What you need for a neighborhood garden workday

Use this list to prepare a neighborhood garden workday without leaving key supplies until the last minute. Plan for the number of registered volunteers, then check which tools and garden materials can be borrowed before shopping. Food, drinks, shade, seating, gloves, and water access are easy to underestimate when people are working outdoors. Order plants, compost, and potting soil early enough for delivery or collection, and keep a small reserve of common-use tools for late arrivals or breakages.

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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 40
Beer tablesqty 4
Beer benchesqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6

Tools

Work glovesqty 50
Garden shovelsqty 8
Shovelsqty 6
Rakesqty 8
Hoesqty 5
Pruning shearsqty 5
Wheelbarrowsqty 3
Bucketsqty 10
Garden knee cushionsqty 8
Work tarpsqty 4
Watering canqty 6
Garden hoseqty 2
Pruning sawsqty 3
Broomqty 4
Leaf rakeqty 3
Measuring tapesqty 2

Gardening equipment

Compostqty 10
Potting soilqty 8
Native plantsqty 80
Herb plantsqty 30
Wooden plant labelsqty 50
Bamboo polesqty 30
Tie wireqty 3
Rain barrelsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Soup potsqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Oven mittsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Chalkboardsqty 4
Work zone signsqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Handwashing stationsqty 2
Towel rollsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Spongesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon tea - 1 box
- Mineral water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Beer - 3 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Boiled ham - 2 kilos
- Egg salad - 6 tubs
- Vegan toppings - 6 tubs
- Vegetable soup - 12 liters
- Lentils - 3 cans
- Vegetable stock - 2 packs
- Onions - 2 kilos
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Pepper - 1 grinder
- Salt - 1 pack
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Apple pie - 4 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one pair of work gloves per volunteer, plus 10% extra for replacements or late arrivals. Buy several sizes so people can work safely and comfortably.
For a four-hour workday, allow roughly 1.5 to 2 litres of drinking water per person, plus coffee, tea, and snacks. Chill drinks before volunteers arrive rather than during registration.
Provide one garden shovel, rake, hoe, or similar hand tool for every two to three volunteers working in the same zone. Add wheelbarrows, buckets, tarps, and watering equipment where soil or plant material must be moved.
Order native plants, herb plants, compost, and potting soil at least 5 to 7 days ahead when possible. Buy wooden labels, bamboo poles, and tie wire at the same time so planting can be marked and supported immediately.
Set up one table for registration and one or more separate tables for refreshments and tools. For an outdoor session lasting over two hours, plan shelter and seating for about 10% of participants at a time, including people taking breaks.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a neighborhood garden workday?: Buy work gloves, shared garden tools, compost or potting soil, plants, labels, tie wire, refreshments, and drinking water. Also arrange tables, chairs or benches, shade, and a way to water newly planted areas. Check borrowed tools at least 2 days before the workday.
How many garden tools do I need per person?: One digging or clearing tool for every 2 to 3 volunteers is usually workable when crews share tasks. Provide one pair of gloves per person, plus about 10% extra, and aim for one wheelbarrow or bucket for each active work zone.
How much food and water do I need for a garden workday?: Allow 1.5 to 2 litres of water per person for a four-hour session, with more in hot weather. Order snacks and groceries at least 2 to 3 days ahead, and collect dietary requirements before placing the order.
When should I buy plants and compost for the workday?: Arrange plants, compost, and potting soil 5 to 7 days before the event if delivery or collection is needed. Confirm availability again 1 to 2 days beforehand, especially for native plants and seasonal herb plants.

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