What to buy for a green roof planting day

A green roof planting day needs more than sedum and soil. You’ll need the right roof layers, enough hand tools for the volunteer group, safe access and practical supplies for moving materials across the roof. Buy or arrange materials only after the roof system and quantities have been confirmed. This checklist also covers refreshments, shade, waste handling and the small items that are commonly left until the morning of the workday.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Reception desk
Tableclothsqty 8

Equipment

Cordless drill driversqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Construction radiosqty 2
Scale

Tools

Scoopsqty 8
Rakesqty 8
Wheelbarrowsqty 4
Bucketsqty 16
Plant trowelsqty 20
Pruning shearsqty 6
Spirit levelsqty 3
Measuring tapesqty 4
Rubber malletsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 6

Green roof materials

Protective fleeceqty 250
Drainage matsqty 250
Filter clothqty 250
Roof substrateqty 18
Sedum matsqty 180
Sedum plantsqty 600
Plant labelsqty 30
Edging gravelqty 20
Watering hosesqty 3

Safety

Work glovesqty 60
Safety gogglesqty 20
Safety helmetsqty 20
Safety vestsqty 20
Fall protection setsqty 6
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
First aid kit

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 70
Reusable bowlsqty 70
Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Info boardsqty 6
Route arrowsqty 10
Name badgesqty 70
Markersqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 4
Reusable clothsqty 20
Drying racksqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Wholegrain rolls - 80 pieces
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Boiled eggs - 60 pcs
- Smoked chicken breast - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Mixed salad - 2 kilogram
- Avocados - 20 pieces
- Apples - 70 pieces
- Bananas - 70 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Raisins - 1 kilogram
- Yogurt - 6 liter
- Muesli - 3 kilogram
- Lentils - 3 kilogram
- Chickpeas - 3 kilograms
- Couscous - 4 kilograms
- Feta - 2 kilograms
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Rosemary - 6 bunches
- Parsley - 6 bunches
- Basil - 6 bunches
- Garlic - 8 bulbs
- Olive oil - 3 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Honey - 2 jars
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Carbonated water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Lemonade - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Compostable bags - 30 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Confirm the number of volunteers before buying food, drinks, gloves and disposable supplies. Recheck the final headcount at least 3 days before the planting day so you are not shopping from an outdated registration list.
Order drainage mats, filter cloth, roof substrate and sedum early enough for delivery and inspection. Keep plant material protected from drying out, and store dry materials under cover until the work starts.
Plan how materials will reach the roof before you buy bulk quantities. Count wheelbarrows, buckets, scoops and rakes against the work schedule, and arrange delivery and waste removal before volunteers arrive.
Provide one pair of work gloves per participant, plus a small spare supply for replacements. Put plant trowels, pruning shears and hand brooms at the tool-sorting area instead of leaving them packed in boxes.
Buy or reserve practical site supplies as well as planting materials: watering hoses, plant labels, edging gravel, protective fleece and weather cover. Allow time to set up tables, chairs, tents and a reception point before the first volunteers check in.

Frequently asked questions

How much substrate do I need for a green roof planting day?: Use the calculated quantity for the chosen green roof system rather than estimating by eye. Confirm the required depth and total roof area with the roof-system design before ordering, then arrange delivery early enough to inspect the material.
How many tools and gloves should I buy for volunteers?: Plan at least one pair of work gloves per participant and match the tool supply to the work groups in your schedule. Check the final participant number at least 3 days before the event, then add spare gloves and a few replacement hand tools.
When should I order sedum mats and sedum plants?: Order them early enough to coordinate delivery with the planting date and inspect the shipment on arrival. Keep sedum protected from drying out and avoid scheduling delivery so far in advance that the plants must be stored for several days.
What should I arrange before the planting day?: Confirm roof access, material delivery, tool reservations, waste disposal and the weather forecast before the event. Set up tents, tables, chairs and the reception desk before volunteers arrive, and fill coolers after the final headcount is confirmed.

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