During the summer, many lawns across the UK start to turn yellow as heat and dry spells take their toll. But there is something gardeners can do to try and bring back that lush green look, and it involves two simple kitchen leftovers.
Banana peels and coffee grounds are being recommended as natural, low-cost fertilisers that can help feed lawns through the hot months and well into autumn. Lawn care expert Andrew Huber, from The Lawn Squad, says these common scraps are full of the nutrients grass needs to stay healthy.
“Fertiliser is not just about making your grass grow,” he explained. “It’s about nurturing a landscape that can withstand the tests of nature and time.”
A good lawn fertiliser contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, and that’s where household waste can come in handy.
Banana peels are rich in potassium and phosphorus, while used coffee grounds provide nitrogen, which encourages green, thick growth.
“Coffee isn’t just my morning essential,” Andrew said. “It’s also great for my lawn.”
He recommends mixing about half a pound of coffee grounds with five gallons of water to create a homemade “lawn tonic” that can be sprayed onto the grass.
Other scraps like potato and carrot peelings can also help boost the soil, while fish scraps provide extra nutrients for stronger root growth.
All of these materials break down naturally and feed the grass over time.
To get started, gardeners should gather their kitchen waste, mix it with water, and leave it to decompose properly before applying.
It’s best to mow the lawn a few days before and check the weather forecast to avoid heavy rain washing it away.
Andrew also suggests using a backpack sprayer to apply the mixture evenly, followed by a light watering to help the nutrients soak in.
“Monitoring your lawn’s response is crucial,” he added. “I always keep a close eye on grass growth and colour changes.
“A soil test before you begin can also help make sure you’re not overdoing or missing anything.”
Gardeners are also being told that lawns won’t burn and turn brown in the sun if they follow three rules.