Labels - I need an easy solution

tam91 · July 6, 2011

Ok, this seems like a dumb problem, even to me. But my brain isn't coming up with a nice easy solution.

I have the white plastic plant labels with the name of each tomato variety written on them, stuck into the containers. But, now that the plants are getting bigger, it's getting to be a real nuisance to bend over and root around in the foliage to view the label. (I do have a chart on the computer for backup).

I have Florida weave, so there's a stake every 2 plants. What I'd like to do is find a way to easily affix the labels to the top of the stake, so I can read it without bending over. It's metal t-posts at the ends of the row, and wood stakes in between the plants.

I was thinking of tape, but not sure what would be waterproof.

Any ideas?

fortyonenorth · July 6, 2011

If you don't mind buying labels, I'd recommend http://www.everlastlabel.com/

They have many different styles and they are all durable. They're in Southwest Michigan, so shipping to you should take 2-3 days tops.

I also made some labels this year by printing names on an 8 1/2 x 11" sheet of paper and then having it laminated at the local UPS store. Cost me about $2.00. Cut out the individual labels, punched a hole with a hold punch and used twine to affix to each cage.

DiggingDogFarm · July 6, 2011

I use pieces of cut-up milk jug for labels.
I use a paper punch for the hole and a twist-tie for securing.

~Dig

BigBrownDogHouse · July 6, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiggingDogFarm

I use pieces of cut-up milk jug for labels.
I use a paper punch for the hole and a twist-tie for securing.

~Dig

I like it. Probably going to try this one next.

I did some searching a few weeks ago and was surprised that not much showed up online. Might be out there, I just didn't find it.

I use neon post it notes and mark it heavy with black marker the name of the tomato. I then tape it to the wood stake with heavy duty clear packing tape. The summer sun usually bleaches out the name as time goes on but you can still somehow make out what it is.

The tape usually holds on unless too much water seeps behind it. Sometimes I replace them mid-season. Just love finding extra stuff to do in the garden.

Tracydr · July 18, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiggingDogFarm

I use pieces of cut-up milk jug for labels.
I use a paper punch for the hole and a twist-tie for securing.

~Dig

I've found a grease pen works better than a sharpie, lasts longer in the sun.

tam91 · July 6, 2011

Well those are all some good ideas, thank you. I was thinking of how to get the current labels attached to the post. But it certainly wouldn't hurt me to make some new ones!

I knew my brain wasn't working well today.

delltraveller · July 6, 2011

It's possible that something like rubber cement would work to attach them to the wooden posts.

lurley · July 6, 2011

Barbee gave me the idea to use cut up aluminum from pop cans. You can use a blunt pencil tip to engrave the name of the plant and then twist tie them to the plant, no fading of ink that way. I didn't have time yet to do it this year but next year I will, I already have my pop can label stash started.

DiggingDogFarm · July 6, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by lurley

Barbee gave me the idea to use cut up aluminum from pop cans. You can use a blunt pencil tip to engrave the name of the plant and then twist tie them to the plant, no fading of ink that way. I didn't have time yet to do it this year but next year I will, I already have my pop can label stash started.

Very neat idea for a more permanent marker!!

~Dig

b54red · July 6, 2011

I have been using that rubbery stretchy surveyors tape that comes in bright colors. I use pink, neon yellow or orange. I just hold the roll and pull off enough to tie with and write on the roll the variety and the date set out then cut or tear off that piece and tie it to something at eye level. I use a sharpie marker and it usually fades some by the end of the season but if the plant lasts long enough I can just make another and tie it on to replace the faded one. It does look a little like a used car lot with all the little ribbons of tape blowing in the wind. The thing I like the most is the ease of doing this and the cost which is next to nothing. Below is a picture of my trellis with markers tied on.

DiggingDogFarm · July 6, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by b54red

I have been using that rubbery stretchy surveyors tape that comes in bright colors. I use pink, neon yellow or orange. I just hold the roll and pull off enough to tie with and write on the roll the variety and the date set out then cut or tear off that piece and tie it to something at eye level. I use a sharpie marker and it usually fades some by the end of the season but if the plant lasts long enough I can just make another and tie it on to replace the faded one. It does look a little like a used car lot with all the little ribbons of tape blowing in the wind. The thing I like the most is the ease of doing this and the cost which is next to nothing. Below is a picture of my trellis with markers tied on.

