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!
Shop my Favorite Coffee and Teas
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