Plastic labels are very convenient to use and we’ve been using them for decades to identify plants in the garden or to label seed trays and young plants in pots.
Where possible I’m continuing to reuse my existing plastic labels by washing them and over-writing, and if looked after they should last for years. But when it comes to needing new labels, I intend to go plastic free and, where possible, make my own.
A simple way to make labels is from wood; before plastic labels were invented, wood, along with copper, lead and slate, were commonly used in gardens. They’re easy to make and you can use up all the offcuts you've probably had kicking around in the shed for years.
Even if you need to buy some timber to make larger labels, the cost is low and they should last for several years if they're well looked after. Making your own also allows you to be creative and make labels that suit the design of your garden.
For small labels in seed trays and pots lollipop sticks or wooden stirrers used in coffee shops are perfect for one season. Larger, permanent labels need making from thicker wood and staining or painting for protection against the elements.
STEP BY STEP
