FoodCoffee grounds: A gardener's natural weapon against slugs and ants

Coffee grounds: A gardener's natural weapon against slugs and ants

Fighting pests in the garden is no easy task. Particularly troublesome can be slugs and ants, which destroy crops and hinder the enjoyment of the garden's beauty. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to get rid of these intruders. One of these ways is using coffee grounds, which, contrary to appearances, are not just for the morning ritual.

Brown snails
Brown snails
Images source: © Adobe Stock | Tomas Vynikal

23 June 2024 12:13

Many of us struggle with slugs and ants in our vegetable gardens. These unwanted guests can cause considerable damage, destroying our plants and crops. Fortunately, there are effective methods that allow us to deter them without the need to use harmful chemicals. I will share with you proven ways that have helped me eliminate these pests and keep my vegetable garden in excellent condition.

Coffee grounds – natural enemy of slugs and ants

Coffee grounds are aromatic beans and a natural repellent for slugs and ants. Their intense smell deters these pests from approaching the plants.

How to use coffee grounds in the garden?

Using coffee grounds in the garden is extremely simple. Just follow these steps:

  1. Gather the coffee grounds: After drinking your coffee, the grounds must be dried. You can spread them on a newspaper or paper towel in a warm, airy place.
  2. Sprinkle the grounds around the plants: Sprinkle the dried coffee grounds around the plants you want to protect from slugs and ants. Pay close attention to places where these pests frequently appear.
  3. Repeat regularly: To maintain the effect, you must repeat the process regularly, especially after rain, which washes the grounds away.

You can mix coffee grounds with borax, a natural chemical compound toxic to slugs and ants, to increase their effectiveness.

How to prepare the mixture:

  • Mix equal parts of coffee grounds and borax.
  • Sprinkle the mixture around the plants as you would with the coffee grounds alone.

Coffee grounds are a simple, effective, and environmentally friendly way to eliminate slugs and ants from the garden. Just sprinkle them around the plants to enjoy a beautiful and healthy garden free of pests.

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