A person holds several metal garden markers labeled Rosemary, Oregano, Parsley, Basil, Thyme, Mint, and Onion over a wooden surface with tools nearby.

DIY Plant Markers with Copper – Beautiful & Long-Lasting

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A close-up of green mint leaves with a small wooden DIY Plant Marker labeled “MINT” on a metal stake in the middle of the plant. The background is filled with lush mint foliage.

Last year, I started experimenting with seeds and plants as a beginner gardener and quickly realized I needed a reliable way to keep track of each plant name in my herb garden and raised beds. Commercial plant labels were either too pricey or didn’t quite offer the aesthetic or options I wanted. So, I came up with a creative way to make my own plant markers that would hold up through Louisiana’s hot, humid, and rainy growing season. These copper DIY plant markers are a great way to stay organized while also adding charm to your outdoor space.

A lush mint plant thrives in a white container garden bed, with a DIY plant marker—a small wooden sign labeled “MINT”—nestled among the vibrant green leaves. Other plants can be seen growing nearby.

After looking through a few good options, I decided to stamp my own plant names onto copper plant markers instead of using a permanent marker or adhesive label. Not only does this make the labels more water resistant and sun-proof, but it also adds to the rustic, cottage-style charm that blends perfectly with my vintage window greenhouse, flower beds, terracotta pots, and flower pot groupings. Copper will weather beautifully over time, adding even more garden art appeal to your space.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of these links I may receive a small commission from your purchase. This commission does not add any cost to you but helps me to continue to share new products and ideas with you. Thank y’all for always being so supportive!! 

Supplies

You can shop the entire Supply List here.

Step-by-Step Instructions for DIY Plant Markers

Step 1: Apply Painter’s Tape

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Tear a strip of painter’s tape and use the factory-straight edge as a guide. Apply the tape to the bottom half of the copper marker to keep your stamped plant name straight. This is a simple but very helpful trick for creating polished, uniform lettering.

A person’s hands unfold a blue adhesive bandage over a rustic wooden table. Scissors, metal tools, and a small orange box with black items are also visible on the table.
A person’s hands cut a small blue piece of paper with scissors on a rustic wooden surface. A metal alphabet stamp set in a red case sits nearby.
A person’s hands place blue tape on a metal plate, surrounded by metal stamps and scissors, on a rustic wooden surface.
Hands hold a metal plate with blue tape on a rustic wooden surface. Scissors and a set of metal letter stamps are placed nearby. Bright sunlight casts shadows.

Step 2: Stamp Letters


Hold your metal letter stamp at a 90-degree angle to the copper marker. Use your hammer to strike each stamp firmly but with controlled pressure. Too much force may cause the copper to crimp or bend. Space each letter evenly and work your way through the entire plant name.

A pair of black scissors, a rectangular metal plate taped to a wooden surface with blue tape, and a box of metal letter stamps are arranged on a rustic wooden table.
A hand with light nail polish holds a metal stamping tool over a metal bar taped to a weathered wooden surface, with black scissors and a metal stamp set nearby.
A hand holds a metal stamp on a copper strip taped to a wooden surface, while a hammer is poised to strike. Scissors lie nearby. Sunlight casts shadows over the workspace.
A person uses a hammer and metal stamp on a rectangular metal piece, with metal letter stamps and metal snips nearby on a rustic wooden surface.
A person uses a metal stamp and hammer to emboss letters onto a metal plate, which is secured with blue tape. Metal letter stamps and scissors rest on a weathered wooden surface nearby.

Step 3: Add Definition


Once your stamping is complete, take a fine point black Sharpie permanent marker and gently fill in the indented letters. This step adds definition and contrast, making your garden markers easier to read at a glance.

A person uses a pen to write or engrave “Mint” on a metal garden marker, which is taped down on a wooden surface. Metal stamps, blue tape, and garden shears are also visible.
A hand holds a metal DIY Plant marker labeled MINT on a wooden surface, with a pen, scissors, and a set of metal letter stamps nearby.

Step 3: Repeat the Process

Continue stamping the rest of your markers based on the variety of plants in your vegetable garden, herb garden, or flower beds. 

