30 DIY Garden Markers with Easy Tutorials

What are Garden Markers Used for?

Before we start looking at all the gorgeous DIY garden markers, let’s talk about why we need them.

I have to confess I am not a green thumb. Hubs does the majority of the gardening and thankfully loves it. But we’re both learning how to tend a new yard and aren’t experts by any means. After just one year in this large yard, we’ve learned that remembering what is planted where can be a real challenge. When taking over a new yard, we accidentally let a few weeds grow because we had no idea if they were friend or foe. Garden labels help prevent that.

Last year Hubs planted the large vegetable garden while I was away, and later on he wasn’t 100% sure of the exact plant locations. Once that happens, it’s impossible to give specific care to each group of seedlings. With garden markers, you can map out what you have and give plants the care they need. This is especially helpful for new gardeners.

I also like the idea of labeling plants as you go, using larger garden markers at the end of each row. Then you can tie a string between the markers so the seeds are planted nice and straight. Hubs may “decline” my need for organization in what is his vegetable garden, but I’m going to try and convince him. Having garden markers ready to go feels like a good first step.

DIY Garden Markers

Garden Markers for Herb Gardens

Although I am still no great green thumb, I do have more experience growing herbs than vegetables. With herb gardens, it can take a little while to tell the different plants apart until they get larger. Most herbs are green and leafy, and when they are small it’s easy to forget which is which.

Having everything clearly labelled also makes it easier to ask someone else to go snip what you need. I definitely don’t want to accidentally put stevia in a spaghetti sauce.

More DIY Garden Marker Ideas

Last year we were more focused on the large DIY renovations than we were on the yard. But I did at least manage to place the purchased plant label in a plastic Ziploc and cover it with a rock for the season. This year we need to do something much nicer for our large yard. I thought a great way to get started was to look at as many different DIY garden markers as I could find.

Garden Markers for Flower Beds

Our new home came with five or six flower gardens, and we had no idea what was where or if anything was planted at all. Even the simplest garden markers from the previous owners would have made such a difference for both us and the plants. We had to wait until everything grew and became recognizable before planting a rose or a peony, and unfortunately, I know I destroyed a lily or two because I didn’t realize they were already there.

These DIY garden markers would work in any garden, but for flower beds I prefer something that blends in a little more and doesn’t stand out as much.

How to Make Plant Markers Last

How long your DIY plant markers last in your garden depends on several factors, including your climate. Paper labels can last surprisingly well if they are laminated, while wood markers hold up much better when sealed. If you have exterior paint available, it will last longer than acrylic or craft paint.

Most of the tutorials include directions for protecting your garden markers, but at a minimum, I would add a clear exterior polyacrylic sealer. Any plant markers I make also need to be brought indoors over the winter.

Whether you prefer something rustic, playful, or simple, there are so many ways to make your own DIY garden markers. Now that we’ve seen how helpful they are, I know I’ll be adding a few to our garden this year.

Other Gardening Posts to Check Out

Like I said, a large yard is new to us, but I did make the most out of the small urban yard we had.