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Make up some of these weatherproof plant markers for your garden this year!
If you’re looking for a fun and easy garden diy project, take a look at all of these fun ways to add some whimsey to your garden. It can be very easy to forget if “this is the row where I planted the rosemary seeds. . . or maybe it’s over there” – these markers are a wonderful help.
And to be fair, seedlings often look very similar to each other, especially when they are related.
Why You’ll Love These Weatherproof Plant Markers
If your garden is big enough, you may easily lose track of which squash variety is where, etc. Plant markers can be a tremendous help.
I collected together some really fun and unique ideas for markers. Some add a touch of glitter and some are just straight-up colorful. But each and every one of these ingenious creations will help you keep track of all those plants you are taking the time to care for and cultivate.
And they will look spectacular while they do it, with bursts of all sorts of colors! All of these markers are great for shrubs, plant pots, flower beds, in your container garden, even fruit trees!
Just be sure to use permanent marker pens when making these!
Gather them up at the end of the season, as it’s probably not best to just leave these outside year-round. Depending on your climate, the markers could start fading and begin to get weathered after a season of outdoor use.
Take a look through all these different garden row marker ideas! There are some wonderfully creative ideas here that will give you inspiration.
These also make great gifts for gardening friends! They are a lovely way to welcome visitors right into the garden to see these up close.
So instead of buying a gift on Etsy, why not choose a marker project or two and give a homemade gift.
What Kind of Paint is Best for Waterproof Garden Marker Project
It’s probably best to use a water-based acrylic paint based on its durability. It would not hurt to apply a coat of clear outdoor sealant as a top layer.
For writing, consider using a Sharpie’s Pro paint marker – it is very durable and will hold up to harsh weather. There are also a good variety of tip sizes to choose from.
Markers made with these materials will be durable enough, no matter where you live in Canada or the USA.
If you are just temporarily marking a plant, wax pencils or a grease pencil will work well. Read on for some very cute garden ideas for identifying your plants.
Cute DIY Weatherproof Plant Markers
These plant markers are so funky and unique. Grab some cheap silverware, a steel metal stamp kit and whip up a great way to identify all the food you are growing in your garden. Bon Appetit! from Creative Green Living
I have a love/hate relationship with plastic spoons. They are so pretty and convenient and come in every color, but they also create a lot of waste. Unless you turn them into fanciful and fun plant markers, that is! TIP: Use these compostable spoons!
These Plastic Spoon Markers are from Crafts By Amanda.
Painted stones add a dash of humor, and are such a fun way to add brightness and whimsy to your garden. But when you paint them up like adorable fruits and vegetables, they can also help you identify the plants you are growing. Here’s the paint kit to use for painting stones!
These Markers With Painted Stones can be found at Adventure in a Box.
Have you ever worked with shrink-plastic like Shrinky Dinks? These little garden nameplates are a genius way to use shrinkable plastic, and they look stunning, too!
These Reusable Plant Markers With Chalkboard Paint can be found on the Tried and True Blog.
More DIY Plant Markers
If you create things with polymer clay, you’ll love this idea. And if you have been looking for an excuse to try working with polymer clay, here it is!
These weatherproof plant markers look like miniature, old-fashioned street signs, a nice nod to any fairy-folk hanging out in your garden! They’re from Polymer Clay Markers at Oh, The Things We’ll Make
This is another spin on the idea of painted rocks in the garden. These are as colorful and pretty as the vegetable themed ones above, but are easier for anyone who may be a little “artistically challenged.”
Still, I love them! You can find them at Painted Rock Vegetable Markers over at Crafts by Amanda.
These cute little markers are simple, inexpensive, and ingenious. Simply paint the end of your basic wooden markers, and take it from dull to dazzling. Add the plant name and you’re done!
These stakes are small enough to use in a seed starting tray and look much nicer than the plastic plant tags used by the nursery for plant identification.
TIP: Use this to paint wood row markers!
You can find the tutorial here DIY Color Blocked Garden Markers at Sarah Hearts
Creative Garden Tags
I do enjoy all the different ways you can create herb markers – especially the ideas that are super simple – yet completely creative. These clothespin herb markers are a fine example.
So pretty – so easy – so handy! You can find these Herb Markers from Recycled Clothespins at. Creative Green Living
You might not think of tongue depressors when you think of identification markers, but they actually work quite well! Find them at Easy Cricut DIY Markers – A Mom’s Take
A simple splash of your favorite color and some vinyl letters from your Cricut and you have some fun vegetable markers large enough to be seen even when your plants get big!
TIP: Use this type of wooden craft sticks!
More Garden Row Marker Ideas
It is amazing how easy it is to be overrun in wooden spoons, especially when you can pick them up so cheap at the store. But with just a bit of paint, you can turn those extra spoons into extra-special flower markers!
Use a sharpie or paint pens with permanent ink for this project. Find these DIY Wooden Spoon Herb Markers here at The Gardening Cook
These adorable birdy markers sound like they are incredibly easy to make. Yet they look so lovely, people will think you spent a fortune on them. These cuties are certain to add some nice cheer to any garden! TIP: Here’s the wooden birds to use!
Find these Birdy Flower Markers For Your Garden over at Crafts By Amanda
Mason jars are often used as planters for herbs, but I had no idea they could become a plant marker too. At least, they can when they are wooden mason jar shaped signs!
Add a touch of sparkle and the first letter of the name of the plant and you’re all set! Find these Glitter Mason Jar Markers over at Mad in Crafts.
More Creative DIY Plant Labels
I will admit that it probably would not have occurred to me to use tin can lids for markers, but as soon as I saw these wonderful discs, I was enchanted! These are a durable way to make plant labels! Find these Markers From Recycled Can Lids here at Creative Green Living.
This type of marker would also look great in copper. Bright and lovely, with plenty of space for letters, these are also a fun way to recycle! TIP: You can easily use canning seals for this!
These herb markers are made with wine corks, and they are too cute to be believed. Rustic, natural, and charming, this wine cork plant marker will have you wanting to start your cork collection immediately!
Grab the tutorial for these Herb Markers over at This Mama Loves
Another variation on using wooden spoons for markers – this is an inspiring idea for the more artistic people out there. If you have the skills to create them, these fun markers are just lovely!
Find this crafty project Artistic Wooden Spoon Markers over at My Garden Your Garden
More garden articles:
You’ll find the perfect easy Herbs to grow (indoors or outside) on this list!
This printable vegetable garden journal and planner is just what you need to keep track of everything in your garden.
Want to know how to grow Valerian root? Here’s all you need to know.
Craft up some of these weatherproof plant markers to add some garden whimsy this year!
Plus, they are a good gift idea! All gardeners will appreciate these durable markers. They are an attractive way to keep track of what plants you are growing. Happy gardening!
originally published March 2021; latest update February 2025