My favorite marker is sheet metal thin enough to write on with a balpoint pen to make a permanent indented lettering. copper is nice if you want it to be inconspicuous because it fades to brown but aluminum from soda cans works great for visibility. They can be cut with a scissors and bent into spikes or wired like labels using a hole punch

Thank you for that Idea Ricjo22 good one my old stakes are gettin worn good Idea in deed.

Get some plastic knives and write on the handles with a sharpie.

I used to use plastic knives. The sharpie ink fades over a season. It's better to use a heavy pencil or wax tile marking pen or crayon.
I like the idea of using aluminum strips. By writing with a pen, the indented lettering will stay.
If you want to use copper - check at your local metal recycling place. We buy scrap copper sheet, latest price $4/lb.

I use old mini blinds cut down to the size you need with tin snips and I use pencil for labeling. That seems to last the longest and it's much cheaper to buy a pencil than it is an ink marker.

Get to know your local roofers they have scrap copper flashing but they wont be giving it away these days copper is way up . they'll let it go for the recycling rate

I also use old mini blinds and pencil for labeling. Also write on both ends as the one in the dirt does not fade.

One rainy day a couple of years ago I had my kids write names of plants and veggies I always have on smooth stones about 4-5". They wrote with permanent markers and decorated them. Then we varnished them. We use them both for the veggie garden and next to plants I never remember the name. When people walk around my garden it seems I know them by heart!

I am loving the ideas! Keep them coming. I have temporary markers set up until I decide what I want to do.

Using a proper plant identification signs add a feel of botanical and professional garden. Ideal Garden Markers is US based company, offers quality, durable and weatherproof herb plant markers and plant labels.

www.idealgardenmarkers.com

there is a website with directions for making the soda can labels. I like them because they stay legible and can go with the plant from indoor seedling out to the garden.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39410479.tip.html

great idea at this link.(wire hangers for the tags). thanks woodsidetrader

Excellent post indeed, woodsidetrader! Really kewl site, that! :)

pot shard markers ! Another great idea. I will be using that one

I use plastic knives but I write on them with paint pens that I get at a craft store. The writing outlasts the knives. I also use old blinds to mark the seedlings.

"mikeymollie

One rainy day a couple of years ago I had my kids write names of plants and veggies I always have on smooth stones about 4-5". They wrote with permanent markers and decorated them. Then we varnished them. We use them both for the veggie garden and next to plants I never remember the name. When people walk around my garden it seems I know them by heart!"

Love this one fer shur! Major good on ya, mate! Thanks a lot! :)

I found paint pens at Wal-Mart last week!

Paint pens work good. You should still treat what you write with a can of spray varnish of some sort me thinks. A couple shpritzes oughta do, at least for one season, eh?! ;)