Who uses a label maker to print labels for use outdoors on the metal plant markers? It seems my existing garden marker pen wears off. I wouldn't mind colored labels so that I can see them better and quicker. When I first starting WS, I saw where somebody had used them on their labels they put inside the milk jugs but don't recall who that was now.

I didn't know which forum to post this question.

(I moved it to our general gardening forum for you)

In Florida, there is NO kind of marker or pen that lasts in our sun. Ditto with milk jugs, plastic utensils, old miniblinds, etc. I use aluminum can strips and label them using ball point pen. The impression lasts a lifetime. In ten years, I have never had to make a duplicate label. They last forever. A professional gardener showed me how the first time in his garage and I am forever grateful. Follow this link to instructions: http://forums.gardenweb.com/fo... Have fun - you will love them!

Carol

I have never used a label maker. I've tried the cheap copper lables, they've rusted badly in a year.

I use plastic labels written with paint pen. Paint pens don't fade, even after years of sun. Problem is, my labels either blow away in our wind, or get totally buried so I can't find them, or they get broken. Much of that comes from being stomped by deer I think.

Karen

After years of using a Sharpie marker on plastic labels, none of which I could then read at the end of the growing season, I finally (last year) bought an inexpensive Brother P-touch labeler and made labels for my tomatoes and peppers that I stuck onto old mini-blind slats -- they lasted through the entire season without any fading at all, so I can use them over this year. Since that's just one year of use so far, I can't say how long they would last for more permanent plantings, but I think I'll try putting some on metal markers to use in my perennial flower bed.

im using an old fashioned Grease pencil on mini blinds and my tin markers,you can scrub it off,and it dosent fade...Soo far...not nearly as neat as a label,what do you cover the paper label with ?? going to try the Paint pen ..

Tamara, paint pens work great, never fade. You just have to make sure that it's a paint pen, not a regular marker. Most, I think, say something like "oil based paint".

Any "permanent" marker fades for me, but not paint pens. They sell them here at Michael's crafts, Hobby Lobby, and most art and hobby stores, I think.

Karen

We use the Ptouch with the metal markers. I can't tell you how long they last yet, but I have some that are over 2 years, and still look perfect in our TX sun.

I've used paint pens, but only on the backs of the markers, so I can't say for sure what they will do on the front. My handwriting never looks quite as good as the Ptouch

Trish said: My handwriting never looks quite as good as the Ptouch

Yeah, it was really nice last year that the people I gave plants to didn't have to keep asking "WHAT does this say??"

Tamara (I think it was you asking about covering the paper labels), the P-touch label tape is laminated and "plasticky", and very water resistant; mine lasted through all the weather during the growing season, and just recently I took the markers that i had saved and threw them into the sink with soapy water to clean them, with no problem whatsoever.

Hmmm,ijust bought a label maker for thr grandkids for Christmas...and a laminator ....was a giant box filled with Crafting items,everything I could think of was in that box...They loved it....I think I need to barrow the Label maker...

I used to have a ton of paint pens all colors ....they dried up...I never had a use for them ...until now ??? what a shame...

My handwriting is AWFUL on my markers too....I hate that...LOL...maybe Ill buy myself that label maker...

I have several markers with those labels that have lasted over a year now ....Fruitofthevine use`s one....I wondered ...Now I know...lol

I will buy one...gk live too far away for me to borrow often...LOL...ptouch...here i come

old eyeliner pencils work in a pinch too..kinda like a grease pencil,dont fade....just dont use it outside when its hot...thay melt...

try this site--
http://littlehouseinthesuburbs...

I don't write backwards like they do, but just indent the aluminum with a ball point pen.

That's a fun idea! We don't drink usually soda, but you know...for a good experiment, might as well try, right?!??!

I also saw using aluminium duct tape- same concept.

I'm thinking of doing several different options for an article.

I used to use cut up yogurt cups and cottage cheese containers too, and write with paint pens. My husband said they looked like grave markers for my plants.


The first time I wintersowed, I was very sick all summer, had 3 major surgeries and a few minor ones, too. My husband planted all of my wintersown seedlings for me. When I finally made it to the garden I found all kinds of things


Karen

I think there's a moral to that story somewhere, Karen!

Cute...

duane456 said:try this site--
http://littlehouseinthesuburbs...

I don't write backwards like they do, but just indent the aluminum with a ball point pen.

I posted the same thing back on April 15th, but it seemed like no one saw it.

Sorry Carol

Those are wonderful,but Id never beable to read my own backwards writting.. Cant hardly read my normal writting... Im gonna stick with sticky labels ...and a printer... i just dont have the Pretty hand writing,to make those soo cool...But I love them

Hugger,

Just like I said before - I don't write backwards on the aluminum tags - never have. I write the normal way on the front using a ballpoint pen. They last forever. Everything else in this thread I have tried but it doesn't last in Florida. The aluminum cans tags are the solution - they do. I have NEVER had to replace one since I started using them in 2006. They are the BOMB!

Carol