Using Coffee grounds

[Wortle]

I try and throw mine on my azaleas/rhodo/camellias as a top dressing

[Barking Postlethwaite]

We generate a shocking amount of coffee grouts, and they go onto the allotment (principally round the brassicas). I do it not because I think it is particularly beneficial as either a slug deterrent or a soil conditioner - although if it is marginally helpful to either, so much the better - but because I need to get rid of the coffee grouts somewhere.

[leonmc0708]

those that use them with Blueberries - is it thrown on neat or mixed with some soil ?

thanks

[ancee]

Two sheds (compost everything) What's your ideal mix in a compost bin? Hubs has built me one out of pallets, two sections side by side. We've started on one side and have started putting all peelings or rotting fruit and veg into it. Teabags, egg shells and coffee grounds. What else do we need? We don't have grass so that can't go in. The idea is once we've built up a bit we'll move it into the section that's empty so as to turn it? Are we doing it right? Never composted before. We had one of those plastic daleks at our old house but moved before we composted stuff properly. It's not covered either, just open to the elements is that ok? Thanks for any advice

[SlugLobber]

I get rid of mine on a poor plant outside the front door!! Can't remember what it's called. Silver furry leaves, red flowers. Anyway, it seems to be doing ok and I've been doing it for over a year. I used to literally chuck it mixed with water onto the onion and potato beds outside my kitchen door, but it's too much of a trek down the yard in this house!

[BUFFS]

those that use them with Blueberries - is it thrown on neat or mixed with some soil ?

thanks

i put mine onto the compost in the blueberry tubs neat, and let the rain do the rest,and yes,it always rains here so no problem....and has anyone noticed? the rain is getting warmer......at last..

[scarey55]

those that use them with Blueberries - is it thrown on neat or mixed with some soil ?

thanks

Yup, me too, I just put the grounds on the top of the compost and water it in.

[Two_Sheds]

What's your ideal mix in a compost bin? ... have started putting all peelings or rotting fruit and veg into it. Teabags, egg shells and coffee grounds.

That is all greens, and will give you a stinky slimy mess.
You must add an equal (more or less) amount of browns: shredded or scrunched paper, egg boxes, cardboard, used tissues etc

The idea is once we've built up a bit we'll move it into the section that's empty so as to turn it?

No, you leave the one side full, to rot down. Then start filling the new (empty) side

It's not covered either, just open to the elements is that ok?

Well, it'll work quicker & better if you keep cold rain out, and warm moisture in. Cover it with a piece of carpet, or plastic, or even a flattened cardboard box

[hawthorns]

spread the 1st bag on the asparagus bed

[ancee]

Thanks twosheds Advice duly noted, I'll get him onto it in the morning as he's off work

[leonmc0708]

thanks for the info guys - nice swan

[salome2001]

I'm another blueberry top-dresser, they get the sluicings out of the cafetiere several times a week. The rest go in the veg waste for the compost bin

By the way, those of you washing them down the sink (who me? Never!!!) should know that a plumber friend of mine says that coffee grounds are one of the most common thing he sees blocking sinks.

[mrbadexample]

Two sheds (compost everything) What's your ideal mix in a compost bin? Hubs has built me one out of pallets, two sections side by side. We've started on one side and have started putting all peelings or rotting fruit and veg into it. Teabags, egg shells and coffee grounds. What else do we need? We don't have grass so that can't go in.

My advice would be not to add too much of the same thing all at once (i.e. mix the kitchen waste with shredded paper or similar, as Two Sheds says) and cut everything up as small as you can be bothered. By chopping things into smaller pieces, you increase the surface area available for the microbes etc to get to work on, and it speeds everything up.

The idea is once we've built up a bit we'll move it into the section that's empty so as to turn it? Are we doing it right?

There's no problem with doing this, at least to start with when you only have one bin going. You want to turn it regularly as it speeds the composting process, so moving it from one bin to the other is a good way of achieving this. Obviously, when you start filling the second bin you'll no longer be able to do this, so you'll have to try and turn it in situ.

[dandalady]

went to starbucks with my daughters yesterday and got a bag of free coffee grounds (only one left). I was so pleased - made my day. needless to say the girls thought I was "sad". I didint realise they gave bags of it away free. One opening near us soon so will be a regular

[dandalady]

used some for the first time today (free from starbucks) i have sprinkled a little on my veg in greenhouse - wonderful smell in there now.