DIY Garden Markers – 5 Easy & Inexpensive Ideas

Fall is upon us. The air is crisp, my deciduous are shedding, and my perennials are ready for a long winters nap. It’s time to do my annual garden clean up. This includes not only raking leaves and tilling soil, but also ensuring that my plants are properly labeled. Labeling plants is a wonderful way to brighten and add character to your garden. It also is a great way to:

• label edible and non-edible foods (a must for a mom like me with a curious 3 year old);
• keep track of varieties of flowers, trees, veggies, etc.;
• remember where your perennials are planted when they die back in the winter (I can’t tell you how many times I unintentionally dug up my bulbs);
• better care for your plants by writing simple care instructions on label;
• organize and plan your garden even when plants are dormant or not in bloom;
• get kids excited about plants – it all starts with knowing a plant’s name!

From rocks to clothespins, you can make garden markers from just about anything! Hope you are inspired by these 5 DIY Garden Markers that can be made with materials inside and outside your house. Each project takes less than 5 minutes and 3 materials to complete.  All projects are easy enough to be done with the help of kids – a great way to get them excited about gardening. Enjoy!

1. Spring Clothespin Garden Marker

Gather some sticks and old clothespins and you are in business. By elevating your plant marker on a stick (instead of directly in the soil), the label holds a longer lifespan and vibrancy.

Materials

• Spring Clothespin
• Marker
• Stick

Directions

Write name of plant on one side of clothespin. Brief care instructions, such as “prune in winter” can be labeled on back. Clip clothespin to top of stick. Insert stick into soil near plant.

Finished Product

2. Wooden Clothespin Garden Marker

It doesn’t get much easier than this folks! Old wooden clothespin and a marker… done! This is a fanatic label for pots as the clothespin comfortably slips onto the rim.

Materials

• Wooden Clothespin
• Marker

Directions

Write name of plant on one side of clothespin. Brief care instructions, such as “water 3x/week” can be labeled on back. Slip clothespin to side of pot or insert directly into soil.

Finished Product

3. Popsicle Stick Garden Marker

This marker is simple to make but also incredibly cute. Using brown ink to stamp letters creates a faux burnt wood effect.

Materials

• Popsicle Stick
• Letter Stamps
• Stamp Pad

Directions

Measure out distance of letters to form label on popsicle stick. Once you have a good idea of where to place the letters, gently press the stamp into the ink pad and onto the popsicle stick. Note, too much ink on the stamp will cause the letters to appear blurry. Repeat the process until you have completed your label. Then insert the popsicle stick into the soil.

Finished Product

4. Wood Stake Garden Marker

Every gardener has spare wood stakes lying around. Instead of leaving them in the yard to weather, why not re-purpose them to make this easy garden stake!

Materials

• Wood Stake
• Black Outdoor Paint
• Chalk or permanent chalk markers if label will get wet (that is what I used here)

Directions

Paint clean wood stake and allow to dry a minimum of 12 hours. Use chalk or marker to write plant label. Care instructions can be noted on back. Insert stake into soil.

Finished Product

5. Rock Garden Markers

Want a plant marker that will stand the test of time? Use a rock. The paint and label might need a touch up every now and then, but overall this marker is built for longevity.

Materials

• Rock
• White Paint
• Permanent Marker

Directions

Paint a solid shape on your rock, large enough to write your label. Once the paint is dry, use permanent marker to write your plant label. Care instructions can be added using the same method on the underside of the rock.

Finished Product

Hope these ideas inspired you to head outside and label some plants! As always, happy gardening! 🙂

For other fun garden ideas and projects be sure to follow Never Enough Thyme on Pinterest and Facebook!