Garden Plant Labels

The point of plant markers is to remind you which seeds you planted where. The most basic marker can be a strip of wood with the plant name written on the side, but garden plant labels can be as creative as you want to be.

The point of plant markers is to remind you which seeds you planted where. The most basic marker can be a strip of wood with the plant name written on the side, but garden plant labels can be as creative as you want to be.

One important thing to keep in mind before you start making plant labels is that they do not need to be fancy, but they must be able to hold up against sun, wind and water. In short, they need to last. This pretty much takes paper out of the equation. Wood, metal and plastic are good options for a plant label base.

Wood is a natural choice that adds a rustic look to the garden. Frame a strip of birch bark with twigs to make a small sign. Use a fifth, thicker twig as a stake for the label, and write the plant name on the birch bark with permanent marker or brand the plant name in place with a woodburning tool.

Rocks can make heavy-duty plant markers that will last for years. Choose interesting rocks and paint plant names on them. You may want to give the rock a coat of clear paint to seal it. Then, just drop the rocks in front of your garden rows with the plant names facing forward.

If you have a laminating machine, use it to coat empty seed packets in plastic, then attach them to wood stakes for full-color markers that provide all the plant information you’ll ever need.

Household supplies and would-be trash can be upcycled into garden labels. Venetian blinds slats, plastic knives, popsicle sticks or tin cans can make easy, recycled plant markers.

How do you mark your garden rows?