With the GrainHome Improvement Tips and Tricks

Why do people put their used coffee grounds in their garden beds?  Good question!

When coffee grounds are added to garden soil right before watering (or prior to rainfall), they slowly release nitrogen into the mix.  This fertilization keeps the soil in balance in order for better plant growth. Placing the grounds around plants with crushed eggshells also repel pests. 

Use of tea bags and coffee filters (with their grounds) are a good additive for compost heaps, as well, to keep the nitrogen balance in check. Don’t worry about the paper filters or tea bags because they break down fast.

Do eggshells really help gardens, and how?  That’s a great question and, to be honest, I had no idea eggshells are beneficial to gardens until this planting season.  Let’s look at how they help gardens:

• They deter slugs and cutworms.
• Place them around tomato plants to provide extra calcium, which tomatoes need.
• Mix them with coffee grounds for extra nutrients and nitrogen in your garden’s soil.

Be sure to wash the eggshells prior to adding them to your garden.  Because eggshells break down very slowly, they should also be crushed prior to adding them to your garden soil or compost.