Abstract: A system including means for encapsulating a plant in a closed environment; means for injecting pollen into said closed environment; means for expanding a space covered by said closed environment; means for filtering contaminants from entering said closed environment; means for attaching said closed environment to a plant appendage or plant container; means for holding or diffusing pollen inside said closed environment; and means for maximizing an amount light penetrating within said closed environment.

Abstract: A hydroponic system is provided. The system includes a grow assembly. The grow assembly includes a body including at least one aperture, and a porous layer. The system may include a support to support the grow assembly. The system includes a fluid table that may be disposed underneath the body. The system includes a fluid reservoir that may be disposed underneath the fluid table. The system may include a fluid pump in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The system includes a fluid riser in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and the fluid table. A method for utilising a hydroponic system is also provided.

Abstract: Sprayer apparatus for use with an elongate boom may be configured to spray a liquid onto foliage on a ground surface. The sprayer apparatus may include a spray boom, a spray hood coupled to the spray boom, an extension member coupled to the spray boom, and a mounting apparatus coupled to the extension member. The mounting apparatus may be couplable to the elongate boom to support the spray boom and the spray hood above the ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tree watering apparatus that can be used to irrigate the base of a tree and to protect the roots thereof. The present invention comprises a semi-circular ring having a bottom half that serves as a root barrier and a top half that serves as a barrier to retain water around a tree while the water percolates to the root system of the tree. A distribution tubing is attached to a water supply and directs water around a tree which is then retained on the ground around the tree by the top half of the present invention while it percolates into the ground. Water that percolates into the ground is then directed to the root system of the tree by the bottom half of the present invention that is buried.

Abstract: A system includes a latent exchanger and first and second fans. The latent exchanger includes first and second chambers and one or more membranes separating the first chamber from the second chamber. The one or more membranes are gas-impervious. The first fan generates a greenhouse airflow that flows from a greenhouse, into the first chamber, and then back to the greenhouse. The second fan generates an outside airflow that flows from an outside environment, into the second chamber, and then back to the outside environment. The one or more membranes are configured to permit moisture to flow through the one or more membranes from the greenhouse airflow to the outside airflow through the one or more membranes and to prevent carbon dioxide from flowing through the one or more membranes from the greenhouse airflow to the outside airflow.

Abstract: A tree water bag that has a bag body, a tying assembly and a dispensing assembly. The bag body has a first side edge and a second side edge. The tying assembly is configured to couple the first side edge to the second side edge to define a hoop with the bag body. The dispensing assembly has at least one drip tube coupled to the bag body and extending therefrom. A drip emitting device is also disclosed having a nozzle with a main body and an inverted discharge portion positioned at the distal end of the main body.

Abstract: Sprayer apparatus for use with an elongate boom may be configured to spray a liquid onto foliage on a ground surface. The sprayer apparatus may include a spray boom, a spray hood coupled to the spray boom, an extension member coupled to the spray boom, and a mounting apparatus coupled to the extension member. The mounting apparatus may be couplable to the elongate boom to support the spray boom and the spray hood above the ground surface.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the Alpha Planter provides total protection to new seedlings and small plants purchased for the purpose of growing and maturing for the early development of plants.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring the emergence of soil pests in a two plant system are disclosed. In one embodiment, an emergence cage covers at least a portion of the root system of two plants. The emergence cage includes a frame defining a perimeter, a mesh or screen covering attached to the frame, a first plant opening configured to receive the first plant, a second plant opening configured to receive the second plant, and a collection container for collecting the pest of interest. The pests emerging from the ground under the cage are collected in the collection container, and the number collected is periodically determined.

Abstract: A sectional planter is provided with an interior volume defining a planter portion with a flange and a tongue and groove for positively connecting the sectional planter to at least one additional sectional planter, where the tongue and groove connection allows for easy removal of the sectional planter from the base of a tree or post after assembly. The sectional planter can hold a variety of plants, shrubs, bushes or other floral or decorative items. The sectional planter may be combined with one or more additional sectional planters to form a geometric shaped planter. The geometric shapes formed with two or more interconnected sectional planters may be a circle, an oval, a square, a star pattern, a rectangle, a triangle, a trapezoid, or a parallelogram. In at least one embodiment two or more sectional planters are combined to form to encircle a tree.

Abstract: A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.

Abstract: A multi-faceted multi-task system for horticultural adaptations including water dispersion and irrigation, animal and plant/crop protection, and plant shading, which includes a multipurpose head that allows a user to operate an irrigation system or a radial misting apparatus while using a tarp for shade and construct a fence using the fence hooks to create an animal control zone. The present device features a telescoping main pole that can be adjusted to different heights to fit any situation. A PVC extension device is also included which allows the different system heads to be hoisted to additional heights not achievable by the stand alone. The device is highly portable as it can be folded up onto itself and carried to a destination by hand and provides water dispersion for irrigation and temperature control, while offering users the opportunity to construct a shade and/or animal control zone.

