DIY Chalkboard Garden Markers

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As gardening season hits full swing, I’ve been inspired to find ways to bring a bit of whimsy and fun to the garden. Carole at Garden Up Green got me thinking about this when I read her book Startle Garden. I am by nature not super fancy, but the ideas she presented about “dressing up” our garden spaces appealed to me. Add that to my desire to use what’s available and not spend a lot of money, and the DIY chalkboard garden marker was born.

While thinking about what I could use in the garden as markers, I knew I wanted something durable. No one wants to replace labels year after year. And while the little plastic labels that come in many purchased plants are useful, they lack beauty. Flatware is incredibly durable, and even when exposed to rain and weather, they should hold up beautifully. If you have extra spoons, forks, or knives laying around, then you’re all set! If not, check out your local thrift store or put a call out on Facebook for anyone who may have some extras laying around. That’s actually what did. (Thanks, Dede!)

This DIY craft can easily be done in an afternoon, and most of the time spent is passive while the paint dries. While these would make a great addition to your garden, also think about who you could gift these beauties to. Homemade gifts are sweet tokens to our friends and family, and these garden markers would be perfect for any garden lover you know. With spring’s arrival comes Mother’s Day and Teacher Appreciation Day. These would be perfect gifts for either occasion. The kids can get involved in writing the labels and wrapping or preparing the gifts. See the bottom of the post for gifting ideas!

DIY Chalkboard Garden Markers

Supplies

Various spoons, knives, and forks

Chalkboard Spray paint 

Chalk or Metallic Sharpies

How to Make DIY Garden Markers

1. Begin by making sure your utensils are clean and dry. Dirt and water are no good when it comes to painting. Prep your painting area by finding an empty box. For items that need to stand up to be painted, boxes are perfect. Simply jab small slits in the box with a knife or boxcutter and slide utensils into the slots. It’s okay if they’re not perfectly upright, as long as what is being painted isn’t resting on the box.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
2. Shake your paint can well and begin painting using the instructions on the can. Give time for paint to dry and come back for a second coat.                                                                               
3. Once your second coat has dried, let them cure overnight. I don’t know that this absolutely essential, but I always like to be safe when it comes to paint. After this, you can label to your heart’s content!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
4. There are two labeling options: 1. Chalk or Chalk Pens- this is perfect if you plan to use the garden markers in different places and want to be able to erase and rewrite. The downside is if they are outside, a good rain shower could erase your label. 2. Metallic Sharpie– This is a great, more permanent marking. Since I tend to have the same herbs and veggies each year, I wanted a bolder less weather-prone label. You’re free to choose the method that works best for you!                                                                                                                                         
5. Place your garden markers in your flower beds, garden space, or containers (like my DIY Self-Watering Planter) and enjoy! And while these are designed for an herb garden, you could easily use these markers to identify anything you have growing in the garden, such as different salad greens, root veggies, or types of tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!
   

Give Garden Markers as a Gift

-Wrap five or six garden markers in colorful ribbon with a small bag of chalk.

-Create a small herb garden in a wooden box or a galvanized bucket and label planted herbs with the DIY markers.

-For teacher gifts, plant a flower or herb in a pot and place an accompanying garden marker inside. Have a different herb for each teacher! Rosemary and basil are both wonderful options for a teacher gift!

I’d love to know how you mark the plants in your garden using items from around the house! Have a great week and Happy Gardening!