Not only does coffee provide you with energy and a whole host of health benefits, but it can also improve your garden in various ways.

Jack Stooks, a former gardener to the Royal Family, has shared his methods for repurposing leftover coffee grounds in British gardens, calling it an "overlooked" resource that can "make a big difference".

According to the expert, this unexpected ingredient could be just what you need to transform your outdoor space this summer. Speaking on behalf of Coffee Friend, Jack shared his insights.

The expert advised savvy gardeners to incorporate coffee grounds into their compost, revealing that it is "the safest way to use it in your garden".

He explained that they "break down well and add to the mix", making it "definitely something worth doing".

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"It's reliable, it helps the composting process, and you don't have to worry about it affecting plant health in unintended ways," he explained.

Coffee grounds can also be added directly to garden beds. "If you're producing a lot of grounds, they can even act a bit like a mulch and get worked into the soil," Jack recommended.

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"Coffee is acidic, so it's really only suitable for certain types of plants," Jack warned.

"Specifically, you want to use it around ericaceous plants – things like rhododendrons, azaleas, and hydrangeas. These types of plants prefer acidic soil, so they'll tolerate the coffee grounds well."

As for the rest of the plants in your garden, using coffee grounds is "not ideal".

The expert explained: "You don't really want to go overboard using coffee grounds on plants that don't like acidic conditions.

"Most garden soil can handle small amounts just fine, but if you're applying large quantities, definitely stick to acid-loving plants. Otherwise, you're better off disposing of the grounds in the compost."

According to Jack, the effect of coffee grounds on wildlife, insects, and birds is minimal.

"Just like some birds will eat certain berries but completely ignore others, it really depends on whether that particular thing appeals to that species," the expert said.

Jack stated: "There's been some suggestion that coffee might act as a deterrent, especially for squirrels. But that just sounds quite messy to me.

"If you put instant coffee on a bird feeder, the moment it rains, it's going to turn into a sticky, mucky mess.

"Birds will walk through it, and that mess can then turn into a breeding ground for disease, which could spread among the bird population. So it's not just ineffective – it's potentially harmful as sludgy grounds could lead to the spread of disease."

According to Jack, a nostalgic toy is your best bet if you want to deter this particular pest.