Abstract: The invention refers to a greenhouse screen comprising strips of film material that are interconnected by a yarn framework of transverse threads and longitudinal threads to form a continuous product, wherein the yarn framework is thermally bonded to at least one side of the strips of film material, wherein also those parts of the yarn framework that is thermally bonded to the strips have liquid-transporting capacity by capillary action. The amount of yarn in the yarn framework interconnecting and holding the strips can herewith be reduced.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes an irrigation system, a mulch system including mulch material, and indicia disposed on the mulch material for indicating locations on the mulch material. The indicia include burial indicia, conduit warning indicia and plant spacing indicia. The planting spacing indicia are disposed in a triangular grid on the mulch system. The mulch material includes a hole for planting, a hole for a stake to pass there through, and a hole for a row cover support to pass there through. The irrigation system includes a drip irrigation conduit and a further conduit for transporting water to a further irrigation system. The irrigation system includes a fitting and a manifold for transporting water to the further conduit. At least a portion of the irrigation system is bonded to the mulch system, and at least a portion is enclosed and maintained in the vicinity of the mulch system by a sleeve.

Abstract: Provided is a raised-bed gardening container, including a base, a feeding tube, and a cover frame. The base may include a bottom edge; a top rim at least 36 inches above the bottom edge; an exterior sidewall extending between the bottom edge and the top rim; an interior sidewall extending from the top rim to a bottom interior, the interior sidewall and bottom interior defining an interior volume for containing a gardening media, the interior volume having a diameter of greater than approximately four feet; a feeding tube support generally centrally disposed in the base; and a gardener passage extending to the feeding tube support and having a width configured to allow a gardener to walk through the gardener passage to the feeding tube support.

Abstract: A system and method of aeroponic farming includes depositing seeds in a flat containing micro-fleece cloth and placing the flat within a growth chamber. The upper side of the flat is subjected to light of the proper frequencies to promote growth in plants. A nutrient solution is sprayed onto the micro-fleece cloth and the developing root mass of the plants, while controlling temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide within the growth chamber. The plants are harvested resulting from the seeds at a desired stage of growth. The growth chambers can be stacked on each other and/or located side by side to save space within a facility, and to permit sharing the subsystems which control the nutrient solution, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide for the growth chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for passively collecting water in an environment where dew forms are disclosed. The apparatus has a radial body which includes a hydrophobic surface that is supported at a slope of about 10 to 80 degrees from the direction of gravity. The apparatus may also include ridges which increase the surface area of the body thus increasing dew collection and provide shade which reduces the temperature increase of the body when the apparatus is exposed to sunlight. The method includes supporting a hydrophobic radial surface at a slope of about 10 to 80 degrees from the direction of gravity and waiting for dew or condensation to form on the hydrophobic surface and run down the hydrophobic surface to either a reservoir or a beneficiary of the passively collected water, such as the roots of a plant.

Abstract: A subsurface irrigation mat includes at least one perforated tube, a web made of a first capillary textile, and a casing made of a second capillary textile. The casing surrounds substantially an entire circumference of the perforated tube along at least a portion of a length of the tube. At least one attachment secures the casing to the web so that the casing extends across the web. Water leaving through the holes in the perforated tube can saturate the casing, seep into the web from the casing, and then be carried across the web by capillary action. The result is a substantially uniform discharge of water from the web into a root zone of plants growing in a layer of a growing medium located above the web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for passively collecting water in an environment where dew forms are disclosed. The apparatus has a radial body which includes a hydrophobic surface that is supported at a slope of about 10 to 80 degrees from the direction of gravity. The apparatus may also include ridges which increase the surface area of the body thus increasing dew collection and provide shade which reduces the temperature increase of the body when the apparatus is exposed to sunlight. The method includes supporting a hydrophobic radial surface at a slope of about 10 to 80 degrees from the direction of gravity and waiting for dew or condensation to form on the hydrophobic surface and run down the hydrophobic surface to either a reservoir or a beneficiary of the passively collected water, such as the roots of a plant.

Abstract: A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.

