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Plant Labels

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Plant Labels

You planted three tomato varieties and now they all look the same. We compared plant labels from slate stakes to plastic tagsโ€”finding what survives the season and stays readable.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
100-Pack T-Type Plant Labels

KINGLAKE

100-Pack T-Type Plant Labels

4.5 (23,456 reviews)

The bulk solution for serious seed starters. Hundred labels for eight bucks means you can label everything without cost anxiety. That T-shape stands up in trays and beds. Use pencil, not marker, for UV resistance.

Quantity

100

Type

T-style

Material

Plastic

Size

6" tall

Pros

  • โœ“ 100 labels included
  • โœ“ T-shape stands upright
  • โœ“ Reusable

Cons

  • โœ— Thin plastic
  • โœ— Marker fades in sun
  • โœ— Can blow over

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
100-Pack T-Type Plant Labels
100-Pack T-Type Plant Labels Best
KINGLAKE
4.5
$8 View
Terra T-Marker 24-Pack
Terra T-Marker 24-Pack Value
Bloem
4.3
$10 View
Natural Slate Garden Markers
Natural Slate Garden Markers
Gardener's Supply
4.7
$18 View
Zinc Coated Metal Plant Markers (30-Pack)
Zinc Coated Metal Plant Markers (30-Pack)
Vensovo
4.4
$13 View
Natural Bamboo Plant Labels (100-Pack)
Natural Bamboo Plant Labels (100-Pack)
WARKHOME
4.2
$9 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
100-Pack T-Type Plant Labels

KINGLAKE

100-Pack T-Type Plant Labels

4.5 (23,456 reviews)

The bulk solution for serious seed starters. Hundred labels for eight bucks means you can label everything without cost anxiety. That T-shape stands up in trays and beds. Use pencil, not marker, for UV resistance.

Quantity

100

Type

T-style

Material

Plastic

Size

6" tall

Pros

  • โœ“ 100 labels included
  • โœ“ T-shape stands upright
  • โœ“ Reusable

Cons

  • โœ— Thin plastic
  • โœ— Marker fades in sun
  • โœ— Can blow over
Best Value
Terra T-Marker 24-Pack

Bloem

Terra T-Marker 24-Pack

4.3 (6,789 reviews)

When you want labels that look intentional in the garden. Terra cotta color blends with pots and beds, thicker plastic won't snap, and the large writing surface accommodates full plant names. Quality over quantity.

Quantity

24

Type

T-style

Material

Heavy plastic

Color

Terra cotta

Pros

  • โœ“ Thicker plastic
  • โœ“ Terra cotta color
  • โœ“ Large writing area

Cons

  • โœ— Fewer in pack
  • โœ— Single color
  • โœ— Pricier per label
Premium Pick
Natural Slate Garden Markers

Gardener's Supply

Natural Slate Garden Markers

4.7 (2,345 reviews)

Garden markers as decor. Real slate stakes stay put, look beautiful, and last literally forever. Write with chalk marker for easy changes or permanent marker for permanence. For the gardener who notices details.

Quantity

10

Material

Natural slate

Size

7" x 2"

Style

Stake

Pros

  • โœ“ Natural stone
  • โœ“ Permanent look
  • โœ“ Weather-proof

Cons

  • โœ— Heavy
  • โœ— Expensive
  • โœ— Limited writing space
Budget Pick
Zinc Coated Metal Plant Markers (30-Pack)

Vensovo

Zinc Coated Metal Plant Markers (30-Pack)

4.4 (8,765 reviews)

Metal labels with English garden vibes. The zinc coating resists rust for years. Use permanent marker for lasting names or pencil for season-to-season changes. Sand off and reuse indefinitely.

Quantity

30

Material

Zinc-coated steel

Size

10.5" x 1.1"

Style

Stake

Pros

  • โœ“ Rust-proof zinc
  • โœ“ Classic look
  • โœ“ Erasable with sandpaper

Cons

  • โœ— Small writing area
  • โœ— Can bend
  • โœ— Pencil wears off
Natural Bamboo Plant Labels (100-Pack)

WARKHOME

Natural Bamboo Plant Labels (100-Pack)

4.2 (12,345 reviews)

The sustainable choice. Bamboo labels biodegrade when you're doneโ€”no plastic guilt. Perfect for annual beds where labels only need to last one season. Write with permanent marker, sharpie, or even pencil.

Quantity

100

Material

Bamboo

Size

6" x 0.6"

Style

Flat stake

Pros

  • โœ“ Biodegradable
  • โœ“ Natural look
  • โœ“ Write with anything

Cons

  • โœ— Rot in wet soil
  • โœ— Single use
  • โœ— Split easily

Buying Guide: How to Choose Plant Labels


How to Choose Plant Labels

You planted "Early Girl" tomatoes and "Cherokee Purple" tomatoes and now you have no idea which is which. Labels solve this problemโ€”if you choose and use them correctly.

Material Durability

Plastic: Cheap, common, UV-degrades over seasons. Good for annual crops.
Metal (zinc/aluminum): Lasts years, looks classic, pricier per label.
Slate/Stone: Permanent, beautiful, heaviest and most expensive.
Wood/Bamboo: Natural look, biodegrades (pro and con), affordable.

### Writing That Lasts

Regular marker fades in weeks under sun. Solutions:
  • Pencil on plastic (graphite = UV stable)
    - Permanent marker on metal or stone
    - Paint pens for visibility
    - Engraving or embossing for permanence

    ### Label Styles

    T-type: Stands upright in soil, easy to read, can blow over
    Stake/Flat: Pushes into ground, stable, lower visibility
    Loop/Wrap: Attaches to stem, stays with plant, can girdle as plant grows
    Map: Label bed sections rather than individual plants (for mass plantings)

    ### Actually Using Labels

    The label does nothing in the drawer. Label immediately when planting. Include variety name and planting date at minimum. Better labels include spacing, days to harvest, and source.
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Plant Labels

    What's the best marker for plant labels?

    For plastic labels: #2 pencil (surprisingly UV-stable) or industrial sharpie. For metal: paint marker or permanent marker. For slate: chalk marker (erasable) or paint marker (permanent). Regular sharpie fades within weeks in direct sun.

    How do I keep plant labels from fading?

    Use pencil on plastic, which resists UV fading. Apply clear nail polish or clear spray over marker. Choose materials designed for outdoor UV exposure. Or accept that labels are seasonal and rewrite annually.

    Should I label every plant?

    Depends on your garden. If you're growing multiple varieties of the same crop, absolutelyโ€”you won't remember which tomato is where. If you're growing distinct plants, labels help with timing (days to harvest) and variety tracking for future seasons.

    Are plastic plant labels bad for the environment?

    Yes, if thrown away annually. No, if reused for years. Plastic labels can be cleaned and rewritten seasonally. Bamboo and wood labels biodegrade but need annual replacement. The most sustainable label is the one you reuse.

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