If you’re mailing gifts to your favorite gardener or do-it-yourselfer, be sure to check the deadlines.

The best way to make sure your package arrives on time is to send it early. Shipping companies and the U.S. Postal Service are swamped this time of year, and that can cause delays.

Label the package clearly with the complete address, including ZIP code, and use a marker to black out any writing on the box that might be confusing to the shipper. Some ink, such as the kind used in felt-tip pens, can run when it gets wet, so experts recommended covering the label with clear shipping tape.

If you’re stumped on the best way to package something, you can get advice from a shipping store, and window clerks at the post office will also offer assistance. However, if you package an item yourself, you’re responsible for the quality of that packaging.

Other tips:

• Don’t count on labels alone, such as “fragile” or “do not bend,” to protect the item you’re sending. Package the item to prevent damage, because labels can be overlooked.
• Put a second address label inside the package, in case the outside label gets torn off or damaged.
• Address a package only on one side. If the package is turned over and appears to have no postage, it could be returned to the sender.
• Ground freight is handled more than freight shipped by air, so air shipping is best for very special or fragile items.
• The post office will accept packages wrapped in brown paper, but shippers don’t recommend it. The paper can get caught in mechanical equipment and torn off, taking the address with it.
• Don’t package anything with string or twine, for the same reason.
• Don’t mail a package wrapped in Christmas paper. It’s too flimsy. If you want to send a festive package, buy a decorative shipping container instead.
• The U.S. Postal Service provides free containers for items shipped by Express Mail and Priority Mail.