Strawberry runner pin and ripening support

This two sided, multi-use label was designed for strawberry plants. 

Runner pin/ propagation pin:

Mature strawberry plants send out “runners” on long vines to propagate that when soil contact is made will root into baby plants. The bottom side of this print can be inserted into the ground just by the base of the runner to hold it flush to the soil and encourage rooting without damaging the vine connecting to the mother plant. Once rooted simple cut the vine. 

Expert recommendation: When a runner is spotted use a small pot placed on top of the soil to propagate. Pin runners in small pots of soil for easier transplant and transport. Runners may be rooted next to mother plants to create a “patch” but over crowding will reduce production over the years. New runners will NOT fruit until the next year. 

Ripening support/ Pest Prevention:

Strawberries ripen unevenly due to sun exposure. Suspension allows more even ripening due to reflective light. Additionally, strawberries are suspectable to pest such as slugs and snails. Suspension makes access to the fruit more difficult for these slow moving pest. Insert pin fully and rest fruit on top. 

Expert recommendation: Strawberries are fully ripe when a deep red color. Bright red strawberries look temping but no not pick them until they are fully red all the way around, ideally waiting until they become a deep ruby color. (Depending on variety). If battling pest like bird or squirrels, picked early is better than not picked at all.

Modification:

• Scale/thickness: can be modified larger, I would not recommend smaller for stability and strength
• Design: strawberry is unnecessary but cute and adds structural stability
• “E” in "strawberry: it falls out some time as it is not connected. A support line can be added but I can't be bothered.