Over the years, we have tried to create our own plant labels, but when starting seeds on a seed table, a significant amount of watering is involved. Nothing seemed to last the constant blasts of water. In some cases, it is necessary to water several times a day since the soil in the small soil blocks can dry out pretty quickly. Of course, this would cause the names of the plants to wash away, which is frustrating. It is not always that big of a deal. Some plants are obvious, and we know what they are as soon as they begin to emerge, but when you begin working with different varieties of the same type of plant, proper labeling is essential. Sure, you can head to your local dollar store and pick up a pack of garden tags to label your seed starts this season, but that can add up—fast.
This inexpensive way to make your own plant labels takes only minutes, giving you plenty of labels to get started. It’s always exciting to get seeds started as you anticipate the upcoming season, be sure to do it right from the beginning, ensuring your tags are strong, sturdy, and waterproof. You only need three simple materials for this project:
1. Old Vinyl Blinds
2. Paper Cutter
3. Permanent Marker
That’s it. That is all you need. Simply take apart the blinds, piece by piece, and begin cutting to your desired length using a paper cutter. Once you have enough to get started, use a permanent marker to begin labeling. These plant labels are easy to make and inexpensive if you are able to find blinds at an estate sale, yard sale, or thrift store. Here at Garnet Creek Farm, we depend on recycling materials as much as possible. Although we have used a variety of plant label styles in the past (as pictured above), we are set for the rest of this upcoming season with this DIY version of plant labels, and they work great!
It’s only February, and already I have been able to get some seeds started. Having these DIY plant labels on hand to use as seeds go into the soil blocks makes the entire process go smoothly. I look forward to seeing what comes from this season, even though we are in the beginning stages. Seeds are slowly germinating, and our plant list is slated to be placed here on the website by the end of the month. We are currently working to secure our 2024 selling locations, which will be announced by the end of the month as well. Have you used this method to create your own plant labels? Do you have another method that works for you?