Hong Kong Allotment Gardening Programme Guide
Hong Kong offers several opportunities for residents to participate in community gardening and urban farming initiatives. Here's your comprehensive guide to joining allotment gardening programs across the territory.
1. LCSD Community Garden Programme (Primary Option)
What it is: The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) launched the "Community Garden Programme" in February 2004 to set up planting plots at selected LCSD parks and venues across the territory. Under the guidance of qualified instructors, participants can learn how to grow ornamental plants, fruits and vegetables in parks or venues nearby and take home the harvest to share with others
Objectives: The program encourages public participation in greening activities at community level and aims to make greening activities part of daily life while raising environmental awareness.
How to Join:
Contact your local District Leisure Services Office for details about gardening courses
Browse the Community Recreation and Sports Programmes webpage
General enquiry hotline: 2601 8026
Applications typically open at specific times during the year
Locations: Community gardens are available across all districts in Hong Kong, including:
Wan Chai District: Wan Chai Park Community Garden
Various parks and venues territory-wide (contact LCSD for specific locations near you)
2. University-Based Programs
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
HKUST Community Garden: The Community Garden hosts educational visits, including recent farming classes for members, and serves as an example of sustainable land use and agricultural management
University of Hong Kong (HKU)
HKU Holistic Urban Farming: HKU Edible Spaces turn unused campus spaces into productive gardens, allowing the community to learn about sustainable food production and enjoy better wellbeing through the process of growing, preparing and eating organic fresh produce
Since 2013, HKU has been researching on and testing out urban edible spaces project. Apart from growing chemical-free organic food for our community, they found out there are many social benefits that can be generated by the project
3. Hong Kong Gardening Society
What they offer: The Hong Kong Gardening Society organizes various activities including soil workshops, heritage tree walks, bonsai nursery and workshops, AGMs with guest speakers, plant exchanges, and afternoon tea events
Upcoming Activities for 2025:
Soil workshop with David Sheil (early April)
Hong Kong Golf Club heritage tree walk (April 29)
Bonsai Nursery and Workshop (May 7)
AGM with guest speaker, plant exchange and afternoon tea (May 17)
Kowloon Estates Tree walk with Gavin Coates (May 28)
How to Join: Visit their website for membership information and event registration details.
4. Private and Community Initiatives
While specific details are limited in current search results, Hong Kong's urban farming scene is growing. Urban farming in Hong Kong is on the rise as an effort to be more environmentally friendly in one of the world's most dense urban areas
Getting Started: Steps to Join
Identify Your Preferred Program: Decide whether you want to join the government-run LCSD program, a university initiative, or a gardening society.
Contact Relevant Organizations:
For LCSD programs: Call 2601 8026 or contact your District Leisure Services Office
For university programs: Contact HKUST or HKU directly
For gardening society: Visit the Hong Kong Gardening Society website
Check Application Periods: Many programs have specific enrollment periods, so timing is important.
Attend Information Sessions: Most programs offer orientation or information sessions for new participants.
Prepare for Learning: Programs typically include guided instruction on growing techniques, plant care, and sustainable practices.
What to Expect
Guided Instruction: Qualified instructors provide hands-on teaching
Plot Allocation: You'll typically receive a designated growing space
Community Learning: Opportunities to learn alongside other gardeners
Harvest Sharing: Many programs encourage sharing your harvest with the community
Ongoing Support: Regular workshops and educational activities
Benefits
Learn sustainable food production techniques
Access to fresh, organic produce
Community building and social connections
Improved wellbeing through hands-on gardening
Contributing to Hong Kong's food security and environmental sustainability
Contact Information
LCSD Community Garden Programme:
Phone: 2601 8026
Website: Check LCSD community recreation programs online
For More Information:
Visit your local District Leisure Services Office
Check individual university websites for their specific programs
Contact the Hong Kong Gardening Society for membership opportunities
Remember that demand for these programs can be high, so early application and flexibility with locations may increase your chances of securing a spot in Hong Kong's growing urban farming community.
