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Permanent plant labelling

madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
in Tools and techniques
I need to renew most of my plant labels before they fade and break completely.
I currently use white plastic labels and permanent marker.
This works well for a year or two but now needs to be done again.
I have just read that coating the label with clear nail varnish after writing can help.
Has any one done this and does it work?
“Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
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  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    This triggered a memory of another thread here a while ago which should help you @madpenguin: 

    plant labels — BBC Gardeners' World Magazine (gardenersworld.com)

    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    Thanks Plantminded.
    I have tried the clear nail varnish over permanent marker and that did not work at all.
    It just smudged all the lettering even after the lettering had dried for a few hours!
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I use a labelling machine with stick on tape which I attach to plastic labels. They degrade eventually due to sunshine quicker than the tape does but they do last for maybe five years or so.  I find I can read them better, even without my glasses on but it's not a cheap option however.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    There seems to be so many options but nothing is really 'permanent'.
    I think probably the best thing is just to go round every year and replace anything that is worn,brittle etc.
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355
    White chalk pen on black plastic labels are still clear and legible in their 3rd season. Nothing on white or wooden labels has ever come close to matching that. Copper labels etc are permanent but too expensive for me.
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • CrankyYankeeCrankyYankee Posts: 504
    My mother uses outdoor/mailing labels run through a laserjet printer.  She sticks them on the metal garden tags and they last for years.  It's something she discovered when she worked for a woman in our town who has a massive daylily collection and that's what she and her husband used.  For the plants that my mother sells, she collects broken Venetian blinds from people and cuts them up to use as markers, and writes on them with a Sharpie.  I don't generally use labels because I don't like how they look and I'm an overall terrible gardener. 
    New England, USA
    Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    That's interesting @CrankyYankee, are the labels paper based or plastic coated?

    I've done the same thing using old venetian blinds, works a treat.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • CrankyYankeeCrankyYankee Posts: 504
    @Lizzie27 I believe they're paper-based, they are Avery labels for outdoors.
    New England, USA
    Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
  • Mrs-B3-Southampton,-HantsMrs-B3-Southampton,-Hants Posts: 732
    The benefit of taking OH to Wisley's autumn show one year was the surprise that he bought me a labelling machine.
    Southampton 
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    Mrs-B3-Southampton,-Hants said:
    The benefit of taking OH to Wisley's autumn show one year was the surprise that he bought me a labelling machine.

    Lucky you!!
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
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