Every fall, I hit that point where I cannot remember which bulbs need a shallow tuck and which ones need a nice deep planting hole. This simple little garden guide solves that problem with three things that are probably already hanging around the shed: wooden popsicle sticks, a rectangular glass baking dish, and an old jar of leftover coffee or tea for staining. After they soak, the sticks turn into sturdy-looking, easy-to-read depth markers I can grab while planting tulips, daffodils, crocus, and more.
I love this project because it is fast, useful, and honestly kind of charming in that old-school gardener way. If you want an easy fall garden trick that keeps bulb planting organized without buying another gadget, this is one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” projects.
Materials
Instructions
1. Brew the coffee or tea extra strong, let it cool completely, and pour 2 cups into the rectangular glass baking dish.
2. Lay all 24 popsicle sticks flat in the liquid so they are fully soaked, then leave them for 1 to 2 hours until they deepen to a warm brown color.
3. Remove the sticks, wipe off the excess liquid, and spread them on a rag to dry for at least 30 minutes until they feel dry to the touch.
4. Sort the sticks into three groups of 8 so you can make a full set of depth guides: one group for 2-inch depth, one for 4-inch depth, and one for 6-inch depth.
5. Use the ruler to measure from one end of each stick and draw a bold horizontal line at 2 inches on the first group, at 4 inches on the second group, and at 6 inches on the third group; if your stick is shorter than 6 inches, mark the full stick as the 6-inch visual guide and note “plant hole depth” at the top so it still works as a quick reference beside the trowel.
6. On the top portion of each stick, write the depth clearly in large lettering: “2 in,” “4 in,” or “6 in,” making 8 markers of each size for different bulb varieties or different garden beds.
7. Add a second thicker line over each depth mark so it is easy to see even when the stick gets dusty or damp outside.
8. Brush a thin coat of clear outdoor sealer over both sides of each stick, keeping the lettering and lines covered, then let them dry flat according to the sealer directions.
9. Test one marker with your trowel by digging a small practice hole and setting the stick inside to confirm the marked line matches the depth you want.
10. Store the finished guides in the shed with your bulbs and trowel, or keep one set tucked into a garden caddy so you can quickly grab the right depth marker while planting.
Variations & Tips
Bulb-specific sets: If you plant a lot of different bulbs, make one bundle for small bulbs like crocus, one for medium bulbs like hyacinths, and one for deeper-planted bulbs like tulips and daffodils.
Darker stain: For a richer aged look, leave the popsicle sticks soaking overnight; I have done this with strong coffee from the morning pot, and they come out looking surprisingly polished.
Weather protection: If your shed gets humid like mine does in October, add a second coat of outdoor sealer so the marker lines stay crisp through the whole planting season.
Easy storage: Wrap each depth group with a rubber band or tie them with garden twine so you can grab the exact set you need without sorting through all 24 sticks.
Make it even handier: Keep one finished stick in your bulb bag as a quick reference and place the rest in the shed; that way you are not running back and forth once you start planting.