Adding garden markers to the vegetable garden is an easy way to dress up the space and to help you identify what you’ve planted where. This is especially true when plants are small or seeds have just been sown. These DIY vegetable garden markers are a fun craft for the whole family, and they repurpose things you may already have on hand.
Repurposed Garden Markers
I love to take things we already have on hand and make them into something useable. My first set of garden markers used old knives and spoons as chalkboard garden markers, and we have gotten a lot of use out of those. But I was looking for a fun activity for the kids, and one that didn’t involve spray paint and was more colorful.
These repurposed garden markers use can lids (or old Mason jar lids if you’re in a pinch). So, you’re repurposing something that would have gone into the recycling bin (at best) or the trash (at worst). And this easy garden craft can easily be complete in an afternoon, with a bit of time for the paint to dry. So give your kiddos free reign over their vegetable artwork (and if Grandma or Grandpa is a gardener, then what a fun gift these would make!)
Garden Marker Supplies
- Can lids (we use a can opener that creates smooth lid edges, no cuts here!)
- Acrylic Paint (this small paint pot set was perfect)
- Paint Brushes (the smaller the better)
- Water (for washing brushes)
- Paper Towels (for wiping brushes)
- Sealer (optional for longevity outdoors)
- Wire Coat Hangers or Landscape Pins
- Long Nose Pliers
How to Make Homemade Garden Markers
- Begin by gathering all of your supplies except for the hangers (pins).
- Using a sharpie, create outlines for your artwork. This doesn’t have to look perfect, and if your kids will be painting them, then they will appreciate an outline.
- Fill in the outlines with paint using small paint brushes. Then embellish or decorate around them with dots or swirls, anything you want to add!
- Allow to dry. Add a second coat if necessary.
- Using a thick nail and hammer, tap a hole in the top of each marker. Work the nail around in the hole to make sure it’s smooth and as large as possible.
- (Optional) Coat markers in a light coating of sealer to make them more weather resistant.
- Using long nose pliers, cut lengths of wire coat hangers and bend to make hooks for your garden markers.
- Place in the ground and enjoy!
DIY Garden Gift
These cute garden markers are a great craft for kids, and they make a fun gift for them to give to friends and family members who enjoy gardening!
Some other DIY Garden Gift ideas:
DIY Vegetable Garden Markers
Add some fun and whimsy to your vegetable or flower garden with these fun DIY garden markers. Made from repurposed can lids (or Mason jar tops), this kid-friendly garden art project is perfect for spring, and they make a wonderful DIY garden gift.
Materials
- Can lids (we use a can opener that creates smooth lid edges, no cuts here!)
- Acrylic Paint (this small paint pot set was perfect)
- Water (for washing brushes)
- Paper Towels (for wiping brushes)
- Sealer (optional for longevity outdoors)
- Wire Coat Hangers or Landscape Pins
Tools
- paint brushes
- long nose pliers
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all of your supplies except for the hangers (pins).
- Using a sharpie, create outlines for your artwork. This doesn’t have to look perfect, and if your kids will be painting them, then they will appreciate an outline.
- Fill in the outlines with paint using small paint brushes. Then embellish or decorate around them with dots or swirls, anything you want to add!
- Allow to dry. Add a second coat if necessary.
- Using a thick nail and hammer, tap a hole in the top of each marker. Work the nail around in the hole to make sure it’s smooth and as large as possible.
- (Optional) Coat markers in a light coating of sealer to make them more weather resistant.
- Using long nose pliers, cut lengths of wire coat hangers and bend to make hooks for your garden markers.
- Place in the ground and enjoy!
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