There’s almost nothing left to see of the lawn and the whole area is full of moss? Many gardeners know this all too well in spring. In addition to scarifying, there are also other methods that suppress the growth of moss. For example, you can use coffee grounds to combat moss in the lawn.
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As March comes, hobby gardeners return to the garden. But the first look at the lawn and you discover that it is overgrown with moss. The reasons? Nutrient deficiency, incorrect soil or location and unsuitable lawn care are often responsible. Whatever the cause, you have to take action in spring to clear the moss from the lawn in a timely manner. We explain how coffee grounds work and why they are suitable as a natural lawn fertilizer.
Can coffee grounds help against moss in the lawn?
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The short answer is: Yes, you can effectively fight moss in your lawn with coffee grounds. However, there are a few things to consider. First, let’s briefly explain why the home remedy is good for the lawn in the first place.
Coffee grounds contain a good amount of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. It is therefore a good lawn fertilizer that provides the green area with all the valuable nutrients. It promotes the growth of the lawn and can help close gaps in the green area. At the same time, it creates counterproductive conditions for moss, as most moss species prefer nitrogen-poor soil. Its use prevents the growth of moss and weeds.
Further advantages over commercial fertilizer
Coffee grounds are a waste product that can be obtained for free. Even if you don’t drink that much coffee at home, you can ask for larger quantities in restaurants or cafes. You usually drink large amounts of coffee at work, so you can collect leftover coffee from the office and bring it home.
If you still have a lot of ants in your lawn, coffee grounds can also solve this problem. Its smell is usually pleasant for us humans, but ants don’t like it at all and will avoid your lawn if coffee grounds are sprinkled over it.
When is it worth fighting moss with coffee grounds?
Coffee grounds are not a universal solution to your lawn moss problems. Its use usually requires a lot of effort and for large lawns you would need a lot of home remedies. So we would recommend that you only use the coffee grounds on small lawns, or if the moss only covers a small area.
It should also be noted that coffee releases its nutrients gradually and works over a longer period of time. So it’s about a long-term fertilizer. So it’s perfect for preventing moss growth, but it won’t immediately remove existing moss. If a lot of moss has spread in the lawn over the winter, you should first scarify the lawn and then treat it with the coffee grounds. This is necessary in both spring and autumn.
Using Coffee Grounds for Lawns: Tips and Instructions
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When is the right time to spread coffee grounds on the lawn? In principle, you can start from April and treat the area again in the summer and autumn if necessary. Try to remove as much of the moss before fertilizing the lawn. Look for suitable weather conditions, namely an overcast day. Early morning hours are best because the soil is cool and can absorb nutrients better.
How much coffee grounds do you need? A large amount is necessary to combat moss in the lawn. As a rule, you should use 50 grams of dried coffee grounds per square meter of lawn. Be sure to use the correct mixing ratio to avoid over-fertilization. This can lead to burnt patches of lawn due to acidification of the soil.
How to use coffee grounds against moss in the lawn:
First, collect your coffee grounds. Calculate the amount needed for the entire lawn. Dry the coffee grounds. There are two possibilities. You can spread the leftover coffee flat in a bowl by making a thin layer and let it dry in the fresh air. Stir occasionally and in a few days the coffee grounds should be completely dry. Alternatively, you can use the oven to dry by spreading the coffee grounds flat on a baking tray and placing them at around 50 degrees for 30 minutes. Distribute the dried coffee grounds evenly over the lawn. You can also use a hand spreader. Then you should water the lawn so that the coffee grounds penetrate the soil. Do not use too strong a jet of water, otherwise the home remedy will not be distributed evenly. For example, you can water with a watering can or a lawn sprinkler.
Please note that it takes a while for the coffee grounds to develop their full effect. The moss will not disappear the following day. For best results, you can repeat fertilization three times a year – in spring, summer and fall. This guarantees a year-round supply of nutrients to the lawn. The lawn grows stronger and healthier and can assert itself better against the moss.