A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 HOW DOES ONE MARK A MARKER/

HOPE I AM IN THE CORRECT PLACE?

MY QUESTION.. I PUT MARKERS OUTSIDE AND WRITE THE NAMES ON THEM WITH MAJIC MARKER.. AND THEY DISAPPEAR FROM THE SUN AND RAIN.. (THE WRITING, OF COURSE)..

WHAT TYPE OF MARKER DO YOU FOLKS SUGGEST? I HAVE SO MANY LOVELY plants growing, AND NEED TO LABEL THEM .....

THANKS........
DODGE

a sharpie marker with tape over the writing will last a good long while.

aluminum pie plates cut into strips work great for marking plants.use a pen or a pointed stick to put the name on it.it leaves a impression in the aluminum so you can read it.hope this helps you.your friend in gardening.mike57

Yes, the Sharpie Permanent Markers are a must and the printing stays on for a long time.

Another thing that I've found works great for a plant marker is to collect the disposable plastic knives when we have a picnic, then I write on the handle and put the other end in the ground.

patches

I use exterior paint and paint on small rocks, I got a pic floating around here somewhere. Let me see if I can drag it up.

I bought a bunch of shims and a wood burner. Now my markers stay marked. But I know what you mean about disappearing ink.

THANKS..EVERY ONE WINS.
NOW Jiffemouse. what type of tape? Scotch?
MIKE....so clever, aluminum and pen to press on it.....
PATCHES...plastic knives.. good idea.. I am using forks for stakes right now.;o)
MELON..ROCKS .. REALLY ROCK ME .. WE HAVE MANY.
What do you write with>
TKHOOPER..What are shims? Explain.. How do you write on them?
THANK YOU, ALL THE ABOVE.. GOOD IDEAS INDEED.


DODGE

Shims are pieces of wood that are narrow on the bottom and wider on top. You can ask for them at lowes or home depot. You can get a bunch for very little cost. I wrote on them using the fine wood burning tip. So the came of the plant is burned into the wood. That way I never have to worry about it fading away. I suppose I could have used fancier wood but I have little money and shims are very cheap.

TK

SOUNDS GOOD.......NOW MY WOOD BURNER IS BROKE..

lIKE THEY SAY, CAN'T WIN THEM ALL.
mAYBE I CAN INVENT A PAINT PEN. TAKE A BASTER
AN FILL IT WITH PAINT.......NOW WHO CAN TELL ME HOW TO MAKE IT SMALLER AT THE BOTTOM LIKE A PEN?
MAYBE I CAN ATTACH AN ICING TUBE OF SOME SORT .. OR MAYBE A PLASTIC TUBE OUT OF A SPRAY BOTTLE???


tHANKS
Tk

DODGE IS DREAMING OUT LOUD.

I like the shim idea...I'll have to get me a wood burner. I have the same problem with the ink disappearing.
I volunteer at the University garden here and I have access to the machine that writes on metal plant markers, so I made some for my really special plants.

i use clear packing tape. sticks better/longer

Thanks Jiffy

One neighbor puts all the tags into a plastic bag and ties it........eek.
I am hunting short cuts......

doge

they make a paint pen or paint marker.they are sold in many stores but the best bet to find them is some place they sell plastic model cars.they will be in the model car paint section.and they come in many colors.i have some here but have never thought to use them to mark plants.guess i will have to give it a try.

Thanks Mike,

I will hunt for a place like that.. I thought we had some here, years ago......But didnt know if they still existed......


dodge

I STORE I SHOPPED AT this store, it had 200 colored cheerio type sticks, for a dollar........i got those ,
and think I can write on them with pen and pencil.. Hope the dye doesnt run..;o)

dodge ..thanks again, gang..(you have a nice place here)

ooo the shims thing sounds like a good idea! Since I plan to have a perfectly extravagrant garden I suppose I'll have to get something like that!

If it's going to be extravagent I'd think rotary tool and do a cut out for the names and then stain it real nice. If you painted them black they would look like wrought iron. Wouldn't that be cool. But it sure would take some time. Of course it would make a great winter project.

hi,

happened to me also...i guess that s why they call it a magic marker!

thanks for posting this queation.

Franny

A china marking crayon works well and will not fade or wash away

but be careful with the china markers, they smudge.

I finally found my paint marker (like Mike mentioned). It's called "Brite Mark valve action paint marker," and it's actually paint not ink like a Sharpie, so it really lasts. It says manufactured by Mark-Tex, Olatha, KS. It also has the name Dykem on it. I've been very happy with it.

sandy....

Where did you find the marker/

we used to have some with Paint.. Cannot find one now..
Thanks
Dodge

At my local Horrocks; it's a mid-sized family business here in Michigan. They have an incredible plant nursery, gift area and small grocery with unique stuff. Don't know if they have them in PA. BUT - here you go! http://www.durablesupply.com/britemark40.html

Sandra,

thanks for the info......Looks like a great item. But no Horrocks store here in Penna.

It is even hard to find a Hardware store in our area....Don't know why? I guess walmarts and Lowes have replaced them??????/


I am still looking.......One hates to shop online, because of the postage.

Thanks alot.

dodge

Over the years I have tried everything from cheap to expensive. This year I decided to use flat rocks and acrylic paint (green). If the name is too long for a rock, I use firewood and paint the name on it. Both work well in my garden as it has been declare a Natural Wildlife Habitat.