I do not have any way of keeping track of my seedlings on the computer but I have garden maps and have them marked with signs. I do take a picture of each seedling, print it up and write down the stats on the back of the picture. I have done that for many years and it works for me.

I wanted to edit this and say I really do have a way to keep track of seedlings with the Plant Step program. I just have to utilize it, which I have not. Will have to further look into that.

For anyone that uses Plantstep, what is a Hybridize Code? A code you make up your self for that particular cross?

I believe that is what it probably is.

Cat - Yes! It is whatever code YOU choose to use.

Reading this thread reminds me I need to update fading plant tags. I used the label maker on plant step before and liked the tags but they have faded terribly over time. I think I am going to switch to a P touch labeler. Any suggestions on which model to get and the best source to get it?? Looking at this

http://t.staples.com/Brother-P...

Help please

I bought this one at Staples. Had it shipped to my closest store so I didn't pay any shipping.
http://www.staples.com/office/...

Like Cat I bought the 2030 model a few years ago to replace an older model. Been very happy with it.

I have this P Touch label maker
http://www.staples.com/Brother...

LOVE IT! I got it at Office Max or Office Depot. Can't remember which one. I only paid $15 on sale, but it was probably 3 or 4 years ago. I order the replacement tape online from Costco, which is the cheapest place I've found it, and they send it right to my house.

Thanks for the input!

I am also a teacher so I am debating if it is worth the extra $ to be able to use the 1" wide tape and do up to 7 lines/custom stuff from computer. I could actually label all my hands-on/ experiment boxes and not have to open everyone....lol. I would not know what to do if I was organized!!!

One down side seems to be the amount of waste between labels. My friend says she runs a bunch of single line labels as one big long label putting just a couple spaces between each name and then hand cuts them apart.

Lisa, that is a FANTASTIC idea about making one long tape and cutting them apart! Why don't I ever think of these things? My only complaint has been the wasted tape. Now I will have no complaints!

Thanks so much for sharing that amazing tip!

I got the PT-2730
I have been playing with it and found the "chain" feature...I think this is what Tink mentioned. I set the cut margin to 0.5" and there is no waste between the tags!! The first one you do stays in part way till the next one is done. Then it feeds out and cuts. It repeats this with each!!! No wasted tape

Not sure which models have this feature but on mine it is the button that says label. Then scroll down to cut option. Then change to "chain" and press ok. Next, still in label button, scroll down to tab length and change it to desired length ( I chose 0.5"). Now ready to make labels ( multi lined if you want)

I have not set up the software yet to play with other features...maybe tomorrow, tonight I am making tags!

I just checked, and mine has Chain Print too! Mine is under the function button.

Next time I get something new, maybe I should read the directions!

Okay, I need y'all to explain a bit more to me about the label makers and the markers ....

I see that the Brother Label Makers can print up to 1" wide labels. But NOT all the label makers can do that size, only a few specific label makers can print the larger labels. Which one to print that size is the best value currently and where to get it? I also noticed that some label makers do NOT use laminated labels. So those would not be good for outdoor use. I am definitely wanting to get a label maker and markers. So am going through the process of elimination.

And also, what color do you use? I see there are several different colors of label and print ink to choose from.

I think Natalie mentioned where she found the label cartridges for cheaper. Where do you purchase your cartridges?

How many standard labels do each cartridge make approximately?

Another question is about the markers. Most of the more affordable label makers only print up to 1/2" wide labels. I assume only printing 1 line of text? More than one line of text on a 1/2" label would be pretty small text and hard to read from a standing position if you were in the garden. For EON Markers, the standard size plate is 1-1/8" x 3-1/2", so how does that look with 1/2" labels? Or do you print out 2 labels for each plant placing them one above the other on the marker plate?

And final question is about the wire height. Which height works best in your garden? I see the wires can range anywhere from 6" to 20" tall.

Does anyone have a close-up shot of a labeled marker that they have currently in their garden? I'd like to see how they look.

Sorry for the dumb questions, but I usually do some research before I purchase something that I plan to use a lot.

Becky, you could ask 5 different people and probably get 5 different preferences. With that in mind, here is how I would answer your questions:

I just bought my p-touch but I did want the option of 1" (24mm) so I chose the PT2730.

I am using white on black for named cultivars and black on white for seedlings.


My 14 yr old daughter wanted pink, so we are trying it. It states it is for indoor or outdoor use, so we will see how the pink does. I could only find that in 1/2"(12mm) size so we did 2 lines...2 and a half on this example. She likes color so her eon plates are the colored ones (smaller eon plates purchased in a coop about 4 yrs ago). She likes the shorter smaller markers.




Now me, I like the taller markers, you can always push them down further if you want them shorter.........would love to get Kincaid markers and may slowly switch over as old eons rust out.

I just purchased my tapes from Staples this first time as I wanted to get started right away. It does look like it is cheaper to buy online but I am still looking around. I think I am going to steer clear of the "generic" replacement tapes and stay with the Ptouch brand name tapes unless someone here can vouch for them...

My ramblings may or may not help. All I can do is share what I know to help you make an informed decision. Others will most likely share too. Good luck.

Lisa - THANK YOU! Your answer was extremely helpful and the photos speak a 1000 words! I love your daughter's colorful garden area and cute pink labels and colorful markers! You are so lucky to have a daughter who likes gardening too. I am working on my granddaughter .... I really appreciate your post!