What you need for a Hedge Planting Day

A Hedge Planting Day needs more than hedge plants and shovels. You will need materials for marking planting distances, preparing holes, moving soil and plants, protecting volunteers, and serving food and drinks. Plan quantities around the number of volunteers and the length of the work session. Arrange plant delivery early, keep plants frost-free before planting, and check that water, coffee equipment, gloves, and first aid supplies are ready before people arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Beer tablesqty 6

Tools

Shovelsqty 20
Scoopsqty 10
Rakesqty 8
Wheelbarrowsqty 6
Pruning shearsqty 6
Rubber malletsqty 6
Measuring tapesqty 4
Plant linesqty 6
Bucketsqty 20
Pitchersqty 12
Water hosesqty 2
Wooden plant stakesqty 300
Tie strapqty 4

Catering

Hedge plantsqty 250
Compostqty 20
Wood chipsqty 10
Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Mineral water - 60 liters
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Cola - 8 liters
- Coca-Cola Zero - 8 liters
- Lemonade - 8 liters
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Vegetable soup - 10 liters
- Soup sticks - 6 packs
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces

Safety

Work glovesqty 60
Safety gogglesqty 20
First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 10
Barrier tapeqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving traysqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Soup thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 6

Equipment

Battery lampsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Washing-up tubsqty 3

Tips

Order the hedge plants early enough for delivery before planting day, then arrange frost-free storage if they arrive more than a few hours before planting. Keep roots protected and do not leave plants exposed overnight.
Allow at least one pair of work gloves per volunteer, plus spare pairs for late arrivals or damaged gloves. Provide safety vests, goggles, barrier tape, and a first aid kit at the work area rather than leaving them at the registration desk.
Prepare measuring tapes, plant lines, and wooden stakes before volunteers arrive. Mark the planting beds and distances in advance so teams can start digging instead of waiting for instructions.
Match transport and watering supplies to the site: wheelbarrows and buckets help move plants and compost, while a water hose or pitchers are needed to water newly planted hedges. Check the hose length and water access the day before.
For a half-day session, plan roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 to 2 per hour afterward. Set out reusable cups, plates, cutlery, serving trays, coffee machines, tables, and chairs before the first work team returns.

Frequently asked questions

How many hedge plants do I need for Hedge Planting Day?: Calculate the number from the total planting distance and the spacing specified for the hedge variety. Measure the planting beds first, then add about 5% extra plants for handling damage or replacements.
How much compost should I buy for a hedge planting day?: Measure the volume needed to pre-treat the planting holes rather than buying by volunteer count. As a working estimate, allow 10 to 20 litres of compost per plant, then adjust for soil condition and hole size.
How many pairs of gloves are needed for volunteer hedge planting?: Provide one pair for every registered volunteer, plus at least 10% spare pairs. For 30 volunteers, prepare 33 pairs so replacements and late registrations do not stop a team from working.
When should I order hedge plants for planting day?: Place the order early enough to confirm delivery before the event and allow time to check the plants. Aim to receive them no later than the day before planting, with frost-free storage available if needed.

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