Like a garden tool left out...

[jtjmartin]

I cut old blinds into thirds and hang them as markers. The plastic absorbs Sharpie ink really well.

lean n lower.jpg

Originally Posted by Nan_PA_6b

Well, that should certainly keep 'em well-marked and readable! I plant outside according to a paper map. They each have their little popsicle stick label which I can dig around for if need be.

I used popsicle sticks last year and found they disintegrated about 5 minutes after the writing became illegible, lol.

[AlittleSalt]

I have planted hundreds too, and when I had to go to growing in containers - I thought it would be easier. No need for a spreadsheet - just write a note... yeah right. Plant out day happened and 7 out of 20 got changed at the last minute.

Great idea, Jeff! Although I don't normally use labels in the garden - everything's on graph paper and photocopied - we have a falling-down blind that I'm eager to use!

[xellos99]

I scribble a map on paper then I don't need any tags or markers at all.

I only use tags before final planting.

[clkeiper]

Originally Posted by PlainJane

I used popsicle sticks last year and found they disintegrated about 5 minutes after the writing became illegible, lol.

use a carpenters pencil or a contractors grade permanent marker . but eventually the wood rots and you may not know what it is then.

[SQWIBB]

I used to keep a log of "what was what" in each bed in ever-note, but tweaking the beds, replacing and moving plants around I get all mixed up, same with photos, I would take photos of the beds with the plant markers but moving stuff around and replacing items, screws that up, that's why I am trying the idiot proof marking system, if a plant is replaced or moved, same goes for the marker.

[GrowingCoastal]

Growing in containers that get moved around makes it necessary to have tags of some kind. Someone here at T'vl mentioned using clothes pins and I have found that a great solution. I clip the extra large pins to the plant cage or strings as they grow up. No bending to see the label in the pot. No fading because the ink soaks into the pin.
Thanks to whoever mentioned it.

[GoDawgs]

I use the cut-up mini window blind slats for garden markers too. They work great and one blind makes a ton of markers! The best unfading marker I've found for writing names on them is something called a china marker, also called a grease pencil. It's waxy, kind of like an adult crayon. I like the kind where you can turn the end to advance the marker tip instead of the kind where you have to peel the paper off the tip.

[Tormato]

For me, the rust shakes off once I get into the routine. It's the start that can be rough. I can easily get the "drops" when I'm just starting out potting things up.



By mid-season, when I'm into the beginning of the harvest, I need no charts. I know where, in the garden, each and every variety is, all 125+ of them. But, just in case, there is a chart as backup, somewhere in the house.

[bjbebs]

I use cut down mini blinds too. Mark on both sides with a carpenters pencil and use a hole punch. These are tied to wire panels with twist ties near the variety. They last all year.

[hdrider]

Originally Posted by Tormato

...in the rain, I'm rusty.

LOL...I have always said my mind is like a steel trap that catches and holds on to everything. Unfortunately it is a big ol rusty trap and I cant get it open to let out what I need when I need it.

Tracy