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Last updated: 11 Nov 2021

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The Best Plant Markers To Organize Your Garden

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One of the most rewarding skills to learn as a gardener is being able to instantly recognize, at a glance, the species of the plant that you're looking at. Of course, this takes months, if not years of gardening, and even experienced hobbyists still have trouble differentiating certain plants from one another. So, until you're able to tell the difference between one plant from another, you'll need the help of some visual markers and indicators. And that's what having high-quality plant markers is for!

Plant markers are a novice gardener's best friend. They're especially important during the period before germination, as you'll have zero clue without any markers where you planted your seeds until they start sprouting. Plant markers can also help when you still can't tell the difference between two matured plants, or if you're simply a forgetful person. Here are the top plant markers to keep track of your garden.

Here are the best plant marker of 2021

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THE SCOOP

This first plant marker is fairly straightforward. It's a set of fifty, so you'll have enough to label all the different types of plants, and you can even name some of them individually if you've got a few to spare. The labels are made out of wood and are very easy to write on with a marker, and you'll be able to set everything up in a matter of seconds. One side of the label is pointed, and that's because you're supposed to drive that end into the soil.

Because of how simple these labels are, they're great as temporary markers. You can track the progress of certain plants and write them down on the label, replacing them as necessary. Unfortunately, because you have to drive the pointed end down to the ground unless you're writing perpendicular to the label, the words will be shown sideways, making them a little more difficult to read at a glance.

Pros

Simple design
Easy to write on

Cons

Can be tricky to read words sideways

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THE SCOOP

Made out of bamboo, these plant labels are very similar in appearance to the previous markers. However, there's a key difference: the shape. Instead of being a wooden stick with a pointy end, this label is a lot more carefully made, with a neat little rectangular area for the label and a long base to plant the marker in the soil. This solves the main issue of the previous label, as you can now read the names easily.

Because of the nature of the material, the bamboo marker looks great when placed in soil. However, since it's made out of organic material, the label will degrade and deteriorate over time, so it's not great as a permanent marker for years to come. It is, however, nice to have for potted plant inside your home, as the environment inside is not nearly as destructive to the marker as it is outside.

Pros

Easy to read labels
Bamboo aesthetic

Cons

Not for long-term use

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THE SCOOP

Plastic is a long-lasting material, unlike bamboo or wood, for better or worse. In this case, however, it's a good thing, as it'll stay in good condition for long periods of time. The labels are available in many different colors, an advantage of having the labels made out of plastic. There are red, blue, yellow, green, black, white, and even mixed options available so you can color-code your garden to your liking.

The plastic is easy to write on, and its tipped bottom makes it easily sit in the soil. Since the markers are made of plastic, it's good to only use them when necessary, and try not to have them as temporary labels whenever possible, since plastic takes decades to degrade.

Pros

Comes in many colors
Easy to write on

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THE SCOOP

Our last two markers for your plants on this list are metal-based and are the ideal plant markers for permanent use. Metal is known to last for a long, long time, and even something as simple as a plant marker will be able to withstand both rains and shine in your garden. These markers come in a set of 30, each of which is made out of copper, giving your garden a nice luxurious-looking touch.

Because metal plant markers last so long, they're especially useful for pet plants that you keep in your bedroom or indoor plants in your home. The labels can go pretty deep into the soil, and you can either have them close to the ground or as high up as possible for better visibility. If the label is too tall for your pot, we recommend cutting off the bottom part of the marker with a tool so that it'll fit better.

Pros

Good quality
Long-lasting

Cons

Not usable in shallow pots without adjustments

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THE SCOOP

Finally, let's take a look at a plant marker that's made out of zinc. Zinc is a nice alternative to copper, as it's much cleaner and simpler. It's also easier to spot in a garden full of green and brown colors thanks to its silver-like shine. Since it's made out of zinc, you can bet that the marker will be weatherproof, and it'll retain anything you write on it with a permanent marker. There are no pens included in this purchase, though, so you'll have to buy one separately.

The labels are tilted at an angle so that you can easily read them while standing up, and because it's made out of metal, you can adjust the angle it tilts in using a tool as well. There are 25-pack, 50-pack, and 100-pack options available, so pick the amount that you believe is enough for your garden.

Pros

Made with zinc
Easy to read while standing

Cons

Difficult to erase markings once written on

Best Plant Markers Buying Guide

Plant markers help you remember where you planted what. This guide should help you figure out the right marker for your garden.

What is a Plant Marker?

A plant marker is a sign or label placed in the soil or ground to indicate the presence of a certain plant. These are used either to mark the location of ungerminated seeds or to label existing and matured plants that can be difficult to recognize.

Why Is It Important to Have a Plant Marker?

You'll know where your seeds are

Until those seeds grow, it's very easy to forget where you planted them, especially if you have a large garden. Markers placed beside seeds can help you keep track of where they are at all times, and you'll know where to keep an eye on in the weeks to come.

You can remember the names of plants

Not everybody can remember the names of their plants, and if you're one with an especially bad memory, a marker for your plants can give you at least a hint of the name to really help jog your memory.

Things to Consider When Buying a Plant Marker

Keep these things in mind when choosing a plant marker.

Material

The materials of a plant marker can vary. Some are made out of wood, which looks great in a garden, but can easily get dirty and decompose over time. Plastic is a more long-term solution but isn't very environmentally friendly. Finally, there are metal markers that are made to last but are also pretty pricey. Choose a material that fits both your needs and your budget.

Amount

Don't spend your money on too many plant markers, but don't cheap out and buy too few, either. In general, you'll want to buy enough to be able to label all of your plants as well as have a few in reserve for future plants. It doesn't hurt to throw in a few extras, too, just for emergencies.

Plant Markers Price Range

Plant markers are fairly cheap and can cost you less than $10 if you're getting a wooden or plastic set. Metal markers will cost you more, but don't expect to spend any more than $30 on a good set of markers.

Plant Marker FAQ

Q: Where should I place my plant marker?

A: Place your markers beside or in front of your plants to help you recognize them at a glance.

Q: Should I use plant markers for seeds?

A: You don't need to, but if you have a large garden and have trouble keeping track of all your seeds, then markers can help you stay organized and prepared.

Q: Are plant markers made to last?

A: Some markers for plants are made with materials that can last years outside, whereas others are better suited for temporary labelings, such as those made out of wood.

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The Garden Gate Review Team's product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best products for a beautiful and bountiful garden and backyard. The content is created by The Garden Gate Review Team. Garden Gate's editorial staff is not involved. Garden Gate is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.