Mary Iannotti, About.com's Gardening Guide, recently started a poll asking about labeling plants. I label everything! Labels remind me of what is growing, for those cool spring weeks, when nothing seems to be happening except rainfall. I also label for when weeds are fighting for space in my beds, and I can easily become distracted by a promising looking plant that may or may not be welcome. In this case, the label keeps me focused on what is supposed to be growing there.

Labels are uniquely important for any herb gardener who is growing perennial plants. It may be that the sage takes a little longer than the neighboring chives to come up. You may think that something didn't overwinter and accidentally dig up an experimental planting that really, was just sleeping in for a little longer in the spring.

Although there are fancy labels that are handcrafted and long lasting, there is nothing wrong with a Popsicle stick and sharpie unit. You may make them every year or two but they are inconspicuous, yet sturdy enough to keep your herb garden organized.