Abstract: A grow tube formed from a sheet of thermoform polymer to include a plurality of longitudinal ribs that protrude in a first direction normal to the plane of the sheet. When rolled into a grow tube, the ribs can extend radially inward and act as cushions that prevent the stem of the resident plant from colliding with or resting on the continuous rim of the grow tube. The ribs can also define vertically oriented channels that are open to the interior of the grow tube. Natural convection currents develop in the channels, promoting air exchange between the interior of the grow tube and the surroundings. The ribs can promote diffusion of the incoming sunlight. In one embodiment, the grow tube includes snap forms that overlap when the sheet is rolled into tubular form to provide a flangeless grow tube.

Abstract: A biodegradable spectrally selective grow tube or tree shelter that improves the establishment of woody plant forms by reduction and/or elimination of certain biotic and abiotic stress factors. The grow tube may provide an enhanced micro climate that is humid, CO2-replenished and promotes photosynthesis by selectively propagating photosynthetically active radiation. In addition to providing a physical barrier to wind and herbivores, certain embodiments of the grow tube can also provide protection from chemical sprays while permitting ventilation of the grow tube. Various embodiments of the spectrally selective grow tube may comprise separate interior and exterior members for enhancement of the interior and exterior surface functions and that may be constructed from a biodegradeable polymer or paper-based material. The interior member can be dyed or pigmented to selectively transmit wavelengths of the visible spectrum known to promote photosynthesis, such as red light and/or blue light.

Abstract: A spectrally selective grow tube or tree shelter that improves the establishment of woody plant forms by reduction and/or elimination of certain biotic and abiotic stress factors. The grow tube may provide an enhanced micro climate that is humid and rich in CO2 and promotes photosynthesis by selectively propagating photosynthetically active radiation. In addition to providing a physical barrier to wind and herbivores, certain embodiments of the grow tube can also provide protection from chemical sprays while permitting ventilation of the grow tube. Various embodiments of the spectrally selective grow tube may comprise separate interior and exterior members for enhancement of the interior and exterior surface functions and that may be co-extruded. The interior member may be dyed or pigmented to selectively transmit wavelengths of the visible spectrum known to promote photosynthesis, such as red light and/or blue light.

Abstract: A grow tube formed from a sheet of thermoform polymer to include a plurality of longitudinal ribs that protrude in a first direction normal to the plane of the sheet. When rolled into a grow tube, the ribs can extend radially inward and act as cushions that prevent the stem of the resident plant from colliding with or resting on the continuous rim of the grow tube. The ribs can also define vertically oriented channels that are open to the interior of the grow tube. Natural convection currents develop in the channels, promoting air exchange between the interior of the grow tube and the surroundings. The ribs can promote diffusion of the incoming sunlight. In one embodiment, the grow tube includes snap forms that overlap when the sheet is rolled into tubular form to provide a flangeless grow tube.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a raschel knit net having square meshes is provided. The method consists of providing a raschel knit net having diamond meshes, and cutting diagonally across the net from selvedge to selvedge. Multiple pieces of cut net are rotated and aligned, selvedge to selvedge, such that the meshes are square shaped with the mesh strands running generally lengthwise and widthwise. The aligned selvedges are then joined together, creating a net having square meshes, such that the dimensions of the net are fixed lengthwise and widthwise. The joined selvedges create a dimensional control portion extending diagonally between lengthwise edges of the net.

Abstract: A biodegradable spectrally selective grow tube or tree shelter that improves the establishment of woody plant forms by reduction and/or elimination of certain biotic and abiotic stress factors. The grow tube may provide an enhanced micro climate that is humid, CO2-replenished and promotes photosynthesis by selectively propagating photosynthetically active radiation. In addition to providing a physical barrier to wind and herbivores, certain embodiments of the grow tube can also provide protection from chemical sprays while permitting ventilation of the grow tube. Various embodiments of the spectrally selective grow tube may comprise separate interior and exterior members for enhancement of the interior and exterior surface functions and that may be constructed from a biodegradeable polymer or paper-based material. The interior member can be dyed or pigmented to selectively transmit wavelengths of the visible spectrum known to promote photosynthesis, such as red light and/or blue light.

Abstract: A spectrally selective grow tube or tree shelter that improves the establishment of woody plant forms by reduction and/or elimination of certain biotic and abiotic stress factors. The grow tube may provide an enhanced micro climate that is humid and rich in CO2 and promotes photosynthesis by selectively propagating photosynthetically active radiation. In addition to providing a physical barrier to wind and herbivores, certain embodiments of the grow tube can also provide protection from chemical sprays while permitting ventilation of the grow tube. Various embodiments of the spectrally selective grow tube may comprise separate interior and exterior members for enhancement of the interior and exterior surface functions and that may be co-extruded. The interior member may be dyed or pigmented to selectively transmit wavelengths of the visible spectrum known to promote photosynthesis, such as red light and/or blue light.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a raschel knit net having square meshes is provided. The method consists of providing a raschel knit net having diamond meshes, and cutting diagonally across the net from selvedge to selvedge. Multiple pieces of cut net are rotated and aligned, selvedge to selvedge, such that the meshes are square shaped with the mesh strands running generally lengthwise and widthwise. The aligned selvedges are then joined together, creating a net having square meshes, such that the dimensions of the net are fixed lengthwise and widthwise. The joined selvedges create a dimensional control portion extending diagonally between lengthwise edges of the net.