8 uses for recycled coffee grounds some you've heard some probably not

Coffee is the juice of the universal survival plant.

Coffee, in any cup, is popular.

Coffee is grown on an evergreen tree (shrub), between the Tropics of Cancer, and Capricorn. Named after the region from which they originate, Colombian, Java, and Kona, mainly in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Brazil. Approximately 70 countries grow coffee, with the majority of the production in Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.

Coffee Trees grow to 15-20 feet tall, they have wide glossy leaves and white flowers resembling those of citrus trees. The flowers, like other fruit-bearing trees, give way to the beans, called coffee cherries. Beginning as small green dots, they grow then ripen to yellow, orange, and finally, before drying out they turn red. The beans are harvested by hand, mechanical pickers are hardly ever an option due to the plants being big and bushy. Planted in tropical rainforests mechanical harvesters have a nearly impossible job of maneuvering through the jungles.

Photo of a Coffee Tree with "cherries" during all stages of development
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After processing the coffee beans are ready for the final step grinding and brewing. Saving the spent coffee grounds is well worth the effort, there are countless uses for them, of which I have listed 8.




* Garden Fertilizer: Coffee grounds will add nitrogen to your garden soil or compost. The main advantage of adding the spent coffee is as a soil amendment, it adds organic material to the soil which aids in water retention, aeration and improves the drainage. Grounds may be added directly to the soil surface or worked into the soil prior to planting. Used Coffee grounds support beneficial microorganisms aiding in plant growth and earthworm attraction. Leftover diluted coffee may be added to the soil as well, used in the same manner as the grounds.

Fresh Coffee Grounds may be used also, slightly acidic root crops such as carrots, radishes, and beets react favorably to it. Tomatoes and other nightshades do not perform well with the addition of fresh ground coffee. Flowers such as Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Blueberries, and Lilies are acid loving and do well when they are fertilized with them.

* Composting: A wonderful way to use an organic material that would end up taking up space in a landfill. Coffee Grounds, when added to a compost pile, will add nitrogen. Filters and Grounds will decompose in the pile simply by spreading the material over the surface. Coffee Grounds are considered "Green" or Protein in compost, an equal amount of "Browns" or Carbon must be added to balance out. A carbon to nitrogen ratio of greater than 30:1 is considered a brown, or carbon. A carbon to nitrogen less than 30:1 is considered a green or protein. Leftover coffee can be diluted and added to the compost pile by pouring it over the surface.

* Fire Starter: Paraffin wax, coffee grounds, coffee filters, and old egg cartons may be added together to make long burning high energy fire starters. There are several different ways to make the fire starters, the first step in all of them is to dry the grounds. Lay a filter flat in the sun, or on a warm surface, then wait for several days until they dry. With the filter laying flat after the grounds have dried lay a piece of dryer lint down the center, a cotton ball, or jute fiber will work as well. On top of the lint pour a measure of wax, enough to cover the material. Fold the filter, wax, fiber, and grounds like a burrito. Placed under kindling and when lit with a match it will ignite the flammables. If a large number is being put together it is advisable to store them in a plastic ziplock bag then placed in the freezer, they will mold.

* Refrigerator Deodorizer: Dried coffee grounds when placed in a mason jar or similar container will eliminate odors from the refrigerator. Place the dried coffee in a pint jar, poke holes in the lid, like baking soda set the jar in the refrigerator or freezer. The grounds will deodorize the trash cans as well, simply place them in the can, it may take a few days but it will cut down the odors.

* Worm Farm Food: Worm Farmers add grounds to the worm food, they eat grounds, and filters equally. Castings (worm manure) are naturally rich in nitrogen, the grounds have a minimal amount which adds to the total. The uneaten grounds are added to the manure as organic material. The nitrogen-rich castings can also be brewed into "Worm Tea". A sock of castings is suspended in a bucket of water, I use a 5 gallon with 4 gallons of water in it. Air is circulated through the water mixing the castings in it, after 24 hours the tea is completed. When the tea is ready it is able to be diluted up to 10 times, then poured around the base of the plants. The nitrogen is in a state that is readily available for the plants to use, it's organic and is unable to "burn" the plants.

(Follow this Link to view my video on brewing worm tea)

* Cat repellent: A mixture of grated orange (or lemon) peels, mix with a bag of commercially prepared soil, or combine it with your garden soil. Mix it together until it is well blended and appears to be uniform. Spread the mixture over the cat problem areas concentrating especially in those places damaged by them. Spread it where they regularly use your garden as a relief station. Cats do not like citrus and dislike the pungent scent of coffee grounds as well. It doesn't work for all cats, but most will move along after encountering this natural repellent.

* Deodorize Hands: Onions and Garlic odors stay on the hands like an aromatic scent, Coffee grounds deodorize the hands. The grounds do not have to be dried, right out of the brewer works just fine. Simply use the grounds as soap is used, scrubbing hands vigorously. The odors will be neutralized.

* Flea Treatment: Bathe the dog as usual with your normal pet shampoo. Rub coffee grounds, dry or wet, into the coat being sure to cover the entire animal. Rinse the pet completely, the grounds will run off of the coat and onto the ground. Let the dog's coat dry, grooming will be needed to remove the grounds that have not been shaken off. The amount of coffee grounds required is dependent upon the size of the animal, saving them for a few days may be needed. Treatment should be performed outdoors because when the dog shakes the coffee will fly off in all directions, there is less cleanup outdoors. The abrasive qualities of the grounds are good for the skin of the animal, it is exfoliating it. Another positive aspect is upon completion the coat shines radiantly.

There is another use for coffee grounds, my favorite use, morning coffee. Brewed fresh the aroma awakens the entire household, and the caffeine perks me up. There are many ways to prepare the brew, and just as many different flavored coffees available. All grounds will work for any of the suggestions I have made, brewed leftover coffee is usable also in the garden. Eight good ideas for using recycled coffee grounds, there are many more. Some are urban myths, some have mixed results (Cat repellent is not effective with all Felines.) and some actually do work. I envision the ideas for using the grounds must have been discussed next to a campfire while drinking a freshly brewed mug of Joe in ancient times. "Let's try it on the dog," I can hear someone say "maybe it'll stop that doggone scratching." Amazingly it did, a flea repellent was born.

Thanks for reading and sharing, tell me your uses for coffee grounds. This is good knowledge to aid in our quest to be as Self-Reliant, Self-Awareness and accepting our Personal Responsibilities as a matter of course. Thanks again.

jacquesandkate  emergencykitsplus.com