North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Martha Davis <martha_davis@earthlink.net>]

I have had problems with some of my labels (both plastic and aluminum imprint with ball point types) where a squirrel or a bird or something chews on the tag which may or may not render it illegible and or shredded.  I wonder if the dymo labeler would be subject to the same type of damage.  I still have my old steel die letter and number set which will imprint both heavier aluminum tags and brass tags however you have to hit each die individually with a hammer and have something like a cement floor backing.  It is slow, but they are more permanent.  I am shifting to that system for perminant markers.  Both the tags and the dies are available from The Company Forestry Suppliers.

Martha Davis

The lowest priced is just to use "Aluminum ID Markers" they can be imprinted by pressing with a ball point pen. The letters will stay for years. They come in packs of 50 with wires for tying to the pot or plant for about $5.95 per pack. Try Mountain Valley Growers for these.

If you want something a little more professional try a Dymo Professional Typewritter that uses Aluminum tape and impresses the letters and it even punches a hole for a thin wire to tye to the plant or pot. The machine and kit cost about $170 with 16 foot rolls of aluminium tape refills about about $6 each. They also last for years.

If you want to go professional try a nursery printer that prints on plastic or laminate. They start at about $850 and print regular nursery tags with or without pictures.