What to Buy for a Gardening Workshop

A gardening workshop needs more than seeds and soil. Plan supplies by participant and table so everyone can work without waiting for a hand trowel, scoop or watering can. For a hands-on session, allow one pair of gloves and one work space per participant, then add shared tools for each table. Prepare drinks, labels, trays and protection before guests arrive, and keep rain ponchos and an indoor setup ready if the forecast changes.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Reception desk
Waste binsqty 3

Garden tools

Hand spadesqty 12
Hand rakesqty 12
Watering canqty 4
Plant sprayersqty 6
Work glovesqty 30
Wheelbarrow
Measuring cupsqty 6
Scoops for potting soilqty 12

Plant material

Seed traysqty 30
Plant potsqty 30
Plant saucersqty 30
Seed traysqty 6
Sample plantsqty 6
Reusable plant labelsqty 40

Protection

Table coversqty 6
Worktable runnersqty 6
Children's apronsqty 30
Rain ponchosqty 30

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40
Napkin holderqty 2

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 3
Water jugsqty 3
Scissorsqty 6
Measuring spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Kettleqty 2
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2

Communication

Name badge holder
Instruction signqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Universal potting soil - 3 bags
- Organic compost - 1 bag
- Radish seeds - 6 packets
- Garden cress seeds - 6 sachets
- Sunflower seeds - 6 sachets
- Herb seeds - 6 sachets
- Organic plant food - 1 bottle
- Wooden plant labels - 40 pieces
- Waterproof markers - 12 pieces
- Coconut fiber - 1 block
- Gravel for drainage - 2 bags
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Milk - 3 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Mini Cucumbers - 2 kilogram
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Wholegrain crackers - 4 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Mini muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 2 dispensers
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Allow one hand spade, one pair of gloves and one plant pot per participant. Add at least two hand rakes, a watering can and a plant sprayer per table so shared tools do not become a bottleneck.
Buy or bring one seed tray for every group working at a table, plus enough reusable plant labels for every pot or tray section. Prepare the labels before registration starts so names and plant varieties are not written mid-session.
Cover every work table and keep a second layer of table protection nearby. Potting soil, water and plant debris spread quickly, and spare covers let you reset a table without stopping the workshop.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add water for the remaining session. Set up reusable cups, water jugs and thermos flasks before participants arrive; coffee and tea are often forgotten until the first break.
Match protection to the weather and the group: keep one rain poncho per participant for an outdoor session and children’s aprons if children are attending. Put waste bins beside the work area, not only near the reception desk.

Frequently asked questions

What tools do I need for a gardening workshop?: For each participant, plan a hand spade and work gloves. For every table, provide at least two hand rakes, one watering can, one plant sprayer, one scoop for potting soil and one measuring cup.
How many pots and seed trays do I need per person?: Provide one plant pot per participant and one seed tray for each working group or table. Add 10% extra pots and labels to cover breakage, mistakes and late registrations.
How much equipment should I prepare for a 20-person gardening workshop?: Prepare 20 pairs of gloves, 20 hand spades and 20 pots, plus two to four shared tools of each type per table. Plan at least 40 drinks for the first hour and add 10% spare cups and plant labels.
When should I buy supplies for a gardening workshop?: Buy plant material, labels and disposable consumables at least 5 to 7 days before the workshop. Check tools, table covers and weather protection 2 days ahead, then chill drinks and set out materials on the day.

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