How do you label your brugs once you have them all potted up? I have been pondering this question because I don't want to even think about loosing a "tag" on any and have them slip into the great "unknown"...I do not want to rely on memory alone - seems like I suffer from CRS more and more these days - so how do all you bruggers keep your brug names straight?
I need some suggestions please.....
I have to be the worst at losing tags!this year I am tagging and putting tape on the pots,I'm sure I will still have some Unknowns,LOL!
I use sections of mini blinds and with a paper punch I put a hole in one end. Then I use a cord that won't deteroriate in the weather and tie it around the trunk loose enough that it won't be swallowed by the trunk growth. As the plant gets taller, I untie it and put it up higher, usually after it Y's and then I don't have to keep bending over to read what it is, especially if it is a seedling cross.
Shirley, I like your idea...could I use wire instead of cord to secure the tag?
LOL root...
Soft wire might be okay, but I'm afraid if it swings around much, it might scar the plant. I can't think of what the stuff is called that I use, but it is a plastic type cord, sold at either WalMart or maybe Lowes. Just don't remember. It is colored and comes in pink, yellow, green, and probably some other colors. Very inexpensive.
I use panty-hose. Take a leg and cut cross-wise in about 1" pieces. When you pull them, they go into circles. I put them on my arm like a bracelet while I'm working. Just cut the circle and you have a nice strong stretchy tie that won't hurt the plant.
Would "twist ties" work to attach the label to the branch? They are laminated, would insert easily into the punched hole, and are very inexpensive.
I use the silver aluminum tags that you tag nursrey stock with.You write tghe name into the aluminum with a pencil.Never fades or wears off.I tag the trunk or stems with the tag and use the wire twist tie to hold in place.Just remember to check from time to time that the tags don't cut into the trunk.
Use the aluminum tags they use for shrubs..you write the name on it with a pencil..check to see that they don't cut into the stems.
Shirley - I know the ties you are talking about...
Linda - the pantyhose sounds like it would be gentle enough, but how does it hold up during the season?
Eclipse - where do you get your aluminum tags from?
I use old pantyhose that have been cut to the proper length for staking up my tomato plants, so I don't see that using them with Brugs would be a problem. However, I prefer "knee-hi" stockings, because they are already a good length to work with or they can be cut down further. Nylon stands-up well to the different weather conditions and lasts several growing seasons. I think nylons would definitely be a good thing to use or at least to try.
How about those poly zip ties -- they can be adjusted to any diameter within the length of the tie and are fairly permanent. Very easy to secure, too. And cheap. You could slide your label onto it and then attach it to your plant...just an idea.
I label my plants much the same as Brugie does. For added insurance, I use the mini-blinds, write name and year with a Sharpie, then insert into the soil against the rim of the pot. I insert it deeply, just so it barely shows. Then I check for fading ever few months. Works for me.
Jean
I've used panty hose for years. They outlast whatever you tie with them. I cut across the grain, then when you pull it forms a ring. Cut the ring and you have a nice tie.
I have a trellis that I made from small limbs, I tied the joints with panty hose. After about 3 years, the smaller limbs are breaking but the panty hose are still holding fast. Another plus is that if you drop one, you don't have to worry about it getting caught up in your lawn mower or tiller blades.
To attach a label, I punch a hole in the mini blind and tie it on. (edited for spelling)
This message was edited Feb 3, 2004 10:56 PM
Forgot to say, I use vinyl mini-blinds as labels. For the small plants, I stick it in the pot. As the plant gets larger, I tie it to the plant. I use "Rub-a-Dub" laundry marker because I find that Sharpie fades in the sun. I have some "RAD" lables that have lasted 3 years (that's when I started using them)
Okay, who has extra panty hose legs for trade. LOL!! Hey, I don't wear the things. Anyplace cheap to buy them? I'll just go get some new ones. Couldn't be anymore expensive than some of the other stuff I buy.
Great pictures Linda!...love your idea about the pantyhose.
Gretchen - good idea too.
really! I love it. Last year I just stuck in a plastic label deep next to the seedlings. Of course by the time the plants got to be 6 feet and I had watered them 1000 times,half the labels were gone! I was so made at myself. this year I will try this. Thanks! Where do I find rub a dub pens?
You can find the rub a dub pens at Wal-Mart.....in the school supply isle.....they are the best for marking and don't fade out as easily as the marks a lots....
Dee
ditto
I get the aluminum labels at any large nursery.Daylily suppliers also use and sell them as a rule.