Coffee Grounds Perk Up Compost Pile With Nitrogen
ScienceDaily (2008-07-10) -- Coffee grounds can be an excellent addition to a compost pile. The grounds are relatively rich in nitrogen, providing bacteria the energy they need to turn organic matter into compost. About 2 percent nitrogen by volume, used coffee grounds can be a safe substitute for nitrogen-rich manure in the compost pile. ... > read full article
Basic compost recipes are mixes of "greens" and "browns" or carbon and nitrogen. Greens would be things like grass, weeds, kitchen waste, manure or coffee grounds. Greens are sources of nitrogen and not always green colored. Browns would be things like leaves, wood chips, straw or sawdust. Browns are sources of carbon and generally dry. Having a good mix is crucial to keeping odors at bay and getting the compost to break down quickly. If you are not composting, you could also add coffee grounds directly to your garden soil in the same manner as you would add manure.
Starbucks has a program called "Grounds for Your Garden". You can usually find bags of coffee ground in a basket near the counter or you can ask for them. Starbucks employees are more than happy to bag you up some if there are none already out. Your local coffee shop or convenience store may also be willing to supply you with the used grounds.
For some compost recipes, this site has a bunch and also a crash course in composting. Douglas County Composting
Here are my top 5 Compost Tips
1. If you are going to save kitchen scraps, a recycled ice cream tub with a tight fitting lid works great!
2. Take advantage of local composting programs. There are efforts in many states to boost home composting. You may find local programs that are very educational and economical. In Pennsylvania, classes are offered through the local Penn State Extension offices for $5 and you will receive a free compost bin!
3. Keeping your compost moist is important but often it is not easy to water your bin if you placed it in a remote corner of your yard. If you know it is going to rain, take the lid off and let nature do the watering. You can also collect rainwater and use that.
4. Take advantage of free compost sources such as neighbors who have unwanted grass clippings (be sure that the yard was not chemically sprayed though!) or leaves in the fall.
5. I think soil quality is the most important factor for garden success. If you cannot make your own compost still take advantage of this natural fertilizer. Most states or municipalities have compost facilities where you can purchase reasonably priced compost. These sites should also accept yard waste and possibly other compostable materials.
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