Vickie, a nice reminder of this re-use of (old) mini-blinds. I would point out the permanent marker ink won't hold up outside. I think (I'm just guessing) that UV breaks that ink down. A better, much better, marker is the "Sharpie Industrial Fine Point, Super Permanent Ink". In my experience it will hold up for years inside or outside. I even use this pen to mark some of my clothing, and the ink remains washing after washing.

Ken

Great idea Ken I didn't know there was a "Super" permanent ink! The writing only had to hold up for a couple of months on my daylily crosses, so it did okay, but I will definitely check into this marker for future use. There are some other things I need to write on outside that I want to last for years and a regular permanent marker won't hold up that long. I write on the plastic handles of knives and forks and use that as a plant marker sometimes.

Thanks for the acorn tips!

Thank you Becky and Rick for the acorns!

Thanks everybody for all the thumbs!

Regular pencil lasts for years outside.

Yes it does, but I have a difficult time reading many of my penciled labels and over time, with grit accumulation, they get harder and harder to read. Of course, I have "old" eyes, so I need all the help (and glasses) I can get.

Funny how the simplest things work best. @Suga just commented on using a carpenter's pencil.

Thanks again for all the acorns and thumbs!

I've been using commercial vinyl plant tags and old Venetian blind slats for years, with excellent results. Common plastic just degrades too quickly for all but the most temporary of purposes.

Interestingly, the last set of blinds I rescued from the trash hasn't held the writing very well at all - it fades within 6 months. I don't know if it was the grade of vinyl, or maybe some kind of cleaning/waxing residue on the blinds. (I'm using Sharpie permanent markers.)

Now I mark both ends of the tag, using pencil on the above-ground end, and Sharpie markers below. Pencil never fades, but it can smear from contact with the soil.

When I need extra long-lasting tags, I cut them from aluminum cans, emboss them with a ballpoint pen, and tie them to the plant itself or a stake.

Ken
East S.F. Bay Area
USDA zone 9

Great idea Ken!