What to buy for a garden workshop

A garden workshop needs more than plants and hand tools. You will need enough equipment for each workstation, labels and markers for planting activities, gloves, water access and a practical setup for food and drinks. This shopping list also covers the items people often arrange too late, such as coolers, extension cords, waste bins and shelter for changing weather. Use the participant count to work out quantities, then check which tools can be shared safely.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Tableclothsqty 6
Waste binsqty 3

Gardening equipment

Hand spadesqty 24
Hand rakesqty 12
Pruning shearsqty 8
Pitchersqty 6
Wheelbarrowsqty 2
Work glovesqty 24
Plant tablesqty 6
Garden hosesqty 2
Bucketsqty 6
Plant labelsqty 100
Marker pensqty 12
Hoesqty 4
Weed pullersqty 8
Pruning sawsqty 2

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6

Tableware

Platesqty 30
Bowlsqty 24
Glassesqty 30
Mugsqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Outdoor speakersqty 2

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Washing-up tubsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Cherry tomatoes - 1.5 kilos
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Avocados - 8 pieces
- Corn - 6 cans
- Feta - 6 packs
- Olives - 3 jars
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Brownies - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs
- Potting soil - 10 bags
- Compost - 4 bags
- Herb plants - 24 pieces
- Annual flowers - 24 pieces
- Organic vegetable seeds - 12 packets
- Seed pots - 50 pieces
- Growing trays - 12 units
- Plant ties - 2 rolls
- Bamboo skewers - 50 pieces
- Garden twine - 2 rolls
- Wooden label sticks - 50 pieces
- Waterproof markers - 12 pieces

Tips

Plan one complete set of basic hand tools for every two participants, and add spare tools for busy workstations. Include hand spades, hand rakes, pruning shears, gloves, plant labels and marker pens.
Allow one table or plant table for each active workstation, with enough chairs for the full participant list plus two spare seats. Buy or borrow tablecloths and waste bins before setup day.
Prepare at least one bucket and one pitcher per workstation where watering or rinsing is part of the activity. Check that garden hoses reach every work area without creating a trip hazard.
For refreshments, provide one mug and glass per participant, plus at least 10% extra. Use thermos flasks or kettles for hot drinks and coolers for food and drinks that must stay cold.
If the workshop is outdoors, arrange party tents before checking the forecast rather than waiting for rain. Keep extension cords, tables and chairs suitable for the alternative indoor space as well.

Frequently asked questions

How many garden tools do I need for a workshop?: Plan one basic hand-tool set for every two participants, then add at least two spare sets for tools that are used continuously. Provide one pair of work gloves per participant, plus 10% extras for replacements.
What should I buy for a garden workshop workstation?: Each workstation usually needs a table or plant table, shared hand tools, buckets, plant labels and marker pens. Allow at least one bucket per workstation and enough labels for every plant or planting task.
How many cups and plates do I need for a garden workshop?: Prepare one mug, glass, plate, bowl and cutlery set per participant, plus 10% extra. For 20 participants, that means 22 of each item where practical, so late arrivals or dropped items do not disrupt the break.
When should I buy supplies for a garden workshop?: Complete the main shopping at least 2 days before the workshop, then check tools, coolers, tents and extension cords the day before. Buy fresh food and drinks close enough to the event to keep them chilled and in good condition.

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