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Google
Garden Markers - the results are in
+10
SFG in Chicago
camprn
pattipan
akameswaran
Garden Angel
Retired Member 1
acara
middlemamma
boffer
Chopper
14 posters
Page 1 of 2
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Garden Markers - the results are in
At the beginning of the season I bought a bunch of plastic markers. Not being content with letting things be, and already witness to losing magic marker to sun and water, I decided to paint them green and use a gold pen to write with.
I used three different kinds of paint; artist acrylic, one that I actually forget, and spray paint. The acrylic did OK, the other one did awfully and the spray paint was the hardiest. Any tagger knows that I guess. I liked the yellow green of the first two but the bluer green of the spray paint works just fine. I did not prep the plastic with anything special.
See results. Cucumber is the spray paint and Tomato was the acrylic and Cilantro was the forgotten one:
I used three different kinds of paint; artist acrylic, one that I actually forget, and spray paint. The acrylic did OK, the other one did awfully and the spray paint was the hardiest. Any tagger knows that I guess. I liked the yellow green of the first two but the bluer green of the spray paint works just fine. I did not prep the plastic with anything special.
See results. Cucumber is the spray paint and Tomato was the acrylic and Cilantro was the forgotten one:
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
Kewl
I've been cleaning mine with acetone. Some clean up well, some don't. So, if I spray paint them with ?? I should be able to write on them with Sharpies? (I'm thinking practical, not cutsie)
I've got 1x2 stakes that I use as markers that I re-paint every year. I could just as easily paint the plastic tags too.
I've been cleaning mine with acetone. Some clean up well, some don't. So, if I spray paint them with ?? I should be able to write on them with Sharpies? (I'm thinking practical, not cutsie)
I've got 1x2 stakes that I use as markers that I re-paint every year. I could just as easily paint the plastic tags too.
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
You calling my markers cutsie? Not macho enough I guess! LOL
My idea was to make enough of these over a season or three to have a pretty permanent collection and not have to fuss with it again. I used valspar plastic spray paint, interior/exterior in Hunter Green. FWIW. My problem was that I did not have the sharpie ink last very well on the plastic, but I did not try sharpies on the paint, the gold pen is a lot more liquid - like paint.
My idea was to make enough of these over a season or three to have a pretty permanent collection and not have to fuss with it again. I used valspar plastic spray paint, interior/exterior in Hunter Green. FWIW. My problem was that I did not have the sharpie ink last very well on the plastic, but I did not try sharpies on the paint, the gold pen is a lot more liquid - like paint.
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
The gold one was probbaly a paint pen? You shake it up and it sounds like a mini paint can?
middlemamma-
- Posts : 2264
Join date : 2010-04-25
Age : 46
Location : Idaho Panhandle
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
middlemamma wrote:The gold one was probbaly a paint pen? You shake it up and it sounds like a mini paint can?
Yes, and the result is pretty hardy given the intense sun and hard water it experiences. It's a keeper.
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
FWIW...
Garden Marker pens are about $3.00
The markers themselves are available from .75/each for nice plastic, , .50-75 for copper to $1.30 each for stainless, $6.00/each for the ones you can print your own labels for off your computer, to $12.00 each for colored stainless steel that is laser engraved.
Orion makes the ones that a lot of folks use for the Orchid & plant shows down here & they do them in a lot of different materials.
Orion
Garden Marker pens are about $3.00
The markers themselves are available from .75/each for nice plastic, , .50-75 for copper to $1.30 each for stainless, $6.00/each for the ones you can print your own labels for off your computer, to $12.00 each for colored stainless steel that is laser engraved.
Orion makes the ones that a lot of folks use for the Orchid & plant shows down here & they do them in a lot of different materials.
Orion
acara- Posts : 1012
Join date : 2010-08-27
Age : 54
Location : Wesley Chapel, Florida (Zone 9)
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
Thanks, chopper, for the comparisons. I used plastic teaspoons and a sharpie pen. The teaspoons are doing great but the writing is completely gone from all of them. Didn't know about a special marker for outdoors/garden, so will look for that for next year.
Retired Member 1- Posts : 904
Join date : 2010-03-03
Location : USA
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
Well, I now know what to get you guys for Christmas
acara- Posts : 1012
Join date : 2010-08-27
Age : 54
Location : Wesley Chapel, Florida (Zone 9)
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
Belfry, what a great idea ! love it , I have a pack I got at the dollar store for my son's lunches with yogurt, but never thought of using them for markers !
Garden Angel- Posts : 247
Join date : 2010-05-17
Location : zone 8b, SoCal
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
I would love a garden pen/marker in white. If it lasted I would be in heaven.