That's another very cool idea!!!

I like it!

~Dig

Sundrops · August 30, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by b54red

I have been using that rubbery stretchy surveyors tape that comes in bright colors. I use pink, neon yellow or orange. I just hold the roll and pull off enough to tie with and write on the roll the variety and the date set out then cut or tear off that piece and tie it to something at eye level. I use a sharpie marker and it usually fades some by the end of the season but if the plant lasts long enough I can just make another and tie it on to replace the faded one. It does look a little like a used car lot with all the little ribbons of tape blowing in the wind. The thing I like the most is the ease of doing this and the cost which is next to nothing. Below is a picture of my trellis with markers tied on.

If you buy a Sharpie marker that is labeled "Industrial" it won't fade. I have been doing this for years. the regular sharpies fade but the industrial ones won't.

Barbee · July 17, 2011

I got that idea from here. Maybe Darrel?

Buk · July 17, 2011

I printed the names on 8-1/2 X 11 paper with a regular inkjet printer, cut the names out with scissors, laminated them with clear tape (2" wide like you tape boxes with before mailing/shipping), trimmed the tape a half inch or so from the edge of the label, and attached them to wood clothespins with thumbtacks. Clip them to the top of the post or top of cages. Works fine................

Barbee · July 18, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buk

I printed the names on 8-1/2 X 11 paper with a regular inkjet printer, cut the names out with scissors, laminated them with clear tape (2" wide like you tape boxes with before mailing/shipping), trimmed the tape a half inch or so from the edge of the label, and attached them to wood clothespins with thumbtacks. Clip them to the top of the post or top of cages. Works fine................

LOVE this idea!!

July 6, 2011	#1
tam91 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Crystal Lake IL Posts: 2,484	Labels - I need an easy solution Ok, this seems like a dumb problem, even to me. But my brain isn't coming up with a nice easy solution. I have the white plastic plant labels with the name of each tomato variety written on them, stuck into the containers. But, now that the plants are getting bigger, it's getting to be a real nuisance to bend over and root around in the foliage to view the label. (I do have a chart on the computer for backup). I have Florida weave, so there's a stake every 2 plants. What I'd like to do is find a way to easily affix the labels to the top of the stake, so I can read it without bending over. It's metal t-posts at the ends of the row, and wood stakes in between the plants. I was thinking of tape, but not sure what would be waterproof. Any ideas? __________________ Tracy

July 6, 2011	#6
tam91 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Crystal Lake IL Posts: 2,484	Well those are all some good ideas, thank you. I was thinking of how to get the current labels attached to the post. But it certainly wouldn't hurt me to make some new ones! I knew my brain wasn't working well today. __________________ Tracy

July 17, 2011	#13
Barbee Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 1,818	I got that idea from here. Maybe Darrel? __________________ *Barbee*

July 6, 2011	#2
fortyonenorth Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 1,150	If you don't mind buying labels, I'd recommend http://www.everlastlabel.com/ They have many different styles and they are all durable. They're in Southwest Michigan, so shipping to you should take 2-3 days tops. I also made some labels this year by printing names on an 8 1/2 x 11" sheet of paper and then having it laminated at the local UPS store. Cost me about $2.00. Cut out the individual labels, punched a hole with a hold punch and used twine to affix to each cage.

July 6, 2011	#3
DiggingDogFarm Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New York State Posts: 286	I use pieces of cut-up milk jug for labels. I use a paper punch for the hole and a twist-tie for securing. ~Dig

July 6, 2011	#7
delltraveller Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Posts: 481	It's possible that something like rubber cement would work to attach them to the wooden posts.

July 6, 2011	#8
lurley Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 741	Barbee gave me the idea to use cut up aluminum from pop cans. You can use a blunt pencil tip to engrave the name of the plant and then twist tie them to the plant, no fading of ink that way. I didn't have time yet to do it this year but next year I will, I already have my pop can label stash started.

July 17, 2011	#14
Buk Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pine Belt, MS Posts: 4	I printed the names on 8-1/2 X 11 paper with a regular inkjet printer, cut the names out with scissors, laminated them with clear tape (2" wide like you tape boxes with before mailing/shipping), trimmed the tape a half inch or so from the edge of the label, and attached them to wood clothespins with thumbtacks. Clip them to the top of the post or top of cages. Works fine................