A person holds several metal garden markers labeled Rosemary, Oregano, Parsley, Basil, Thyme, Mint, and Onion over a wooden surface with tools nearby.
A garden plant label with THYME embossed on a metal plate, one of many creative DIY Plant Markers, stands among green thyme herb leaves in an outdoor garden. A wooden fence is blurred in the background.
A metal DIY plant marker labeled OREGANO stands among green oregano leaves in a garden, with other leafy plants visible in the background.
A close-up of a DIY Plant Marker labeled PARSLEY in capital letters, set among fresh green parsley leaves.
Green onion stalks growing in soil with a rectangular brass DIY plant marker labeled ONION nestled among the stems.
Green basil plants growing in soil with a small copper DIY Plant Marker labeled BASIL on metal stakes in front; wooden lattice and other green foliage fill the background.

Step 5: Add to Your Garden

Place your custom markers into the soil next to the corresponding plants. I added mine to my existing herb garden and can’t wait to create more for the new herb garden I’m planting this weekend. They look so pretty next to the weathered terracotta and vintage garden beds.

A lush mint plant thrives in a white container garden bed, with a DIY plant marker—a small wooden sign labeled “MINT”—nestled among the vibrant green leaves. Other plants can be seen growing nearby.
A raised garden bed with herbs and plants grows in front of a white greenhouse. DIY plant markers label each variety, while a wooden lattice and a large rosemary bush add rustic charm in the background.

These DIY plant markers also make charming gifts! Pair a few with a basket of gardening tools and seed packets for a housewarming or garden party gift. You could even use them as place cards for a garden-themed wedding shower—more great ideas for that coming soon!

Tips

  • Don’t skip the painter’s tape! It really helps keep your stamping aligned.
  • If your copper plant markers bend slightly, lay them flat and tap gently with a hammer to straighten.
  • You can find inexpensive supplies online or at your local hardware and craft stores.
  • Try experimenting with different stamp sizes for a more playful or bold look.
  • The Sharpie will fade slightly over time, but you can always reapply for a fresh look.
A small white greenhouse with large windows sits on a gravel area beside a garden bed filled with various green plants and DIY plant markers, under string lights, with trees and grass in the background.

What kind of copper plant markers did you use?

I used pre-cut copper markers that were thin enough for easy stamping but sturdy enough to hold up through a full growing season. They were a great balance of durability and flexibility.

Can I use this method for labeling flower pots or indoor plants?

Yes! These garden markers work well in flower pots too, especially if you want a cohesive look throughout your outdoor space or greenhouse.

Are these a good option for vegetable gardens?

Definitely. Since the copper markers are water resistant and weather well over time, they’re perfect for labeling vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers where exposure to sun and rain is constant.

What if I don’t have metal stamps?

If you don’t have stamps, you could use a fine-tipped permanent marker to handwrite the plant names instead. It may not be as durable, but it’s still a creative way to label your own plant markers.

Will the copper turn green?

Over time, yes. Copper will naturally patina, developing a greenish-blue hue that adds to the vintage, aged look. If you prefer the shiny copper finish, you can seal them with a clear spray sealant.

Making your own plant markers is such a rewarding and creative way to personalize your garden. These copper stamped tags are more than just practical garden labels—they’re long-lasting pieces of garden art that will make your outdoor space feel extra special year after year.

A raised garden bed with various herbs and vegetables thrives in front of a white wooden house with large windows. DIY plant markers and a small wooden trellis add charm among the greenery, while gravel neatly covers the ground.

If you’d like to see these in action, be sure to check out my latest Instagram reel for a behind-the-scenes look at the process and final result. And for an even more detailed breakdown, head over to my YouTube channel where I walk you through the full DIY in video format. I’d love to hear what you think and see the creative ways you use your own copper plant markers!

salutation with a signature Wishing you grace, Stephanie

Watch the Full YouTube Video Tutorial

A copper plant marker labeled MINT is placed in a pot of mint plants. Overlaid text reads: DIY Copper Plant Markers, Stephanie Leleux, www.returninggrace.com. A Returning Grace logo is in the bottom right corner.

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A collage shows steps for making DIY copper plant markers, including stamping plant names onto copper tags, taping tags for alignment, and using a hammer, with one finished marker labeled “MINT” in a plant. Text: DIY Copper plant markers.

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A raised metal garden bed filled with various herbs and plants, each labeled with DIY plant markers, sits in front of a white building with large windows. Gravel covers the ground around the bed.

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