: Getty)
Coffee ranks as the planet’s most popular drink, with around two billion cups consumed every day, according to the British Coffee Association. But rather than binning them – or pouring them down the sink where they might block your plumbing – pop them outside in your garden.
Verified for horticultural precision by Oliver Parsons – a seasoned gardener and magazine journalist with two decades of experience – the specialists at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine have revealed that coffee grounds can act as a great natural fertiliser, enriching your soil and encouraging plants to bloom.
However, the gardening experts stressed that if you have a four-legged friend, be very careful. The warning reads: “Coffee grounds are toxic to dogs, so avoid using them in your garden if you have a dog.”
The coffee hack could be a game-changer(Image: Getty)
So if you want to try this, how does it work? The experts explained: “Coffee grounds are an excellent compost ingredient and are fine to apply directly onto the soil around most garden plants if used with care and moderation.
“Coffee grounds contain nutrients that plants use for growth. The grounds are relatively high in nitrogen and also contain potassium and phosphorus, as well as being a source of organic matter.”
Step-by-step guide when using coffee in your gardenStep 1: After brewing your coffee, save the used grounds instead of throwing them away and let them cool downStep 2: Add grounds to your compost or worm bin. The BBC said the safest method is to mix coffee grounds into your compost container or worm bin as they break down easily and enrich your compost. By doing this, you’re creating a nutrient-rich material that improves soil structure and plant health. You can add directly to the soil, just jump to step 4.Step 3: Apply compost to your garden. Once the compost is ready, spread it around your plants or mix it into the soil to give your garden a natural boost.Step 4: If you’re adding them straight to the soil, sprinkle a light layer around your plants instead of piling them in one area. Avoid creating thick layers, since they can compact and prevent air and water from reaching the rootStep 5: Rotate where you use them. When adding grounds directly to garden beds, change the location each time. Don’t keep emptying your coffee pot in the same place.Is coffee good for all plants?
Your coffee grounds could help your garden bloom
The BBC has stressed that not all plants may benefit from your coffee grounds, so don’t go dumping them outside just yet. It’s explained: “Coffee tends to be slightly acidic and is therefore good for acid-loving plants such as hydrangeas, as well as nutrient-hungry plants like roses, but again, use it only in moderation on any one plant.”
Coffee grounds are frequently suggested as a natural deterrent for slugs and can be scattered around plants that are susceptible to slug damage, such as hostas. However, the effectiveness of this method can vary. As well as this, used coffee grounds may still contain caffeine traces, which could potentially hinder the growth of certain plants like tomatoes and disrupt seed germination.
It could be a case of trial and error, but take the expert’s advice and see how it goes. Will you be trying this? Let us know in the comments.
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