We have been needing some garden markers to mark all our different vegetables, especially the tomatoes since we have over 20 varieties currently growing. I really liked this one from Terrain and this one that Stephanie brought over from France, but sold rather quickly in her shop, so with a little inspiration from both, I made my own. This was actually part of Ben’s father’s day surprise (I will tell you about it tomorrow). Ben was very happy to have something to mark all his, I mean our, tomatoes! It all looks especially pretty in the garden.
materials:
– 10” paint stirrers
– chalkboard paint (or black paint)
– 1” paint brush
– white china marker (grease pencil)
The easy peasy directions: Paint all the paint stirrers (back, front, and sides) with chalkboard paint (I think using black paint would work just as well, since you aren’t using chalk). Let dry before painting each side. Apply two coats. Voila! Easy, right?
I found the china marker, which is typically used to mark glass, at a local art store.
We then packaged it up nicely as part of Ben’s father’s day gift.
The china marker writes and stays nicely on the paint. Water will not remove the writing, but when it does need to be removed, just wipe off with some baby oil and a piece of cloth or paper towel. Thus, your garden marker can be used over and over again!
Doesn’t it look so sweet there in front of the tomato plant?
And as I was writing out the garden markers, I noticed that some tomato plants have some pretty rad names… Like Cherokee Purple or Pink Firefly tomatoes! Who knew tomato names were so cool and pretty themselves?!!
This was such an easy little project (that I ended up making 60 of them) and is perfect for any garden or as a gift for garden loving friend!
p.s. ben informs me i spelled one of the tomato names wrong. it is dr. wyche’s with a y, not a v. oh well. good thing this is not a spelling tomato names tutorial!
i don't even garden but this DIY-idea is def. inspiring…and so cuuuute! happy summer.
I love this! If I had a garden as amazing as yours, I would be all over this project. Way cool!
Erin
http://www.frundy.com
oh cherokee purples are my favorite! so purpley and tomatoey! the markers are really well thought out–you can reuse them every year, but whip up some more if you loose them. I never want to buy nice ones, because well, you have to stick them in the dirt after all. these are definitly on my list.
cute idea!! i've been wanting some markers for my herb garden, but didn't want to spend the money, i should try something like this!
Thanks for sharing! This is a fabulous idea!
Oooo, great idea! I only have 3 varieties of tomatoes, but someday when I have the room for over 20 varieties, I'll definitely make these…
this is a great idea! i used popsicle sticks and a sharpie this year because i was in hurry. but i love this idea!
LOVE these! I need to make some!
You are so clever! I might well snaffle this idea for my garden…
Cx
I've always thought that plant markers look so lame when they are white or normal wood color. I love what you did with them! It would be a great addition to a gift basket for the birthday of someone who loves gardening!
Thanks for the nice idea. 🙂
You rock my world! I just planted our very first garden TODAY (and may I also mention that I am 9 months pregnant and trying to make this baby come already!!!) and I was searching for a cool idea for the plant markers. This rocks!!! I have chalkboard spray paint and a bazillion paint stirrers! I will be doing this tomorrow…Thanks sooo much!!
fantastic tutorial! Will definitely be trying this
Wow thats amazing, I seriously thought you were writing with chalk but hearing that this marker can stay on even in wet conditions. That's great.
I was reading this post and my husband, looking over my shoulder, asked “Are they tombstones for vegetables?”
“No, they're garden markers, you dill.”
“Oh yes, very funny.”
“Oh you, got that – I was wondering if you would.”
“I would have got it in the fullness of thyme…”
This is sweet and simple genius. I'm sharing it on my blog later today, you've inspired me! Thank you (:
Wow, this is a fantastic idea! I am a painter and have a bajillion of these stir sticks around and I hate the little flimsy markers I have been using for my veggie garden. Mostly I find them flying around my yard! I am going to steal this idea, tomorrow! Thank you for sharing!
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