We all know about its early morning pick-me-up properties, but were you aware that coffee can also be used for the following purposes?
Coffee grounds will act as a fertiliser if sprinkled over soil containing acid-loving plants, such as roses. It’s high in elements such as nitrogen and magnesium, which will be slowly released into the soil, doing your plants a world of good. Just make sure to check that the plants will thrive in acidic conditions, otherwise you’ll do far more damage than help. Coffee grounds can also be added to your compost to speed up the process.
Coffee is a great odour repellent. Place dry grounds in a plastic tub (with holes pierced in the top) and put it in the fridge to absorb any unpleasant smells. If you’ve been peeling onions or chopping garlic, rub some grounds over your hands to get rid of that lingering pong.
You can also harness those properties to get rid of insects – just place some in a bowl and set alight – or dissuade larger animals, like your neighbour’s pesky cat (or indeed your own), from trampling all over flower beds. The smell will be strong enough to dissuade our furry friends from approaching, without causing any real discomfort.