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
Let me just preface this ny saying this is my first year trying the SFG method - and I am not being snarky. I've had a pretty good year, but I have tons still to learn, and if I can find a gotcha before it gets me - so much the better.
But what is the practical benefit of the markers? The only confusion I've run into this year, is when I'm doing two varieties of the same veggie (ie both types of carrots look the same) Even with my spinach I can tell at a glance which is the savoy.
The being said, I do keep a sheet of paper with the layout of my squares what was planted and when. I keep that in the sun room that's been part room part garden shed, so I've always got that nearby. Comes in handy with the little sprouts, although I don't really treat one type of sprout any different. Until they get their real leaves I pretty much keep it moist, and weeded.
Or are the markers more to show off for guests and so they can tell what you're growing? I wouldn't mind that at all, as I show off every chance I get
But what is the practical benefit of the markers? The only confusion I've run into this year, is when I'm doing two varieties of the same veggie (ie both types of carrots look the same) Even with my spinach I can tell at a glance which is the savoy.
The being said, I do keep a sheet of paper with the layout of my squares what was planted and when. I keep that in the sun room that's been part room part garden shed, so I've always got that nearby. Comes in handy with the little sprouts, although I don't really treat one type of sprout any different. Until they get their real leaves I pretty much keep it moist, and weeded.
Or are the markers more to show off for guests and so they can tell what you're growing? I wouldn't mind that at all, as I show off every chance I get
akameswaran- Posts : 22
Join date : 2010-09-11
Location : East Coast Zone 6/7
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
Markers are for me. I actually forget what I planted where. And being more of an artist than an engineer, I prefer something attractive as long as I have it on hand and it is convenient. So, yes, once it is looking like it should, then I really don't need them. However, my 5 year old grandson used them when he was asked to go pick some cilantro. He used the markers to find it where the rest of us would have just known.
Also, in cleared out beds I do not always plant the whole bed at once and it helps me to remember which I did and which I didn't. I do have a grid on my computer where I keep track. but once I turn around and leave my room and walk downstairs and face the other way - who remembers? I have some free squares I may plant now rather than wait and those will need markers too so I do not double plant.
Also, in cleared out beds I do not always plant the whole bed at once and it helps me to remember which I did and which I didn't. I do have a grid on my computer where I keep track. but once I turn around and leave my room and walk downstairs and face the other way - who remembers? I have some free squares I may plant now rather than wait and those will need markers too so I do not double plant.
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
Almost makes me wish I had kids so I could send em in to "help"
It's funny you mention artist/engineer. I am an engineer by day. Still the more I think about it, some nice markers would be a way to dress up the place. It might also deny me the pleasure of answering the "What's in this box" question.
It's funny you mention artist/engineer. I am an engineer by day. Still the more I think about it, some nice markers would be a way to dress up the place. It might also deny me the pleasure of answering the "What's in this box" question.
akameswaran- Posts : 22
Join date : 2010-09-11
Location : East Coast Zone 6/7
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
Some folks go crazy making notes and collecting data. I'm the opposite: 95% of what I record is on plant markers or seed packages. I have no idea why I took this picture, but here is one of several hundred markers.
It tells me everything I need to know to monitor the performance of that square and to decide whether to grow that particular seed again. You probably do the same thing on your waterproof chart. For me, plant markers are as important as grids.
It tells me everything I need to know to monitor the performance of that square and to decide whether to grow that particular seed again. You probably do the same thing on your waterproof chart. For me, plant markers are as important as grids.
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
For those of us who aren't master gardeners (and kill stuff by accident all the time) ... The marker tells me when I planted it, or re-planted it, or re-re-planted it....... which helps manage my expectations (so I don't rip it out and plant something else, if it's not growing to my expectations) ..... which helps me to avoid needing a marker to know not to rip it out when it's not meeting my expectation
Wash-rinse-repeat .... it's a cycle of madness
The other thing I use them for is to keep track of what I've done to the plant. I can't maintain a regular garden schedule, due to my work/life/family schedule, so I rarely get the time to work a "task" to completion with all the plants in the garden(s).
It's great to plan to apply Epsom every Tues, fertilize every Wed, BT Spray every other Thurs, NEEM on Fri ....... but that's rarely my reality, so I use markers to keep track of what ask has been done to each plant (as opposed to running in & checking the computer everytime I'm in there).
I have my task listed on the marker & put a checkmark/date in the box next to the task
when I do it ....so then I know where to pick-up from the next time I get a free moment to work in the garden.
