Plant Markers

This is one of those very simple projects that will leave everyone wondering, “Why didn’t I think of that?” It will also add color and plenty of interest to your garden; all while informing visitors what exactly you have growing. Why pay for expensive plant markers when the ones you make are so much more enjoyable?

Here’s what you will need:

• Old butter knives
• Steel wool
• Dish soap
• Water
• Broad line DecoColor weatherproof paint marker, broad line, any color
• Thin line DecoColor weatherproof paint marker, thin line, black

1.  First, wash the knives in dish soap and water, scrubbing with steel wool, making sure that they are cleaned thoroughly. Dry.
2. Next, color one side of your knife with the broad line marker. If the knife is plain, color the whole side. If it is decorated, color just a portion of it, working around the decorations. I used DecoColor brand paint markers. They look similar to regular markers, but with a metal casing. I found mine at my local craft store. If you can’t find the DecoColor brand, any paint marker that is waterproof, or oil-based model paint would work as well.
3. When the colored paint is dry, use the black marker to write the plant’s name. If your knife is plain, it makes it look nicer if you also add ‘stitching’ or other drawings to it.
4. Let the knives dry for 24 hours before poking them into the ground. This allows them to cure properly.
5. If you bring in the knives before the freezing temperatures arrive, they should last a long time.

If you do not see the table at the left, please click here.