Plastic or metal markers are useful to label plants for future reference; make sure that they are weather-resistant and durable enough to last at least a season, preferably longer.

Some of the characteristics of metal and plastic markers include:

Plastic

• Cheap
• May be re-used (if written on in pencil)
• Excellent for labelling trays of seeds and cuttings
• May discolour gradually and become brittle

Metal (e.g. Aluminium, Copper or Zinc)

• Expensive
• Long-lasting
• Wording is permanently etched or punched onto the label