Topic: Coffee grounds as slug control

[breenalipally]

As a school Gardner I am always looking for new organic ways of gardening.  I have been sprinkling used coffee grounds around plants to keep away slugs and it seems to be working and a bonus is the birds don't seem to like it either. I wondered if anyone else has tried this. I am a bit worried about putting them around vegetables that children are going to eat, although they are 'spent' -a local coffee bar saves them for me so I assume most of the caffeine has gone but would appreciate any views on this. Thanks everyone.

[BarriedaleNick]

I tried an experiment a few years ago.  I encircled a few snails and slugs with a ring of dried grounds and they all, without hesitation, went right over it.  Of course in practice they might just avoid it if they have a choice and if it seems to be working then all well and good.  I wouldn't worry about caffeine leeching into the plants - it would be negligible if any. 

[Digeroo]

Our slugs don't mind it either. Better than nothing but only just.

I find the thought of plants high on caffeine rather amusing.

[Pescador]

I'm a great believer in it, but don't sprinkle it too finely, it needs to be a good barrier. As for absorption by other, I have never noticed any carry-over when I have eaten salads that have been protected by it