How Coffee Fuels My Mornings and My House Plants
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.
Calling all coffee lovers!
Y’all, these are THE BEST coffee makers! In 2025 I stopped drinking caffeine, so I bought a second carafe for my decaf coffee because Tommy likes his fully leaded. This way we can both have a steaming hot cup whenever we like!
I’ve rounded up all of my favorite things to make coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate! We LOVE hot drinks in our home, can you tell?! I also like to grind my beans and use them as fertilizer, so even my plants are coffee drinkers around here!!
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 as fertilizer?
Yes, you can use coffee grounds in your garden and in your house plants! It can be quite beneficial, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure it helps rather than harms:
Benefits of Coffee Grounds AS PLANT FERTILIZER
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.
Coffee only, nothing added: Never use sweetened or flavored coffee, and avoid adding dairy or sugar.
Go Slowly: Watch your plants closely after using coffee-based fertilizers. If you notice slowed growth or yellowing leaves, pause and return to regular watering.
🌱 How to Use Them Best:
Mix into your compost pile.
Sprinkle lightly around established plants and water them in.
Add to worm bins
Make a compost tea to water houseplants
Using Coffee as FertiLIzer for Houseplants
If you are a coffee drinker, your morning routine can actually help your houseplants too. Used coffee grounds can be a helpful addition to your plant care routine when used correctly. Coffee grounds add small amounts of nitrogen and organic matter to the soil, which can support healthy growth over time.
The key is moderation. Fresh coffee is acidic and should never be poured directly onto plants. Used coffee grounds are much gentler but should still be applied sparingly. The easiest way to use them is to sprinkle a thin layer into your compost pile or mix them into potting soil rather than adding them straight to the top of a houseplant. This helps prevent mold, compaction, and drainage issues.
Plants that tend to appreciate a slightly more acidic environment, such as ferns, pothos, philodendrons, and peace lilies, often respond best to small amounts of coffee-enhanced soil.
Coffee Compost Tea for Indoor Plants
Another simple option is making a mild compost tea using used coffee grounds. This creates a diluted, plant-friendly way to deliver nutrients without overwhelming the roots.
To make a basic coffee compost tea:
Add one to two tablespoons of used coffee grounds to a gallon of water.
Let it steep for 12 to 24 hours
Strain out the grounds.
Use this tea to water your houseplants at the soil level, not on the leaves.
This method works well because it delivers nutrients slowly and helps avoid buildup in the soil. It is best used occasionally, about once a month, rather than as a regular watering routine.
A Few Important Tips
When used thoughtfully, coffee can be a helpful, sustainable addition to your houseplant care routine and a great way to repurpose something you already have at home.
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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