Wash-rinse-repeat .... it's a cycle of madness
The other thing I use them for is to keep track of what I've done to the plant. I can't maintain a regular garden schedule, due to my work/life/family schedule, so I rarely get the time to work a "task" to completion with all the plants in the garden(s).
It's great to plan to apply Epsom every Tues, fertilize every Wed, BT Spray every other Thurs, NEEM on Fri ....... but that's rarely my reality, so I use markers to keep track of what ask has been done to each plant (as opposed to running in & checking the computer everytime I'm in there).
I have my task listed on the marker & put a checkmark/date in the box next to the task
when I do it ....so then I know where to pick-up from the next time I get a free moment to work in the garden.
acara- Posts : 1012
Join date : 2010-08-27
Age : 54
Location : Wesley Chapel, Florida (Zone 9)
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
I am no master gardener - just planting such a variety, you really can't fail to tell the difference And since I never plant things from the same family in adjacent squares it's also a little easier.
Now it makes more sense! The more decorative ones, which look real nice by the way, seem less practical. I think having the sun room, with a table, pens and the chart 2 feet away from my garden, makes using my sheet very easy. Although - I end up rewriting the sheet every couple of weeks as we change our minds on what we are doing in each square. I may just pick up a few blank white markers and the right pen and try out that method fora couple of boxes next year.
Now it makes more sense! The more decorative ones, which look real nice by the way, seem less practical. I think having the sun room, with a table, pens and the chart 2 feet away from my garden, makes using my sheet very easy. Although - I end up rewriting the sheet every couple of weeks as we change our minds on what we are doing in each square. I may just pick up a few blank white markers and the right pen and try out that method fora couple of boxes next year.
akameswaran- Posts : 22
Join date : 2010-09-11
Location : East Coast Zone 6/7
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
A money saving tip someone mentioned earlier this year: cottage cheese and yogurt containers can be cut vertically to make plastic strips that are perfect for practical plant markers. And there's no guilt for throwing them away at the end of the season.
Sharpie pens work fine for me, but I do sometimes face the writing north to prevent fading from the sun.
Sharpie pens work fine for me, but I do sometimes face the writing north to prevent fading from the sun.
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
boffer wrote:A money saving tip someone mentioned earlier this year: cottage cheese and yogurt containers can be cut vertically to make plastic strips that are perfect for practical plant markers. And there's no guilt for throwing them away at the end of the season.
Sharpie pens work fine for me, but I do sometimes face the writing north to prevent fading from the sun.
Sharpie makes an industrial- grade marker that is UV resistant and writes on plastic. I found them at Staples office supply. I use the cottage cheese carton cut-outs too!
Sharpie Industrial marker
pattipan
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
My other hobby is glass fusing. I made some plant markers out of thrift store knives & forks. The name is written in glass enamel and fired on & is fused to the glass permanently. I think I will make some blank ones also and try writing on them with a china marker or the industrial Sharpie. Since I have the Worlds Smallest Garden (only 1 box for now), these are more decorative than functional for me.
Sorry, not the best photo. (click on thumbnail)
Sorry, not the best photo. (click on thumbnail)
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
Chicago:
Oh NO! Now I will have to find a local college that teaches crafts and glass fusing. I love it!
God Bless, Ward.
Oh NO! Now I will have to find a local college that teaches crafts and glass fusing. I love it!
God Bless, Ward.
WardinWake
Certified SFG Instructor- Posts : 935
Join date : 2010-02-26
Age : 73
Location : Wake, VA
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
Chicago, how great! What a great addition to your garden. Wish we were in a postion to try glass fusing.
Furbalsmom- Posts : 3141
Join date : 2010-06-10
Age : 77
Location : Coastal Oregon, Zone 9a, Heat Zone 2 :(
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
I agree..you could definitely sell those.
middlemamma-
- Posts : 2264
Join date : 2010-04-25
Age : 46
Location : Idaho Panhandle
Re: Garden Markers - the results are in
Thanks! Right now I have no venue for selling my stuff, but I really want to. These plant markers are are quick & easy and inexpensive to make. If anyone is interested in taking a peek at my other stuff you can check out my site. www.glassfever.net (Hopefully I'm not breaking any rules posting my site, I don't sell from there.)
Ward, I'm mostly self taught. I'm still just a beginner, really. It sure is a lot of fun, but the equipment is expensive!
Sorry to hijack the plant marker thread!
Virginia
Ward, I'm mostly self taught. I'm still just a beginner, really. It sure is a lot of fun, but the equipment is expensive!
Sorry to hijack the plant marker thread!
Virginia
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