Labels - I need an easy solution

[tam91]

Ok, this seems like a dumb problem, even to me. But my brain isn't coming up with a nice easy solution.

I have the white plastic plant labels with the name of each tomato variety written on them, stuck into the containers. But, now that the plants are getting bigger, it's getting to be a real nuisance to bend over and root around in the foliage to view the label. (I do have a chart on the computer for backup).

I have Florida weave, so there's a stake every 2 plants. What I'd like to do is find a way to easily affix the labels to the top of the stake, so I can read it without bending over. It's metal t-posts at the ends of the row, and wood stakes in between the plants.

I was thinking of tape, but not sure what would be waterproof.

Any ideas?

[fortyonenorth]

If you don't mind buying labels, I'd recommend http://www.everlastlabel.com/

They have many different styles and they are all durable. They're in Southwest Michigan, so shipping to you should take 2-3 days tops.

I also made some labels this year by printing names on an 8 1/2 x 11" sheet of paper and then having it laminated at the local UPS store. Cost me about $2.00. Cut out the individual labels, punched a hole with a hold punch and used twine to affix to each cage.

[DiggingDogFarm]

I use pieces of cut-up milk jug for labels.
I use a paper punch for the hole and a twist-tie for securing.



~Dig

[tam91]

Well those are all some good ideas, thank you. I was thinking of how to get the current labels attached to the post. But it certainly wouldn't hurt me to make some new ones!

I knew my brain wasn't working well today.

[BigBrownDogHouse]

Originally Posted by DiggingDogFarm

I use pieces of cut-up milk jug for labels.
I use a paper punch for the hole and a twist-tie for securing.

~Dig

I like it. Probably going to try this one next.

I did some searching a few weeks ago and was surprised that not much showed up online. Might be out there, I just didn't find it.

I use neon post it notes and mark it heavy with black marker the name of the tomato. I then tape it to the wood stake with heavy duty clear packing tape. The summer sun usually bleaches out the name as time goes on but you can still somehow make out what it is.

The tape usually holds on unless too much water seeps behind it. Sometimes I replace them mid-season. Just love finding extra stuff to do in the garden.

[delltraveller]

It's possible that something like rubber cement would work to attach them to the wooden posts.

[lurley]

Barbee gave me the idea to use cut up aluminum from pop cans. You can use a blunt pencil tip to engrave the name of the plant and then twist tie them to the plant, no fading of ink that way. I didn't have time yet to do it this year but next year I will, I already have my pop can label stash started.

[kygreg]

I basically use the same method as fortyonenorth, but I use 3x5 index cards and have found that using a lead pencil for labeling works better than ink pens or permamarkers - won't fade and not a problem if it gets wet. When laminating leave an inch above the top of the index card and punch the holes about a half inch above the top of the index card. If its too close to the top of the index card then rain will seep into it.

[DiggingDogFarm]

Originally Posted by lurley

Barbee gave me the idea to use cut up aluminum from pop cans. You can use a blunt pencil tip to engrave the name of the plant and then twist tie them to the plant, no fading of ink that way. I didn't have time yet to do it this year but next year I will, I already have my pop can label stash started.

Very neat idea for a more permanent marker!!


~Dig

[b54red]

I have been using that rubbery stretchy surveyors tape that comes in bright colors. I use pink, neon yellow or orange. I just hold the roll and pull off enough to tie with and write on the roll the variety and the date set out then cut or tear off that piece and tie it to something at eye level. I use a sharpie marker and it usually fades some by the end of the season but if the plant lasts long enough I can just make another and tie it on to replace the faded one. It does look a little like a used car lot with all the little ribbons of tape blowing in the wind. The thing I like the most is the ease of doing this and the cost which is next to nothing. Below is a picture of my trellis with markers tied on.

[DiggingDogFarm]

Originally Posted by b54red

I have been using that rubbery stretchy surveyors tape that comes in bright colors. I use pink, neon yellow or orange. I just hold the roll and pull off enough to tie with and write on the roll the variety and the date set out then cut or tear off that piece and tie it to something at eye level. I use a sharpie marker and it usually fades some by the end of the season but if the plant lasts long enough I can just make another and tie it on to replace the faded one. It does look a little like a used car lot with all the little ribbons of tape blowing in the wind. The thing I like the most is the ease of doing this and the cost which is next to nothing. Below is a picture of my trellis with markers tied on.

That's another very cool idea!!!

I like it!


~Dig

[dipchip2000]

Tam

Use the labels you have now. Punch a hole in it and use the smallest Zip-tie that will go around your t-post. some t-post even have holes in them at different increments which would let you use an even shorter Zip-tie. You can buy the Zip-ties at Lowes or HD and a pack of 100 is less than 3.00. Be sure to get the black ones because they are UV protected and will break easy from sun exposure. I use them and attach the labels to the cages about shoulder height.

ron

[nicky]

This isn't the easiest or quickest solution - but I read about somewhere & thought it was a great idea if you are at all artsy...

Find some decent sized rocks & paint or draw the label on them! Seal with outdoor podge and you are done! You can get pretty creative with the rocks. My parsnip label has a picture of a parsnip for the P, Tomato always has a tomato picture for the O. If anyone is interested I will post a pic later.

Cheers!

[tjg911]

i found that anything i wrote with was faded by the sun regardless of what it was. i use a map and keep 1 copy in the house and 1 copy in the garage. after a couple of weeks i sorta know the plants by location in the garden but once they start to produce fruit i know by the shapes and colors but then i just grow 8 or 9 plants.

tom

[tam91]

B54red - that sounds like a nice easy idea. Where do you buy that tape?

DIPCHIP2000 - I was thinking of that, but these labels seem like they might be hard to get a hole into. I'll have to give one a try - I might need to use a drill (lol, making it not meet my "easy" criteria)