Garden centers stock their shelves with all manner of goods, including tools, gear, soil additives, and containers. If you aren’t sure what you need to complete your garden project successfully, seek advice from the staff. And even if you think you already know, double-check your list with them to make sure you take home enough supplies to get the job done. Who wants to run back for more compost or another pot once you’ve really started to dig in?

Bagged Materials

Topsoil, compost, mulch, and other planting materials are sold in bags by volume (cubic feet). Go to www.areamulchandsoils.com and use the online calculator to find out how much you’ll need. Input the dimensions of the planting area and a figure for how thick you need to apply the material (two to three inches for mulch). If a large quantity is called for — say, a few dozen bags — save money by buying in bulk (unbagged) and have the nursery deliver the goods to you by truck.

Containers and Hand Tools

The variety of garden containers is wide: fragile yet beautiful terra-cotta, all-season fiberglass, weather-resistant cedar, and more. To find the right container for your project, see Planters for Any Garden. Many garden centers will plant your containers (for a fee) if you bring them in — a real time-saver. When it comes to hand tools, quality corresponds to price. A hand-forged trowel may seem pricey, but it will probably outlast a more cheaply made one.

Long-Handled Tools

To make sure you have the basic arsenal of garden tools at the ready, see A Guide to Gardening Tools for a complete list of essentials and how they work. If you’re in the market for a large tool, ask the salesperson for a “test drive”; the store may have samples from the manufacturer or one for nursery use on hand. Check out the feel and the heft to make sure it’s a good fit for your height and strength.

Watering Cans and Hoses

Watering right after planting settles the soil around the roots and provides the hydration necessary for a successful transplant. If you’re planting in an area that’s far from a faucet head, measure the distance and buy a hose that’s long enough. You’ll also need a hose attachment, such as a trigger sprayer (RS pick: Dramm Revolver Spray Gun, $11,www.rainwand.com for store locations). If the planting is small (in a pot or a little plot), a good-size watering can will do the trick.