Show summary Hide summary
Empty yogurt tubs are everywhere in kitchens. With a little imagination they become tidy, weatherproof plant labels that save money and reduce waste. These simple DIY markers help you track seedlings, bulbs and container plants with clear, durable tags you made yourself.
Why repurpose yogurt tubs for garden labels
Plastic yogurt containers are food-safe, thinly molded and easy to cut. That makes them ideal for quick craft projects in the yard. Using them as plant markers keeps lightweight plastic out of the trash and gives you a steady supply of waterproof labels.
Michaels holiday finds under $25: 20 new gifts that look like $50
Target wall-mounted find frees up countertop space: timeless style for small kitchens
- Eco-friendly: Recycles single-use plastic into a useful garden tool.
- Cost effective: Free markers instead of store-bought stakes.
- Customizable: Cut any shape or size to suit your garden.
Materials and tools you’ll need
Gather a few clean tubs and a handful of basic tools. Most households already have what’s necessary.
- Empty plastic tubs (yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese).
- Dish soap and water to wash the containers.
- Utility knife or craft knife and a pair of scissors.
- Paint pens for long-lasting text, or permanent markers for short-term use.
- Sandpaper (optional) to roughen glossy plastic for better ink adhesion.
Step-by-step: Turn tubs into sturdy plant markers
Follow these simple steps to produce neat, weatherproof stakes in minutes.
- Rinse tubs thoroughly and let them dry completely.
- Using a knife, cut out the top rim and the bottom base so you have a hollow tube.
- Slice the tube vertically into strips roughly 0.5–1 inch wide.
- Shape one end to a point so the label will push into soil easily.
- If you want a neater look, round or trim the top edge slightly.
- Write the plant name on the flat surface with a paint pen. Wait for the ink to dry.
- Press the pointed end into the soil beside the seed or plant.
Quick tips for better results
- Use thicker strips for taller markers in deep pots.
- Rough up glossy plastic with fine sandpaper so ink sticks better.
- Store spare markers in a dry place to avoid fading before use.
- For small seeds, write planting dates as well as plant names.
Make them last: ink and maintenance tips
Choosing the right pen extends the life of your labels. Paint pens bond to plastic and resist sun and rain better than regular markers. If you must use a permanent marker, consider spraying a clear sealant over the writing to help preserve it.
- Best choice: Oil- or acrylic-based paint pens.
- Secondary option: Permanent marker, then clear coat.
- Storage: Keep markers out of direct sunlight to prevent color loss.
Creative variations and other uses around the garden
Yogurt tubs can be adapted in lots of ways. Here are ideas that reuse the same materials for different tasks.
- Color-code stakes by paint color for quick identification.
- Stamp or print small icons for non-readers or busy beds.
- Use larger tub sides as mini frost shields for tiny seedlings.
- Turn glass yogurt jars into mini planters or seed starters.
Alternatives and where to find containers
If you don’t eat yogurt often, other food tubs work just as well. Look for plastic sour cream, whipped topping, or deli containers. Community swaps, friends, and local cafes may also share clean tubs.
- Plastic tubs: lightweight and easy to cut.
- Glass jars: durable and decorative for indoor seedlings.
- Recycled plastic plant labels: buy if you prefer a ready-made option.
