Easy & Inventive Garden Markers

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(Updated August 19, 2025)

Easy and inventive garden markers are both practical and charming—they help you keep track of what you’ve planted while adding a personal touch to your garden beds or pots.

Instead of relying on store-bought tags, you can make your own from simple, everyday items, tailoring them to the look and feel of your garden.

You might use flat stones and paint or write the plant names with a waterproof marker for a rustic, natural look. Wooden spoons, popsicle sticks, or clothespins can be labeled and stuck into the soil to give a cottage-style vibe.

For something more durable, upcycled materials like broken terracotta shards, old silverware, or even wine corks on skewers can be transformed into unique markers. Chalkboard paint on small pieces of wood or metal lets you write and re-write names as your garden changes.

DIY garden markers aren’t just functional—they’re decorative little accents. They bring personality, whimsy, and sometimes even a vintage feel to your outdoor space. Plus, making them can be a fun seasonal project, especially if you enjoy crafting or want to involve kids in the garden.

Below are 12 DIY garden markers created by clever garden lovers. Click the link below each photo to go to the source and instructions; they’re pretty self-explanatory.

Craft Stick Herb Markers

Craft sticks, acrylic paint, and twine are all you need to make these plant markers. You should be able to find all three at your local dollar store.

Laminated Garden Markers

These plant markers are typed, printed, and laminated to make the labels last longer. They’re mounted on plastic sticks.

Wooden Spoon

Paint thrifted or dollar-store spoons in bright colors, then write plant names on the bowls. You might want to spray a sealer onto your markers to extend their lifespan.

Wooden spoons are pretty cheap and easy to come by. You may already have some extra wooden spoons in a drawer somewhere.

Brick Garden Markers

Do you have any old bricks lying around your yard or garage? Use them to make quick and easy plant markers. Then line them up next to the herbs.

Boho & Beads

If you want to go a little boho with your garden or plant pot markers, DIY these little beaded beauties. They will resemble art in your garden.

Wooden Spool Garden Markers

You can find little unpainted wooden spools at your craft store, or have them left over from sewing. They make easy plant markers mounted on wooden sticks.

Saved Tin Can Tops

Save those tin can tops if you’re planting a garden. They could come in handy to make easy, cheap plant markers. Write the names of the plants on the lids.

A Rainbow Of Colors

You can go to your paint store and pick up paint sticks for free. Paint and decorate as desired.

Wine Cork Garden Markers

Wine corks will add a nice textured element to your garden. Write the plant name on a cork with a permanent marker. Stick the cork onto a wooden skewer or chopstick and press it into the soil.

Scrabble Tiles Garden Markers

Scrabble tiles make nice plant markers. Buy the tiles or create your own from plywood and label them. If you don’t have Scrabble tiles, I’ve bought them on Etsy before. You could stamp the lettering on, or write the plant names if you have to make yours from wood.

Safari Animals

If you have kids (or grandkids), then you probably have plastic toy animals sitting around somewhere. The kids would probably love to join you for this craft. Write the name of the plant on the surface of the toy animals.

Stained Wood Project

Use lattice wood pieces to make these sturdy little plant markers, and then stain the wood if desired.

Simple & Natural

Painted Stones – Collect smooth river rocks. Paint the plant name with acrylic paint or a permanent marker. Add little illustrations (like a tomato or carrot) for charm.

Twig Markers – Find sturdy twigs. Flatten one side with a knife or sandpaper. Write plant names with a wood burner or waterproof marker.

Upcycled Materials

Broken Terracotta Shards – Save cracked pots. Use a paint pen or Sharpie to write plant names on the pieces. Place the shard in the soil at an angle.

Old Silverware – Hammer flat old spoons or forks. Stamp or engrave the names (or write with a marker).

Crafty & Cute

Clothespin Markers – Write plant names on wooden clothespins. Clip onto stakes, sticks, or the edge of a pot.

Chalkboard Tags – Cut small wooden pieces into tag shapes. Paint with chalkboard paint.

Whimsical & Decorative

Shell Markers – Use large clam or oyster shells. Write names on the inside with a permanent marker. Nestle into garden soil for a coastal vibe.

Tile Markers – Repurpose leftover ceramic tiles. Write plant names with outdoor paint pens. Stand upright in soil or glue onto a wooden stake.

Tip: For outdoor durability, always seal your markers with a waterproof sealant spray or use oil-based paint pens so they last through rain and sun.

Great DIYs For Garden Lovers

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make plant markers to identify your plants. And it can be a fun endeavor as well.

These kinds of DIYs are what we gardeners love to do when it’s raining, and we can’t be outside in the garden. This would also be a fun party idea. Invite neighbors or friends over and enjoy a sociable afternoon making plant markers.