Instead of buying those plastic plant markers that fall apart, make these DIY metal plant markers. Below you will find step by step instructions to make your own metal plant markers at home.
I have tried everything to keep track of what I plant in my garden, and I always find that my plant markers either fade in the sun or break.
I find that I really rely on my garden planner to figure out where I have planted certain varieties. When I am in the garden I don't always have my planner handy, so I needed a solution.
You can buy fancy plant markers online, but they are really pricey and I didn't want to spend a lot. I then came up with a great idea!
Take old spoons and make plant markers out of them!
Why These Plant Markers Are Great
Most spoons are made from stainless steel which practically lasts forever even in the garden! These spoons can be reused in the garden ,so you only have to make them once.
They are also very durable. While most plant markers can break easily these metal spoons are not going to snap in half.
What I like best about making my own plant markers is that I can customize them. I can write any variety name I want on these plant markers, so I can be more specific than just "tomato".
Keep reading for instructions on how to make these durable DIY plant markers.
Supplies You Need To Make These Plant Markers
Metal Spoons: I found some inexpensive ones at my local thrift store, but if you have any old ones you can use those too.
Letter Stamps: These metal stamps worked great for me. I bought the ⅛" size.
Ball Peen Hammer: To flatten and stamp the spoons.
Permanent Marker: To fill the stamped letters in (makes them easier to read).
Sand Paper: To remove excess marker.
How To Make These Metal Plant Markers
Once you have all the supplies you need to make these plant markers follow the steps below to make them.
Step 1
Flatten the "bowl" of the spoon with the ball peen hammer. I had a large vice with a metal surface that I used. Make sure to keep your hands away from the spoon and wear safety glasses.
Step 2
Get your metal stamps out and stamp the bowl of the spoon with the variety name. Make sure the spoon is secure so that it won't bounce when you stamp it.
One good hit with the hammer gave my spoons a deep enough stamp. You can use tape or draw a line across the spoon to keep the letters aligned.
Step 4
Use your permanent marker to fill the stamped letters in. This will make it much easier to read the plant marker when it is in the garden, and it gives it a vintage look.
Step 5
After the marker has dried use your sandpaper to remove the excess marker so that the stamped part is left black. If you wish you can stamp the other side of the spoon so you can read the variety from both sides.
Now you have a super durable plant marker that will last you for years! If you find that the marker comes off or fades, you can simply fill the letters in to refresh them.
Troubleshooting
When I flattened my spoons I found that it was easier to hammer the backside of the spoon. Starting from the middle and working outward was easier.
If you don't have a metal vice or anvil, I recommend hammering your spoons on a piece of scrap wood. This will keep your surface safe from damage. (Don't hammer directly on concrete as it will damage it.)
If your letter stamps bounce and make a "double stamp" you need to secure your spoon. It may be best to tape your spoon to the surface and then stamp the letters.
Where to find spoons
If you don't have a pile of old spoons lying around I recommend you go to your local thrift store. I found that mine had a bin full of old spoons for just $0.25 each!
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