Abstract: A water-saving device includes a frusto-conical housing having a wide lower end that overlies a ground surface. A lip is integrally formed at the upper end, extending radially inwardly. A vertical cut is formed in the housing with a flange adjoining each edge of the cut. The flanges are spaced apart to admit a tree trunk into the hollow interior of the housing and are attachable to one another to enclose a tree trunk. A first pair of apertures is formed in the lip. A conduit has a first end in fluid communication with a row hose and extends upwardly from the row hose, through a first aperture, and downwardly through the second aperture. A water emitter is in fluid communication with a second end of the conduit and is positioned within the hollow interior of the housing below the lip and above the ground surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a removable plant protection system, comprising a wall module including an upwardly extending wall segment that is arranged for throwing a shadow on a soil area near the wall module when the sun reaches its highest orbit point and for allowing a sun beam on the soil area at a time period on the day when the elevation of the sun is relatively low.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant aid for surrounding a young plant. The plant aid comprises a tube at least partly sideways surrounding a young plant placeable in the plant aid. The plant aid further comprises a water collection sheet for collecting moisture present in the atmosphere. The water collection sheet comprises a water collection surface comprising a receiving surface, which receiving surface operatively makes a first angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The water collection sheet further comprises a collecting surface adjoining a lower edge of the receiving surface, which collecting surface operatively makes a second angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The first angle is smaller than the second angle.

Abstract: A water retention device is used in conjunction with a plant container. The water retention device comprises a resilient plate structure forming a central cover, a sidewall extending from a perimeter of the central cover, and a slot extending through the sidewall and a portion of the central cover. The sidewall engages an inner surface of the plant container and supports the central cover at a spaced distance above a growth medium. The resilient plate structure is manually configurable to open the slot for receiving a plant stem so that the plant stem extends through the central cover. Water may be supplied to the plant container using either a spray stake disposed under the central cover or using a trough formed in the central cover. Where a spray stake is used, the inner surfaces of the sidewall and central cover may include ribs that deflect water.

Abstract: A mulch mat kit designed to retain mulch and to prevent grass around a plant while directly watering the plant root system, the kit including a water permeable base, a wall member attached in an upright position around the base, at least one optional tube removably insertable into the base, and an optional bracket to secure the wall member in an upright position. An aperture centered in the base removably receives a plant stalk therethrough and a slit in the base from the outer perimeter surface to the aperture allows the base to be slipped into place around the plant. The mulch mat kit may be utilized in combination with a sprinkler system in which each tube receives a sprinkler head.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plant-protecting device which is commonly known as a protective cold frame. While this description seems to indicate a frame-like device, the described device is intended to refer not only to the frame but also to a wind and thermal protective covering generally configured to hold heat therein to protect a plant therein from cold, wind, and the combination. In general, the disclosed device comprises a plurality of rod members that may be bendable, which are inserted into a coupler at the apex of the dome-shaped frame to provide a support structure for a cylindrical covering to be placed thereupon.

Abstract: To provide a system for producing safe and high nutrition vegetables at low cost. A plant cultivation system for cultivating a plant on a nonporous hydrophilic film, which comprises a nonporous hydrophilic film and a feeding means for supplying water or a nutrient fluid to the lower surface of the film in the absence of a hydroponic tank for accommodating water or a nutrient fluid and cultivating a plant therein. As the feeding means, use is made of a water absorbing material which is in contact with the film and which is disposed between the film and a water impermeable material. A system for producing safe and high nutrition vegetables at low cost can be obtained by disposing the water impermeable material directly on ground soil, whereupon the water absorbing material and an irrigation tube are disposed, followed by disposing the film thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for promoting the growth of plants under less than optimal climatic and lighting conditions, the system comprising a device which contributes to the formation of an enclosed space over the plants, and at least one source of light. A special characteristic of the invention is that the device which contributes to the formation of an enclosed space over the plants consists of a flexible tarp (1) which comprises integrated lighting sources (6), the flexible tarp (1) being kept up at an optional height over the plants by means of excess pressure built up under the tarp (1) by means of an excess pressure system (5).

Abstract: A system and a method of computer controlled irrigation and fertigation composed of one or more sensors positioned in order to quantify the amount of water and/or nutrients that a plant is consuming. By controlling the fertigation, the plant or a part thereof, has improved yield and quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for covering a plant growing medium. The device includes a sheet and an aperture defined by the sheet. A first portion of the sheet surrounds the aperture. A second portion of the sheet has at least one ledge for engaging a top surface of the plant growing medium. The second portion of the sheet is integrated with the first portion of the sheet such that the at least one ledge is situated at a height below the height of the first portion of the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for covering a plant growing medium. The device includes a sheet that defines an aperture. One or more protrusions extends from the sheet to engage a top surface of the plant growing medium. A wall is integrally attached to each edge of the sheet. Each wall has a series of ridges.

Abstract: An apparatus and method cultivate trees by preventing freezing and frost damage and inhibiting root stalk sprouts. The apparatus is a frustoconical cover that rests on the ground to cover the root ball of the tree. The stalk and leaves are extended from a hole in the frustum. Water such as mist is injectable within the cover to prevent cold and frost damage.

