Plant and Seed Markers
I think by now I've used just about everything to mark my plant and seed rows, from a twig from the nearest tree, to a seed packet.I thought my method of marking my rows could be improved so I "Googled" for "Plant Markers."
Lots of people were talking about the same thing, but I didn't hear anyone using Popsicle sticks.
"What?" people don't recycle their Popsicle sticks in their gardens? :)
The problem with popsicle sticks is that they'll rot and then they get so short that I can't find my rows anyway.
Next I tried recycling my old blinds.
That works, but when you buy a permanent pen, I don't know which part of the permanent the company doesn't understand, because by the end of the summer my permanent markings are permanently washed away.
So, then what do I use to write on my blind markers?
I heard a shop pencil works.
I tried a ball point pen, if you press hard, it will mark up the blind, much like embossing will.
China marker works, but you can't write small. So, I went "Googling" again and a kind man suggested "Foil Tape." No-one commented on the foil tape, including me, because I had to become a member to post, but I thought to myself "that would probably work" because I can write on foil.
Tried it and it's easier than writing on foil but it's harder to see than the china markers.
I have another idea how to make seed markers, but I'll experiment with it first and post back here afterwards.
I also thought of painting markers with outdoor paints, but you know how it is. I'll recycle many Popsicle sticks before that happens. :)
If you have any tried and true methods of doing this, could you please share with us?
Note:
Here I am a year later and I still haven't found a better method of doing this.
Cutting the slats of old blinds and using china markers seems to work best for me.
I also cut the slats to a point at one end for easier insertion, but if you have a clay base soil, it won't work properly either. The slats will bend, but I poke a hole in the soil and use it anyway. :)
I'm seeing people using long rods at the end of their plant rows. Then they take the empty seed packet and slide over the rod. On top of that they reuse a small glass jar. The jar will keep the seed packet from getting wet and therefore marking the rows for at least the growing season.
Today I was mixing frozen juice and as I removed the metal lid, I wondered what I could use it for.
What about a plant or seed marker?
We could drill or make a small hole with a bottle opener on the lid.
Cut a piece of wire from a coat hanger.
Thread the coat wire through the hole.
With pliers make a hook, so it would keep the lid from blowing away and then bend the wire the opposite way so you can use it as a plant marker.
What about soda pop cans? The inside of the can?
So much to do and so little time. :)
People are also reusing their canning lids as plant row markers. This is great idea!
Of all the stuff that I used for marking Markers - China Markers - worked the best.
As for the plant markers itself - I use old blind's slats, but I also have used lined canning lids and used jars that I'll be reusing in the future.
Otherwise the used canning lids would end up thrown out.
A piece of an old coat wire and a canning lid with a small hole on it, would work and last a long time.
A piece of bamboo or a piece of wire , with a used seed packet inserted in a inverted glass jar and then poked in the ground, would also work. It will saved the seedpacket from the rain and protecting the information that will be useful all growing season.
What do use?
Foil tape is easy to use and it works, but it's hard to read.
Foil tape can be bought at any hardware store - people that do duct work will have it to tape ducts etc. When we used styrofoam insulation on the outside of our house, the workers used metal tape around the windows.
My friend made this one and here's what she said..
Thank you Margie!
I was messing around with this yesterday, it's not the best, but I think this will work. :)
I cut a strip from an aluminum pepsi can just a bit smaller than the foil tape so I could wrap the tape over the edges.
Cut a rubber coated hanger to poke in the ground. I used a dull pencil to emboss the word on the marker, poked holes on each side of the marker and put the coat hanger through each side.
Now I have to practice my writing to make them neater. :)
Thank you Margie!
I was messing around with this yesterday, it's not the best, but I think this will work. :)
I cut a strip from an aluminum pepsi can just a bit smaller than the foil tape so I could wrap the tape over the edges.
Cut a rubber coated hanger to poke in the ground. I used a dull pencil to emboss the word on the marker, poked holes on each side of the marker and put the coat hanger through each side.
Now I have to practice my writing to make them neater. :)