Handmade herb markers using scrabble tiles to label herbs in the garden.

DIY Plant Labels for the Garden Using Scrabble Tiles

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These DIY plant labels made with Scrabble tiles are one of the easiest and most budget-friendly garden projects you’ll ever make. They’ll add character to your herb, vegetable, or flower garden all season long.

Thyme plant inside of a wooden basket on a white table with DIY plant labels scattered about.
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If you’ve ever looked in your garden and can’t remember what it is that you actually planted…

This DIY is for you.

It’s simple, quick, and one of those crafts that makes identifying those plants in your garden easier.

I started making these after one too many times of guessing my way through my herb garden and hoping for the best.

It turns out, some herbs look pretty similar when they’re first growing (cilantro and parsley I’m looking at you), and as much as I’d like to think my memory is as good as it was in my twenties, it’s probably not.

Plus making my own plant labels fits right in with my “granny hobbies”, gardening, crafting, and making something useful with what you already have in your home.

These DIY plant markers come together in just a few minutes, cost next to nothing, and look charming tucked into a pot or garden bed.

Let me me show you how easy it is to make them!

What our readers say:

“What a fun and cute idea! My family has the hardest time identifying our herbs so need to make these markers!”

Janine w.

Why You’ll Love This Plant Marker DIY

  • EASY TO MAKE – Even if you’ve never picked up a hot glue gun, you can absolutely do this. No special skills or experience required.
  • ONLY 3 SUPPLIES – Scrabble tiles, bamboo sticks, and a hot glue gun. That’s it.
  • INEXPENSIVE – I spent about $24 total on supplies and still had plenty of tiles and sticks left over to make more for years to come.
  • VERSATILE – These markers are great for any garden whether you’ve planted vegetables, flowers, or herbs.

Supplies You’ll Need to Make Your Own Plant Labels

Easy and budget-friendly DIY garden plant labels using Scrabble tiles.

Here’s the 3 things you’ll need to make DIY Scrabble plant labels for your garden…

  • Scrabble Tiles: If you have an old Scrabble game sitting in a closet somewhere, those tiles will work perfectly. You can also find bags of replacement scrabble tiles online that are identical to the game pieces.
  • 15″ Bamboo Sticks: You can probably use popsicle sticks for these herb markers but I didn’t feel they were long enough, especially for plants or herbs with long names (i.e. rosemary, lavender, etc.). I used long wooden skewers to make sure I had enough room to glue on the tiles and enough “stick” at the bottom to insert into the dirt.
  • Hot Glue Gun & Hot Glue: For adhering the Scrabble tiles to the bamboo skewers.

materials You’ll need

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I’m Heidi, the heart and hands behind Eleanor Rose Home.

Heidi and her dachshund rescue Eleanor Roosevelt.

I’ll show you that your home can become a place of warmth, comfort, and style with practical tips, creative ideas, and my own journey to help you create a space that feels like you…welcoming, personal, and full of charm.

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How to Make DIY Scrabble Tile Plant Labels

Follow these easy step by step instructions and you’ll have the most charming labels for your garden in minutes!

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Here’s how to do it…

Sort your wooden Scrabble tiles so that you have the plant names picked out for your DIY plant labels.

Step One: Plug in your hot glue gun so it’s ready to go. While it heats up, sort your Scrabble tiles into small piles for each plant name.

Bamboo skewer with scrabble tiles hot glued on for DIY garden markers.

Step Two: Place a bamboo stick on a flat surface, add a dab of hot glue to the top, and press your first tile into place. Hold for about 10 seconds until secure.

Thyme plant marker made with a bamboo stick and Scrabble tiles for the garden.

Step Three: Continue gluing tiles one by one beneath the first, spelling out the plant name from top to bottom with no gaps.

Thyme plant inside of a wooden basket on a white table with DIY plant labels scattered about.

Step Four: Trim the bottom of the stick if needed, then place your marker into the soil next to your plant.

Helpful Tips

  • Work quickly with the hot glue. It sets fast, so have your tiles grouped and ready to go before you start gluing.
  • Let the glue fully cool between tiles if you find them slipping before they set.
  • Once you have all your supplies out and your rhythm going, knock out a few extra markers for plants you haven’t put in yet.

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Customize your garden with your own plant labels made with wooden tiles and bamboo skewers.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Plant Markers

How do you make DIY plant markers last longer outdoors?
To help your plant markers last through the season, you can use a small amount of outdoor sealant or clear spray over the tiles once they’re glued. Exposure to sun, rain, and watering can cause fading or wear over time.

What kind of glue works best for handmade plant labels?
A hot glue gun works great for this project because it bonds quickly and holds well on both wood and bamboo. You could also use a strong craft adhesive if you have that on hand.

How long will these DIY garden labels last?
These markers will typically last a full growing season. Because they’re made from wood, they may start to wear over time if exposed to lots of moisture. But I think that’s part of their charm and they’re easy to remake each year.

What if I don’t have bamboo sticks?
No problem. Wooden skewers, craft sticks, or even small garden stakes will work just as well. The idea is simply to have something sturdy enough to hold your tiles and stick into the soil.

Did you make this craft?

Mention us @eleanorrosehome or tag us using #eleanorrosehome so we can see your creations. You can also leave a comment below!

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xoxo, Heidi

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20 Comments

  6. Heidi
    I love using scrabble tiles around the house. This is a cute idea and I’m sharing a link on my Sunday, Dirt Road Adventures.

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