In the past spring, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), in collaboration with 7-Eleven, Foodlink and WeGen farming held the first round of Grounds to Green activity, and are pleased to report that we distributed 2.5 tonnes of coffee grounds and sold nearly 1 tonne of products for agricultural use.
The second round is about to kick off. It will offer batches of coffee grounds and related products suitable for agricultural use, free of charge or at low cost, to local farms and community gardens during September and October 2026.
The goal is to return organic waste that still has potential value from the city back to farmland through effective resource cycling methods, turning waste into a resource.
We welcome applications from all farms and community gardens.
**Product Information**
1. Coffee Grounds
Collected coffee grounds from local 7CAFÉ (operated by 7-Eleven), free of impurities, packaged in 10 kg bags. Local farms are welcome to apply for and use these coffee grounds free of charge.
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Tips for Use: Coffee grounds can be used as a general fertilizer suitable for flowers and crops alike, with an NPK ratio of approximately 2.3: 0.1: 0.7. Recommended application rate: about 2 kg per 10 sqm. Mix the coffee grounds with topsoil when applying to reduce the chance of pest or animal consumption. Can be applied once every 1-2 months. |
2. Coffee Ground Compost
Made from coffee grounds collected from local 7CAFÉ (operated by 7-Eleven), mixed with KFBG’s horticultural organic waste (such as dried branches and fallen leaves), and decomposed over several months to become coffee ground compost.
It not only effectively and persistently improves soil quality, enhancing the soil’s ability to retain nutrients and water, but is also more user friendly by saving time on the process of coffee ground composting.
Price: HK$100 (10 kg), save $20 off each bag when ordering 5 bags or more. Maximum order: 10 bags.
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Tips for Use: NPK ratio approximately 2.8: 0.9: 2.5. For first-time use, mix at a ratio of 1 compost: 8 soil. For subsequent applications, roughly every six months, apply about 10 kg per 10 sqm by mixing with topsoil. Compost is more suitable for use when applying base fertilizer. |
3. Coffee Enzymes
The project was developed by Hung Yat Farm. Coffee grounds are collected from local 7CAFÉ (operated by 7-Eleven). Coffee enzymes have multiple functions for crops: i) promote flower bud differentiation; ii) encourage flowering and to produce more flower buds; iii) make flowers stronger and less prone to falling off, thereby increasing yield.
Price: 2 L bottle $80 (original price $160); 5 L bottle $180 (original price $360).
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Tips for Use: A) Spraying method: Dilute with water at a ratio of 1:20 and spray on the leaves/undersides of leaves and the ground. Begin to use one week after transplanting (spray once every 2 weeks until flower buds appear, then once a week). B) Watering method: Dilute with water at a ratio of 1:100 and sprinkle onto the soil (begin to use 1 week after transplanting/once every 2 weeks/continuous use). (Time of application: Avoid intense sunlight; apply in the early morning or afternoon when the sun begins to soften). |
Eligibility for Application:
- All local farms, as well as school or community gardens, are welcome to apply (priority given to medium or large-scale farms/gardens).
- Applicants must provide an address accessible by truck for delivery and unloading. KFBG can assist with unloading materials to the roadside but does not include transport to the specific plot within the farm/garden.
Delivery Date:
- September 29 (Tuesday) – Areas: Tai Po, Sha Tin, North District, Sai Kung, Kowloon
- October 13 (Tuesday) – Areas: Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Tin Shui Wai, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing, Tung Chung, Hong Kong Island
(Currently only these two delivery days are scheduled.)
How to Apply:
- Complete the Google form application before 11 September 2026.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevx8IVN4KaEIue9eEzhT1-CM3xAGKMNIuKQjulQB34BNBHHQ/viewform - KFBG staff will contact the applicant to confirm arrangements for collection/delivery. Any applicable fees will be paid upon collection/delivery.
For any enquiries, please contact Kent via email (kent.tong@kfbg.org) or phone (2483 7182).