Plant Markers

[jackie j]

I have been given some plant labels what is the best type of pen to use that can be washed off. I have been using a permanant marker pen and I am using loads which will be wasted. I will also use margarine tubs etc.

[shirlthegirl43]

I use pencil, it doesn't wash off or fade with weather but can be removed with soap and a scouring sponge quite easily.

[jackie j]

I wondered about pencil but I thought it would wash off in the rain. Thanks shirl.

[lynda66]

i use pencil too, and i have a pencil with a rubber on the end

[BrideXIII]

best pencil is a chinagraph one, they are not cheap as pencils go, but have a waxy consistency that wipes off with little effort, but won't wash off if they get wet.

[gojiberry]

Soft lead pencil is best as they give a slightly thicker line which is easier to read for oldies like me. Doesn't wash off in the rain or fade but as Shirl says it will scrub off with soap and water.

Ian

[daleclarke]

I use permanent marker, then dip them in klear which is a floor varnish, doesn't yellow or crack.

I do not put the whole name just something like Carrot 1, then I keep a Journal which in the back I keep a listing of the proper name, I also keep the list in Google Docs.

Carrot 1 - Nantes
Carrot 2 - Rainbow

Saves a lot of time and I do not have to keep cleaning tags, only took one rainy day to do.

[Geo]

Soft lead pencil is best as they give a slightly thicker line which is easier to read for oldies like me. Doesn't wash off in the rain or fade but as Shirl says it will scrub off with soap and water.

Ian

Ditto...

Geo..

[HappyMouffe]

I agree with pencil. I've accidentally used non-permanent pen and after about 3 days was unable ot read the label. Or remember what I had planted there. Pencil doesn't dry up when I accidentally leave the pen top off either.

[Snadger]

I might use a tickertape machine I won once........if I can find it!

[janeyo]

I use a pencil, wash and then use a rubber to get it off Or I mean I get my 4 yr old to do it, he loves rubbing out lol

[fran]

I find pencil is best and I write on cut-up yoghurt cartons or save lolly sticks. Permanent marker doesn't always stay put outside but you can always go over it with Tipex!

Fran

[Paulottie]

Blimey Snadger...did you win that in the 1970's?...haven't seen one of those in a while....bet the tape'll wash off in the rain.

usually permanent marker for me.

For all the labels for pots & seedtrays I cut up marge /ice cream tub lids.
For marking rows I use mainly oak rippings from the workshop.....and they look jolly posh too.

[Shaun the Sheep]

I also like to use a soft pencil on plastic labels. Unfortunately the foxes round here love to steal the labels (particularly when I've just sown rows of seeds and there's nothing to see to give me a clue what I've put in). I now use large smooth pebbles and write on them with permanent marker. It's not actually permanent, but does remain visible for about a season.

[magz.mccarthy]

my and my mates love doing craft evenings - all getting together to draw or do animal balloons or things like that. Thursday we're making vegetable signs! I sawed up a large plank into lengths of around 12 inches, then we'll paint them with pictures of what the veg are! They won't be the most practical signs, not showing the variety or anything, but at least it'll point out where the things are. We're all hopeless at painting so should be pretty entertaining. I'll put up pictures when they're done.