This Starbucks Hack Could Get You Free Fertilizer That Repels Mosquitos
For me, gardening and coffee have always gone hand in hand. Part of the joy of having a beautiful, plant-filled yard is stepping into it early in the morning, holding a steaming mug and feeling glad to be alive.
But it turns out there's another - much more need-to-know - way that coffee can be a part of your garden. On social media, user Beto Gutierrez (@betog302 on TikTok) is spilling the beans on a hack that's begging to be shared far and wide.
The Hack: Get Used Coffee Grounds at Starbucks
@betog302 Visit your local @Starbucks and get your FREE garden fertilizer thats also very effective as mosquitos repellant #starbucks#gardenfertilizer#mosquitorepellant#mosquitoseason#poolseason
Are You Gonna Go My Way - Lenny Kravitz
In this video, Gutierrez pulls up to his local Starbucks drive-through. He places an order, then heads around to pick up, where an employee hands him a big bag of used grounds. After some chit-chat, he goes home and spreads the grounds all over his garden and lawn.
Gutierrez says that he does this about once a month.
Related: Master Gardener Shares the Best 11 Plants That Thrive in a Part-Shade Vegetable Garden
Why Used Grounds Are Good For Your Garden
According to Gutierrez, used coffee grounds serve two key purposes: they're an effective fertilizer, and they're a potent mosquito repellent. "The natural oil and the scent of coffee are known to deter mosquitoes," he writes. "Furthermore, coffee grounds are an excellent source of nitrogen and other nutrients that promote healthy plant growth."
The science backs him up. According to Southern Living, multiple studies show that coffee grounds can keep mosquitoes away (though the publication is less sold on simply sprinkling the grounds on your lawn). The Spruce agrees that coffee grounds can be used as fertilizer - but warns against using too many at once, as they can create a water-resistant barrier in the soil.
What People Are Saying
In the comments section on Gutierrez's post, many gardeners say that they do this, too - and aren't wild about him spilling their secrets. "Bro shhhhh they might start making us pay," says the top comment.
Related: The Lawn-Watering Mistake That Could Be Making Your Grass Weaker
Other commenters chimed in with the corporate perspective, saying that they work at Starbucks. While some said that they give out grounds (one even offered that their store has specific grounds earmarked for garden bags), others noted that their store does not give them away, and it's best to call and ask before you show up. Another commenter had a specific suggestion: if you're going to ask for grounds, try going during off-hours, such as in the early morning (before 6:30 am) or later at night.
If you'd rather try a different chain-or your local mom-and-pop shop-you may have luck there, too. Just be sure not to ask employees for grounds during a rush, and of course, ask politely.
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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 10:18 AM.