What to buy for a hedge planting day

A hedge planting day needs more than plants and spades. You will also need a clear way to distribute tools, keep volunteers hydrated, serve food and drinks, and protect the work area. Plan equipment by work zone rather than leaving everything in one pile. Check power access, water supply and plant delivery before shopping, because these are easy to discover too late. This list covers the practical supplies for planting, breaks and site setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 60
Waste binsqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Water jugsqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving utensilsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Teaspoonsqty 40

Decorations

Route arrowsqty 12
Information boardsqty 6
Name stickersqty 100
Tableclothsqty 6

Tools

Shovelsqty 15
Scoopsqty 10
Rakesqty 8
Hoesqty 8
Wheelbarrowsqty 4
Watering canqty 10
Garden hosesqty 2
Measuring tapesqty 4
Wooden stakesqty 40
Masonry stringqty 4
Rubber malletsqty 4
Work glovesqty 40
Wheelbarrow tarpsqty 2

Plant material

Hedge plantsqty 250
Tree stakesqty 40
Tie strapqty 2
Compostqty 20
Tree barkqty 15

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 12
Crowd control barriersqty 8

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 6 packs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Butter - 3 packs
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Compostable bags - 20 pieces

Tips

Buy or reserve enough planting tools for each work zone, including shovels, scoops, rakes and hoes. A useful starting point is one digging tool per two volunteers, then add wheelbarrows for moving plants, soil or mulch.
Plan drinking water separately from catering. Provide at least 2 litres of water per volunteer for a full outdoor workday, using water jugs, coolers, reusable cups and watering cans where needed.
Check the planting site’s water access before the day. If there is no reliable tap nearby, arrange garden hoses or additional containers early; newly planted hedges may need immediate watering after delivery.
Set aside one table as the plant distribution point and another for refreshments. Bring information boards, route arrows and name stickers so volunteers can find their work zone without stopping the organiser repeatedly.
Do not leave shelter, seating and power supplies until the last day. Confirm party tents, tables and chairs in advance, and test coffee machines, extension cords and power strips at least 24 hours before the event.

Frequently asked questions

What tools do I need for a hedge planting day?: For each work zone, plan shovels, scoops, rakes and hoes, plus wheelbarrows for transporting plants and soil. One digging tool for every two volunteers is a practical starting point; add more if the soil is heavy or planting is time-sensitive.
How much water should I provide for hedge planting volunteers?: Allow at least 2 litres of drinking water per volunteer for a full day outdoors, with extra on warm or strenuous days. Bring water jugs, coolers and reusable cups, and keep a separate supply available for watering newly planted hedges.
What should I bring for serving food and drinks?: Bring foldable tables, tablecloths, reusable plates, cups and cutlery, along with serving platters, serving utensils and cutting boards. For hot drinks, allow one coffee machine or thermos flask for roughly 15 to 20 people and check the available power supply beforehand.
When should I order hedge plants and materials?: Confirm quantities and place the plant order at least 2 to 4 weeks before planting day, depending on supplier availability. Reconfirm delivery and condition 2 to 3 days before the event so missing plants or materials can still be replaced.

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