Now that our garden is showing signs of life and the first of the early summer crop has sprouted, we're anxious to add long-lasting markers to keep track of everything. We tried our hand at cardboard markers, and even upgraded to clothespins—but permanent marker on a porous surface isn't so permanent after a rain. Enter the all-too-precious antique metal spoon garden marker. Here's how to make your own.

With a set of metal stamps (which we've hunted down online for as little as $7 here, and as much as $50 for a more ornate set here), a rubber mallet, and a collection of antique silver spoons, we're ready to make our own long-lasting garden markers.

While we're all about supporting local artisans and handmade crafts, sometimes we like to take a DIY approach. With plenty of vintage metal spoons at our disposal, and this metal stamp set just within our reach, we're chomping at the bit to make our own garden markers. By the way: the metal stamps are good for leather and wood, too, so we're thinking down the road to potential DIY gifts as well.

Follow a well-done tutorial Snickerdoodle Creations. For a couple of other perspectives (but the same general idea), check out the how-to at Shrimp Salad Circus, or this equally simple one at The Princess and the Frog Blog.

This way, when we need a new marker for eggplant, not to mention one for malabar spinach, it will be just within arm's reach. Although we'd pay top-dollar to get this super-cheeky one from Etsy seller Vic and Albie that reads "Seed Em and Reap."

Related posts:
• Custom Vintage Silverware Garden Markers
• How to: Turn Vinyl Blinds Into Plant Markers
• Inspiration: Upcycled Plant Markers

(Images: Michelle Boehm of Snickerdoodle Creations, used with permission.)