Are you a coffee drinker? Do you use k-cups? Have you ever wondered what type of k-cup uses you could reuse them on? I myself am a big coffee drinker and do use k-cups.
K-cup Uses DIY Plant Starters
While I do try to use reusable k-cups when I can, I do also use regular k-cups. When I do, I try to figure out ways to reuse them so I don’t just have to toss it in the trash.
One way I have found for k-cup uses is to use them as seed starters. Not only can you reuse the k-cup you can even reuse the coffee grounds and the filter too!
If you are looking for even more ways to reuse k-cups, here are a few posts to also check out.
- Easy DIY Graduation Cupcake Toppers Made From Upcycled K-cups!
- Reuse A K-cup – Ways To Reuse & Upcycle Used K-cups
Below you will find super easy directions for k-cup seed starters.
Supplies:
- Water
- Potting Soil
- Used K-cups
- Seeds
- Garden Tool
Plant Starter Directions:
First, pull off the foil top. This part you will need to toss in the trash as it is not reusable or recyclable.
Then dump the used coffee grounds into the potting soil mix. Be sure that it is mixed in well.
If you will be doing a lot of them you will need to dump some in the garden or compost pile. You don’t want your soil to be unbalanced by having mostly coffee grounds.
Now pull out the filter from the k-cup. This can also be tossed into your compost. Or in your worm compost.
Fill each cup with the potting soil and coffee grounds mixture. You don’t have to worry about making drain holes as there is already one at the bottom of each cup from the coffee coming out.
Planting The Seeds:
Now with your finger, make a hole in the center of each cup. It only needs to be about 1/4 inch deep.
Place 2-3 seeds in each cup. I am planting lettuce in my cups. If you have really good germinating seeds you will only need to plant 1-2 seeds in each cup.
Using your finger, cover over each hole with the soil from around the hole.
Now lightly water each cup, so that they are moist. To do this, I use a water bottle that I poked holes in the top with a stick pin. It works as a small watering can. You could also use a spray bottle to mist the soil.
Every two to three days give them another light watering. Make sure you place the cups somewhere that is warm for faster sprouting.
Depending on what type of seeds you plant, they should pop up in 2-3 weeks. When this happens you will want them to be somewhere they can get sun or be under a grow light.
Then in about 4-6 weeks, you can move them to your garden or pots.
You will have to remove the plant from the k-cup before you plant it. Unlike when you use egg cartons or tp tubes seed starters, you can’t just plant it right in the ground with the plant.
However, if you are careful about taking the plant out, you should be able to reuse it at least a few times for starting your seeds.
Do you have other k-cup uses that you use? I would love to hear them in the comments.
stella d. says
What a GREAT idea! Perfect for starting in Kitchen windows :o)
Ashlyn says
I do the same thing, but lately I’ve been germinating the seeds on paper towels, and then once the seeds are planted in the keurig pods I put them in a terrarium/mini greenhouse until they’re ready to be transplanted.
I’ve also been experimenting with the “filter” type keurig pods recently, which have a coffee filter-type of bottom, rather than all plastic. I am thinking I may just cut a hole in the bottom and plant the whole thing in the soil so the roots can simply grow out of the pod, rather than scooping the delicate roots out.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
What a great idea to use a terrarium Ashlyn! I too have been trying to cut down on the use of the plastic k-cups. I have been using some of the reusable cups that you fill on your own. I do also have some of the ones that use the paper filter. I totally think that would plant really well and give the soil around it a boost! Thanks for the tips!
Marian says
What is the ratio of # of K-cups to potting soil?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
It takes about 1/4 cup of soil to fill a K-cup.
Guerilla G. says
Don’t you bleach/sterilize the k-cups first.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Nope, they grow just fine without sterilizing them.
kate h. says
I have started to save the plastic containers that come with baked goods. they are about 3″ to 4′ HIGH. Wash and I am going to use them likelittle grow room. I will let you know how they work. K cups inside.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Yes, please do let us know how it works.
Donna Z. says
what is the amount of coffee to add per lb. of potting soil
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Hi Donna, it really depends on what type of plants you would be growing. I would say a good starting point would be 1 part coffee to 10 parts soil.
Dola says
Have been gardening for years. My husband has just came in from his shop with the idea to use our k cups next year to start our seeds for our garden. Thought I would google that and here you are. Thanks for the information! Got that down to do that spring. Wish me luck. I love working in our veggie garden! Thanks again!
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
You are so welcome! Happy gardening!