Photo: Jay Willett/WBZ NewsRadio
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Starbucks has reminded folks that they can help enhance their gardens, free of charge.
Since 1995, Starbucks has offered the ‘Grounds for Your Garden’ program at select stores across the country. With gardening season right around the corner, the program lets patrons get a free bag of used coffee grounds for their plants just by asking a barista.
Pemberton Farms in Cambridge has been busy since the snow cleared up, and with fertilizer prices rising, Services Owner Mark Saidnawey said the grounds are a great way to improve your garden without emptying the wallet.
“There are three elements in fertilizing. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and coffee grounds add nitrogen to the soil,” said Saidnawey. “Coffee beans are basically just another form of nitrogen. It’s a great ‘home remedy’ way of not having to purchase straight nitrogen.”
During the brewing process, a lot of the acidity is removed from the coffee grounds. Taking the nitrogen left in those grounds and mixing it into your soil can lead to the lush, green growth of garden plants.
Starbucks offers coffee grounds in an effort to keep them out of landfills. The bags are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.