Abstract: A structure (20) for growing plants comprises an array (22) of containers (24), for example intermodal shipping containers, each having a floor (28) and an open end (30), and being arranged in a plurality of stacked rows (32), each row comprising a plurality of containers. The array defines a space (34) bounded on its sides by the open ends of the containers. Each container holds a plant-growing apparatus (26) of the type having a plurality of rotatable plant-growing modules (52) in which plants grow radially inwardly toward a light source (56) inside the module. The structure (20) includes means (58, 60) for moving the modules along a path within each container and means (74) for removing the modules from the containers and for placing the modules into the containers. The array of containers and the bounded space are covered by a flexible fabric (50) or rigid dome (48).

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for growing plants comprises a bounded area (22) that holds a plurality of mobile carriers (24). Each carrier supports one or more rotatable plant-growing modules (26), with means for rotating the modules, and means for feeding water to plants in the modules. The module (26) comprises a cylindrical structure (54) for holding plants such that the plants grow radially inwardly toward a light source (62) inside the cylindrical structure. The bounded area has means for moving the mobile carriers, such that each mobile carrier is movable along a path within the bounded area.

Abstract: A structure (20) for growing plants comprises an array (22) of containers (24), for example intermodal shipping containers, each having a floor (28) and an open end (30), and being arranged in a plurality of stacked rows (32), each row comprising a plurality of containers. The array defines a space (34) bounded on its sides by the open ends of the containers. Each container holds a plant-growing apparatus (26) of the type having a plurality of rotatable plant-growing modules (52) in which plants grow radially inwardly toward a light source (56) inside the module. The structure (20) includes means (58, 60) for moving the modules along a path within each container and means (74) for removing the modules from the containers and for placing the modules into the containers. The array of containers and the bounded space are covered by a flexible fabric (50) or rigid dome (48).

Abstract: An apparatus for growing plants comprises a rotatable plant-holding member having an axis of rotation that is at an angle from the vertical, for example a horizontal axis. Holding means are provided on the plant-holding member for holding plants for growth in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the plant-holding member. The apparatus includes support means for supporting the plant-holding member for rotation about its axis of rotation and means for rotating the plant-holding member. The plant-holding member may be a disk, cylinder, or helical blade.