Get the latest information on plant labels and enhance your garden with our stylish, tailored solutions.
Ten Plant Labels to Track Your Garden
Every gardener knows how crucial it is to label plants, and how frustrating it can be when you don't.
It’s surprising how quickly you can forget what you’ve planted in a seed tray without a label nearby to remind you. Even the names of shrubs and trees can easily be forgotten over time if they aren’t labeled properly.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Label for Every Gardening Task
Whether you need to mark a seed tray, a cherished shrub, or a row of heirloom carrots, there’s a label for every purpose. From temporary to long-lasting, budget-friendly to luxurious, plant labels come in a variety of materials and price ranges. Selecting the right type for each task will simplify your gardening experience and can even enhance the natural beauty of your garden.
A Closer Look at Top-Quality Plant Labels
Sure, you could create your own labels from plastic yogurt containers, but nothing beats labels specifically designed for gardening. We tested ten different labels made from various materials—wood, metal, plastic, and slate—and evaluated them based on durability, value, ease of use, and appearance. Say goodbye to guessing games with unidentified plants by using our guide to the best plant labels available.
Enhance Your Garden with Stylish and Functional Labels
Sure, you could create your own labels from plastic yogurt containers, but nothing beats labels specifically designed for gardening. We tested ten different labels made from various materials—wood, metal, plastic, and slate—and evaluated them based on durability, value, ease of use, and appearance. Say goodbye to guessing games with unidentified plants by using our guide to the best plant labels available.
Metal Labels
Metal labels are featured in botanical gardens worldwide, where their classic design and durability are highly valued. These aluminum labels blend seamlessly into any garden and are available in various sizes. You can write on them with a solid graphite pencil. The aluminum surface is specially treated to react with the pencil, making the writing permanent after a year (before that, it can be erased).
20cm Pot Labels
Many plastic plant labels become brittle and break when exposed to the elements. Who hasn’t unearthed half of a broken plastic label while gardening? These black labels, made from 90% recycled plastic, are sturdier and should last several years. They’re perfect for marking borders, large pots, or vegetable gardens since they blend in well but are large enough to read easily. Pair them with a silver pen for a sophisticated look and waterproof lettering that can be erased with white spirit or methylated spirit if you wish to reuse them.
Reclaimed Slate Plant Markers
Carl Smith came up with the idea for slate plant markers 10 years ago when his partner brought home plastic labels that resembled slate. Working in demolition, he had access to plenty of reclaimed slate and began crafting plant markers. This set of 10 five-inch markers would make an attractive addition to large pots or a great starting point for an allotment. These labels are best written on with a permanent white marker or chalk, which won’t wash off in the rain but can be removed if needed.
Bamboo Labels
Most wooden labels are made from softwood, but our labels are crafted from teak, oak, or bamboo, making them much more durable. We especially like these bamboo hand-cut tags, which have a naturally curved shape and smooth surface that’s easy to write on with an HB pencil, graphite pencil, or permanent marker. The B8 eight-inch versions are perfect for marking border plants, while the smaller B5 five-inch tags are great for smaller pots. For bonsai or houseplants, there are even more decorative options shaped like houses or street signs.
Garden Label Printer
Nursery owners or avid gardeners will find it particularly useful, as it allows you to print multiple labels with the same name at the push of a button. You can then stick the labels onto a plastic pot by peeling off the backing. These labels are weather-resistant, too. It’s versatile as well—once you’ve labeled everything in your greenhouse, you might start on your kitchen cabinets.
Wooden Stubby Labels
These birch wooden labels are compact enough to fit comfortably under a propagator lid. They are also enjoyable to use, offering enough width to accommodate all your plant information, even if it includes long and complex Latin names. Although the wood may absorb moisture from the soil, your writing will stay legible if you use a black marker.
Copper Labels
This copper label makes an excellent gift for a beginner gardener who is starting to cultivate their garden. The set includes all the uppercase letters of the alphabet, plus an ampersand, allowing you to label plants in a style reminiscent of a Victorian plant collector. Pair the stamp set with a pack of six copper labels, select your letters, and tap them into the metal with a hammer. It’s a bit time-consuming and takes some practice to align the letters correctly (and ensure they’re not upside down!), but the hands-on process is part of the appeal. Over time, the copper will develop a lovely verdigris patina.
Scratch-on Labels
These lightweight markers are made from PVC-coated paper and come with a sharp metal stylus for scratching letters onto the surface. They also include plastic ties, allowing you to either fasten them around plant stems or insert them into the soil. The letters you scratch are permanent, and since the labels are double-sided, you can use them twice. I found the pen a bit tricky to use, particularly for creating curved letters, but you won’t have to worry about the letters fading or washing away in the rain.
Ginkgo Leaf Plant Markers
These ginkgo leaf-shaped markers are handmade, so each one has a unique touch. Finished in antique brass with a clear matte lacquer, they can be written on with a fine marker pen. You can choose between a stake version that can be pushed into the soil or a hanging version that can be tied to branches. These markers are perfect for labeling particularly special plants or for marking the location of bulbs in the soil.
Black Plastic T-Shaped Stake Markers
These large, 38cm long black plastic T-shaped stake markers provide ample space for writing, making it easy to read even detailed information from a distance. There’s no need to dig around at the base of your plants and potentially damage other nearby growth to find the label you need.
Conclusion
Investing in the right plant labels not only keeps your garden organized but also adds a personal touch to your outdoor space. From durable wooden labels to stylish copper markers, there’s something for every gardener, whether you’re labeling a few pots or an entire allotment. By selecting labels that match your style and gardening needs, you’ll ensure that your plants are always clearly identified, saving you time and preventing any mix-ups. With the options we’ve reviewed, you can choose the best plant labels to suit your garden and enjoy a well-organized, beautiful growing space all season long.
Comments
Recent Blog
Tags
Why plant labels matter worldwide?
Are you tired of forgetting which plants are which in your garden? Plant labels are the unsung heroes of garden organization, helping both novice gardeners and experienced botanists keep track of their green companions.
What is the Best Pencil for Garden Plant Labels?
Gardening enthusiasts often find themselves faced with the challenge of labeling their plants in a way that is both durable and legible. The pencil you use plays a significant role in ensuring your garden labels can withstand the elements and stay readable over time.
How to keep metal garden decor from rusting?
Metal garden decor, including metal plant labels, adds elegance and sophistication to any outdoor space, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. However, rust can quickly undermine the beauty and structural integrity of these decorative pieces.
What are the 4 parts of a plant label?
Plant labels play a crucial role in gardening, whether you’re a novice looking to keep track of your new plants or an experienced botanist identifying and categorizing species.
How do you mark copper plant markers?
Copper plant markers are an excellent choice for gardeners who want a durable and aesthetically pleasing way to label their plants.
How to Use Enamel Paint on Metal Plant Labels Surfaces?
When it comes to writing on metal, enamel paint is a top choice specifically designed for this purpose.
EN
DE
ES
FR
JA
RU
TR
IT
UK
PL
KO
NL