How Coffee Fuels My Mornings and My Hydrangeas

Coffee has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad was an Austrian chef, and he had me sipping it from a very young age (probably earlier than most folks would recommend!). To this day, it’s still one of my favorite ways to start the morning. When I have time, mornings on the farm start slow with a hot mug of coffee in the sunroom, watching the mist lift off the fields and the first light stretch across the garden. A good cup of coffee can set the mood for your whole day.


I cannot pronounce the name very well, but trust me when I say that it’s AMAZING.

It’s a whole bean Ethiopian blend that I grind fresh.

Yes, it takes a bit longer to grind it myself, but there’s just nothing better than freshly-ground hot coffee.

And did you know coffee grounds are good for your garden? Keep scrolling to find out more!

When I’m craving something a little different, I’ll reach for hot tea. My go-to is the Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice loose leaf. It’s spicy, cozy, and perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. If I’m winding down for the night, I’ll steep the decaf version in hot water from the kettle for about five minutes. If I want something extra special, I reach for Chocolate Chai Supreme—it’s like a hug in a mug! I’ve made a little roundup of my absolute favorite here, so you can try them out for yourself! I hope you love them as much as I do!


Can I Use Coffee Grounds in the Garden?

Yes, you can use coffee grounds in your garden—and they can be quite beneficial—but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure they help rather than harm:

Benefits of Coffee Grounds in the Garden

  • Adds Organic Matter: Improves soil structure, drainage, and aeration.

  • Nitrogen Boost: Coffee grounds contain a small amount of nitrogen, which is great for plant growth.

  • Attracts Earthworms: Earthworms love coffee grounds and help aerate the soil.

  • Can Deter Pests (sometimes): Some gardeners find that coffee grounds can help deter slugs and ants.

⚠️ Be Careful Of these Things

  • Don’t Use Too Much: Coffee grounds are dense and can compact or create a barrier if used in thick layers. Mix them with compost or mulch instead of applying a thick layer alone.

  • Not Great for All Plants: They’re slightly acidic, so acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and hydrangeas may benefit—but don’t use them around seedlings or alkaline-loving plants like lavender or rosemary.

  • Avoid Using If Moldy: Only use fresh or dry coffee grounds. If they’re moldy, compost them first.

🌱 How to Use Them Best:

  • Mix into your compost pile.

  • Sprinkle lightly around established plants and water them in.

  • Add to worm bins or compost tea.

Are you a tea person or a fellow coffee lover? Either way, I hope you’ve got a warm cup in hand as we ease into this weekend together.

XOXO, Carmen

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