Coffee Grounds vs tea in the garden, which is better?
Think about your daily rituals: the rich aroma of morning coffee, the calming steam from an evening cup of tea. Those small comforts set the rhythm of your day. But what if the story didn’t end when your mug was empty? What if the very grounds and leaves left behind could nourish your garden the way they nourish you?
It turns out, both coffee grounds and loose leaf tea can play a powerful role in enriching your soil. They each offer unique benefits—and knowing how to use them wisely can turn your kitchen rituals into garden gold.
Coffee Grounds in the Garden
- Nitrogen Powerhouse: Coffee grounds are loaded with nitrogen, which supports lush leafy growth. Think spinach, lettuce, or herbs that thrive with a nutrient boost.
- Soil Builder: Grounds improve soil texture and aeration when mixed in, helping roots breathe.
- Best Friends With Acid-Lovers: Blueberries, roses, azaleas, and tomatoes enjoy the slight acidity coffee grounds bring.
Grow Pro Tip: Avoid piling grounds on top of soil where they can clump and block air or water. The best use? Compost them first or mix lightly into the soil.
Loose Leaf Tea in the Garden
- Balanced Nutrition: Used tea leaves release gentle amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus—perfect for steady soil health.
- Hydration Helper: Tea leaves improve soil’s ability to hold moisture, especially valuable in containers or patio gardens.
- Microbial Magic: Organic matter from tea encourages beneficial microbes that strengthen root systems.
- Gentle Choice: Most caffeine is extracted during brewing, so spent tea leaves are safe for most plants.
Grow Pro Tip: Stick with loose leaf—many tea bags contain microplastics or bleached fibers that don’t belong in soil.
Loose Leaf Teas Worth Trying (and Reusing in the Garden)
1. Chamomile
- Sip: Naturally calming, supports relaxation and better sleep.
- Soil: Leaves break down easily, adding gentle nutrients.
- Grow it yourself: A perfect herb to plant in a tea garden kit.
2. Peppermint / Spearmint
- Sip: Refreshing, aids digestion, and sharpens focus.
- Soil: Adds organic matter and breaks down smoothly.
- Grow it yourself: Mints thrive in containers, making them perfect for patio gardens.
3. Green Tea
- Sip: Antioxidant-rich, energizing without the jitters.
- Soil: After brewing, leaves are lower in caffeine and offer balanced nutrients.
- Garden tip: Green tea leaves can also be added lightly as mulch around acid-loving plants.
4. Hibiscus
- Sip: Tangy, vitamin C–rich, and gorgeous as iced tea.
- Soil: Adds organic matter and trace minerals.
- Fun fact: The vibrant red brew is as beautiful in the cup as the petals are in the garden.
5. Lemon Balm
- Sip: Light, lemony flavor with relaxing effects—great for evening.
- Soil: Gentle on plants and beneficial for compost.
Grow it yourself: Easy-to-grow herb that belongs in every patio tea garden.
“Herbs like chamomile, mint, and lemon balm aren’t just wonderful in your evening cup—they’re easy to grow on your patio and can be returned to the soil after steeping, closing the loop between sip and soil.” Donna Letier
The Wellness Connection
Just as your morning coffee helps you wake up, and your evening tea helps you wind down, your garden can benefit from both. When you return coffee grounds and tea leaves to the soil, you’re completing a circle: ritual → nourishment → renewal. It’s a simple way to care for your plants, yourself, and the planet—all at once.