Make Your Own Plant Markers

Of course it only took him about 2 minutes to say he had a bunch of 1/8” thick plexiglass lying around and I could use that.  Brilliant!!

Minimal supplies are needed:  Plexiglass, straightedge, and a plexiglass cutter.  The cutter can be picked up at any hardware or big box store for under $10, and they'll probably carry the plexiglass too.  Plexiglass comes in many sizes and thicknesses, but I think the 1/8” thick works well.   

Decide what size you want your markers.  You can either put marks on the plexiglass or just “eyeball” it, as I did.  Lay your straightedge on the plexiglass. Holding the straightedge down firmly, pull the cutter toward you on the plexiglass, pushing down with some pressure.  You will see it shaving a line as you pull it.  Without moving the straightedge, repeat the cutting process.  Cutting twice, the second line right on top of the first line, will result in a smoother edge than will pushing down real hard and cutting one line.

You can see how the plexiglass is scored here.

Using the edge of a workbench or something similar, place the plexiglass on the edge so that the line you scored is facing up and is exactly over the corner of the surface.   The short end is what should be hanging over the edge.   Grab the short end of the plexiglass sheet and in one quick motion, snap your hand down.  The plexiglass breaks in a smooth straight line right where you scored it.  They're actually fun to make!

I made black and white labels with my P-Touch Brother label maker and they stick great to the plexiglass.  Another thing I really like about these labels is that they’re pretty much invisible when you put them in your garden.  And you can make them any size you like!

 Hope some of you will give this a try.  You'll be glad you did!