Gardening organization tip #4: Label your plants

Plant labels don't have to be expensive to work.
A simple wooden marker--even a popsicle stick--
will do the trick.

I was giving a garden tour during a party recently when one of the guests commented that I had labeled all my tomato plants.

"I always plant them thinking I'll remember what type they are," he said, "and promptly forget what they are."

Oh boy, do I know that story! It has taken me several years of gardening to come to grips with the fact that my memory is not improving. And I certainly can't tell the difference between ten different types of heirloom tomatoes I've never tried before!

Aside from identification, the labels in my garden give me a regular reminder of what the plants are so that I actually will remember them. They also serve as markers for when the plant goes dormant. And lastly, they help my guests identify plants without having to ask about each one.

When choosing labeling for your garden plants there are several things to consider.

How much information do you need on the marker? Is the common name all you need, or do you also want the Latin botanical name? Do you need to include other information, such as the date that you planted?

How long must the label last? A more long-term or permanent marker for a tree or shrub will have to be made of more weather-proof material than a vegetable marker that only needs to last one summer.

Is the label just functional or does it also have to be decorative? There are some fine labels available, but they can get pricey if your only objective is to help you remember a name.

How large must the type be? Hardly any labels are going to be very large, but there are some label systems on the market that will require that you take your reading glasses into the garden.

How good is your handwriting? Many of the most cost-effective labeling systems require hand writing the information on the marker. If your handwriting mostly resembles chicken scratch, you might consider one of the computer or label maker alternatives.

There are many commercial labeling systems available to the gardener. But you can make your own using a waterproof marker and materials you might already have around the house. Here are some ideas for inexpensive labels:

• Popsicle sticks or tongue depressors
• Cut up old window blinds
• Cut up plastic containers from yogurt or other foods
• Large rocks
• Copper flashing (available at most hardware stores)
• Dowel sticks
• Painted yardsticks or rulers
• Wooden paint stirrers

Other gardening tips:

Tip #1 - Record keeping
Tip #2 - GardenScribe Plant Organizer
Tip #3 - Best Garden Cart
Tip #5 - Six Ideas for Organizing Your Garden To-Do List