I look for old blinds at yard sales and cut them into 8" pieces. Then I write the plant name on the back and front of blind. I cut the end into a point and place near the plant. Works well.

dogoodcraf - I had tried that for a couple of years, too. But then I started noticing them deteriorating rather rapidly after about a year, so I quickly replaced all those markers with the knives. The writing had also faded to the point that I just couldn't read many of them. I've been using the knives for over 2 years now and they look just like the day I originally made them. Maybe I had cheaper blinds or the weather here had a part in that, but the blind strips just didn't last but one, maybe 2 seasons before they started breaking into smaller pieces, and the marker (or even pencil) writing was challenging to read.

I have read all the responses and no one mentioned using permanent marker on old cut up bleach jugs. I use bleach jugs and write on them with permanent marker and still have some from 4 years ago. I also use cut up coke cans and write the names with an old pen on the plain side. The coke can last forever. I am still throwing away some I put next to or punched a hole in & tied to plants 8 years ago.

The sharpie doesn't fade here in the sun on the bleach bottle & punching a hole in it & placing it in the plant works well to not lose it. Also I have trouble seeing things so I write big. I use the blind sections and #2 pencil for rooting pots but the pencil last longer than the blind section as in one season it will become brittle.

For the lady with the playful dog squirrels like to do the same:) but for some reason the bleach bottle strips they don't like the feel.

That is, from your experience, another good way to make long-lasting labels! Thanks for sharing, BK!

There are several reasons that I like the knives. But one of those reasons is that the knife slides easily down much deeper into the dirt than any blinds or strips I've used. They don't curl or twist, but just go straight down deep enough that they are not easily dug out by squirrels. Granted, a dog could certainly pull them all up. Or even a child. But mine stay put. That is really important to me when I am hybridizing, in particular.

The other reason I like the "clear" knives is because they are not as noticeable. I, personally, don't like white or other colors catching my eye when I am enjoying my garden. It is distracting and I personally don't find it very attractive. I can understand why commercial gardens or sellers use the nice metal markers with labels because they are selling their plants. But in a home garden, I like my plants and the area they are growing in to look as natural as possible. Anything clear is not as noticeable as something with color. The writing of the name of the plant is underground, so I don't see that either until I pull the knife up. For me it is also about the aesthetics of my garden. So that is why I really like the clear plastic knives. There are many ways you can create labels, this is just my way .... until something I like better comes along ....