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Fig Tags | The Perfect and Affordable Plant Tag that LASTS - You'll Never Need Another Tag Again

Updated: Jan 18



As fig growers, we know the importance of keeping track of the different plants in our gardens. But keeping track can be challenging when plants start to look alike or when we forget the name of a particular variety.

That's where plant tags come in handy! Plant tags help us keep track of our plants and make gardening easier. But not all plant tags are created equal - some are too expensive and never last! Don't miss this important step to a successful fig season, click here to learn about the important steps along the way.

That's why I want to introduce you to a simple and cost-effective garden hack to create the perfect and affordable plant tag that actually lasts. With this method, you can label your plants with ease and confidence, knowing that your tags will withstand the elements and last for years to come.

As always feel free to subscribe to the Fig Boss monthly newsletter at the top of the page for more fig-related content like this.

Making Fig Tags for Fig Trees


Making Fig Tags is a simple and easy process that requires only a few materials. To make your Fig Tags, you'll need a set of vinyl blinds, a pair of scissors, a pencil, and optionally a hole puncher & twist ties.


  1. First, make cuts across the vinyl blinds horizontally to create strips that are 0.5-1 inch in width. You can also make them much wider for your preferences.

  2. Then, use the pencil to write the name of the plant or any other information you want to include on either side of the tag. It's important to use a pencil instead of a pen, as the pencil will not fade or smudge over time. The pencil markings will last for at least 1 or 2 growing seasons.

  3. Once you've labeled your tags, you can either place them on the side of your container in between the container and the soil, tape them to the side of your containers, or place them under rocks for fig trees that are planted in the ground.

  4. If you want to hang your tree tag, simply hole punch either side of the strip of vinyl blind that you created and insert a twist tie or a piece of string. And that's it - your Fig Tags are ready to use!



Keep in mind – you can get vinyl blinds at any hardware store! They're easy to find.

The Benefits of Making Fig Tags for Fig Trees:


  • They’re cost-effective: Vinyl is a cheap material, making them a cost-effective option for labeling plants. For only $10-20, you can create many 100s of plant tags.

  • They’re durable and long-lasting: Fig Tags that are made from vinyl blinds, are known for their durability and can withstand harsh weather conditions. After all, they are plastic and we all know how long it takes for plastic to degrade. By using a pencil to mark the tags, it is also resistant to fading and other types of damage. The writing can last 1, 2, or even many more seasons if they’re placed in an area away from excess moisture. If it does fade, simply write again on the tag.

  • They’re easy to make and customize: Fig Tags can be easily made by cutting vinyl blinds into strips and writing on them with a pencil. They are also easy to customize with shapes, sizes, and ways to hang them.

  • Suitable for a wide range of plants: Vinyl tags can be used for a wide range of plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs. They are also suitable for indoor and outdoor plants.

  • They’re reusable for many years: While I know that they’re made from plastic, which is detrimental to the environment long term, these tags can be reused for a very long time making them a reusable option. Additionally, vinyl is often made from recycled materials that would otherwise be thrown away.


Alternatives


While Fig Tags are a great option for labeling plants, there are also many other materials that can be used for plant tags. Let's talk about some alternatives to compare:

  • Popsicle sticks - Popsicle sticks are easy to find and are environmentally friendly. The problem with them is that they’re more expensive than vinyl and the sharpie writing that’s commonly used on them fades quickly. Popsicle sticks also degrade in the soil quickly making them less reusable than other materials. After all, they’re made of wood.

  • Aluminum tags - Aluminum tags are long-lasting and can be engraved for a more permanent labeling solution. The problem with most of the popular aluminum labels is that they become difficult to read and they lose their shape over time. The arrangement of aluminum eventually unravels revealing the tender cardboard inside that gets destroyed. They’re only a 5-year solution and can be expensive to purchase.

  • Metal tags - These are probably the best long-term and most environmentally friendly option, but these tags are more difficult to create than a vinyl tag and require harder-to-find and more expensive materials. They’ll certainly last, but for a larger quantity of tags that some growers need, it’s more expensive and difficult to mass-produce them.


Each material has its own pros and cons, so it's important to choose the material that best fits your needs and budget. Ultimately, the goal is to find a labeling solution that is cost-effective, durable, and easy to read.

You’re Now Aware of this Important Garden Hack


Keeping track of our plants is an essential part of gardening and growing fig trees, and Fig Tags made from vinyl blinds offer a simple, cost-effective, and long-lasting solution to the challenge of labeling plants. By using vinyl blinds and a pencil, you can create customized plant tags that will withstand harsh weather conditions, remain readable for multiple growing seasons, and can be reused many times.

While there are alternative materials available for plant tags, vinyl blinds offer a superior combination of affordability, durability, and ease of use. So why not give Fig Tags a try and take your gardening to the next level? Happy planting!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I'm Ross, the "Fig Boss." A YouTuber educating the world on the wonderful passion of growing fig trees. Apply my experiences to your own fig journey to grow the best tasting food possible.
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