labeling nightmare, help needed.

[ina]

How do you label your seedlings?
I have tried so many things and in the end they all smudge and become unreadable, even with water proof markers.
For my seed trays I use the paper/wire ties from bread bags and in the lottie I use wooden tongue depressors.
Help.

[ina]

[tim]

Mostly I use a 'permanent' black felt tip. I have quite a job scrubbing the labels clean each year with a metal scourer.
I also use a grade B pencil & it seems to last. Coloured labels are helpful.

[kenkew]

Pencil or indelible marker on plastic. Still a problem, wipe the label with a smear of veg oil.

[Kerry]

just a pencil on white plastic markers-scrubs off easily with a kitchen scourer. the labels are on their 3rd year so far.....

[TULIP-23]

Normal white Plastic Markers....then a C:D marker!!

[ina]

Looks like I'm the only one with labeling problems.

Thanks for all your advice.

[tim]

No - we've all had it!

[Mrs Ava]

Oh Ina, I have constant labelling probs!  I use the plassy shop bought ones with permanent marker, which is fine for the greenhouse, but I find after a couple of weeks on the plot, the writing is all but unreadable.  I have some nice bits of wood to try painting the spud names on this year as last years attempt lasted about 2 days!  Plus, on the plot, the fox I think, scratches around, and labels turn up all over the place, and not where they are supposed to be!  Should try doing a planting plan on paper really so I know what is where, but you know what it is like, you have a spare patch and half a packet of seeds, and before you know it, they are in and you are at home drinking a cuppa thinking about the housework!

[Multiveg]

Trying the dymo labeller again. I had bought some tape off ebay last year, but the brand wasn't dymo. Asda had the dymo branded tapes in last week, so I bought a couple of packs and am giving them a second chance. I bought some labels last year which you "etch" with a metal pointed pencil thingy, but my first few attemps on that don't seem to be as good as I thought they would be. THe permanent pen I used in 2003 faded totally within 2-3 months so who knows what variety were the wotsits?

[tim]

Obviousy some markers are 'permanent' & some are permanent??

This is a last year's label - & after 20 seconds scouring with a metal pad.

[Gardenantics]

Hi Tim,

What brand of marker are you using in the photographic demonstration?

Brian

[ina]

Time for a marker pen trial I'd say.

[Multiveg]

Marker pen trial for labels for things that we are 100% sure what they are - perhaps labels for cress?

[tim]

Either/or seem to work.

[ina]

Ah thanks for the trouble Tim.
I wonder whether the writing surface also plays a role in how permanent the ink is.
This year I'm going to do my own trial and buy several brands of permanent marker pens here in Holland.

[tim]

It seems that the white labels usually have a rough side & a smooth one. I use the rough one.