Abstract: A material for maintaining hydration in plants, whether potted or in natural soils may include a substrate treated with a binder, securing a layer of hydrating particles thereto. Typical binders may include lignicite, or other naturally occurring materials such as sugars, molasses, corn syrup, gelatin, or the like. A byproduct of wood, lignicite has been found to be very effective. Various materials can serve as a hydrating, particulate coating. Polyacrylamide has been found to serve well and provide relief from the stress of dehydration that normally occurs in plants between waterings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for covering a plant growing medium. The device includes a sheet and an aperture defined by the sheet. A first portion of the sheet surrounds the aperture. A second portion of the sheet has at least one ledge for engaging a top surface of the plant growing medium. The second portion of the sheet is integrated with the first portion of the sheet such that the at least one ledge is situated at a height below the height of the first portion of the sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant aid for surrounding a young plant. The plant aid comprises a tube at least partly sideways surrounding a young plant placeable in the plant aid. The plant aid further comprises a water collection sheet for collecting moisture present in the atmosphere. The water collection sheet comprises a water collection surface comprising a receiving surface, which receiving surface operatively makes a first angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The water collection sheet further comprises a collecting surface adjoining a lower edge of the receiving surface, which collecting surface operatively makes a second angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The first angle is smaller than the second angle.

Abstract: A reinforced unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the material layers. The material layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and extend outwardly to a multi-dimensional array of outlets. There may also be an additional reinforcing layer attached to the material layers. The reinforcing layer for the unitized mat can be a polymeric material layer, a fibrous material layer, a foam layer, a metal layer, or a composite layer. The fibrous layer, foam layer, metal layer, or composite layer may also form a portion of, or replace, one or more of the material layers.

Abstract: A sheet mulch assembly includes a sheet mulch; an irrigation conduit attached to and carried by the sheet mulch; and at least one carrier substrate coupled with the conduit. Each carrier substrate carries at least one seed.

Abstract: A shade assembly including reflective shade panels suspended above a roof or along an exterior wall of a building. The assembly also includes a shade box, such as one including an assembly of upright support posts and attached cables to which dark or reflective water-absorbent shade panels are attached. The shade box covers a rooftop fixture. The shade box can also include a water distribution system which dispenses water substantially onto the dark shade panels when they are included in the shade box. The shade assembly may also be used in a method for cooling the exterior surface of a building. The shade assembly may be used in a method of obtaining government economic incentives for energy efficiency such as emission reduction credits. A shade assembly including reflective shade panels suspended above a structure on or near the ground, such as a parking lot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rollable artificial mulch carpet that includes a permeable base upon which simulated wood chips have been adhered. In one embodiment, the rollable mulch carpet is manufactured on rolls of varying lengths that are placed onto the soil surfaces of gardening areas to provide a mulch-like surface that allows penetration of moisture and atmosphere to the plants in the garden and a mulch-like appearance that resists deterioration.

Abstract: A gardening cage having self-irrigating and self-fertilizing devices. In a typical embodiment, the cage includes panels having a frame that includes a plurality of horizontal and vertical rungs. The panels are connected so that rungs of respective panels cascade with respect to rungs of the adjacent panel. In a typical embodiment, the bottom rungs of each panel include irrigating holes so that water injected into the rungs can be dispensed around the periphery of the vines. The water is typically suppled to the cage by a hose that connects to a water inlet that feeds the holes. Several cages can be placed side by side and can be fitted with “T” fittings that branch off the supply hose and feed the individual cages via the water inlet fitting.

Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing woody plants includes at least two polymeric material layers, an inlet for delivery of fluid, and at least one outlet for dispensing fluid into an area covered by at least one layer. There is an opening in the layers through which the plant extends along with an installation seam with overlapping ends. The mat includes perforations, aligned or off-set, for fluid outlets and may be used in a container, such that a polymeric material layer covers the surface thereof. Flexible extension flaps adjust for container size and shape. The mat is removably affixed to a container and/or can be fed by a water-filled container with a polymeric material layer integral with the container. The mat may be used for woody plants in a row, such as orchard applications. Extension flaps provide continuous cover around and between plants, and perforations provide anchors for fixable positioning.

Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two polymeric material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the polymeric material layers. The polymeric layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and a multi-dimensional array of outlets. The present invention combines a fluid distribution device and artificial mulching. The method of manufacturing and using the unitized mat to enhance the growth of plants is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shielding apparatus secured to landscaping material is disclosed for shielding a plant from weed growth. The apparatus includes an elongate plate having a first and a second edge, the plate defining an opening which is disposed between the edges of the plate for the growth therethrough of the plant. A first rail removably cooperates with the first edge of the plate such that the landscaping material is locked between the first rail and the first edge of the plate. Also, a second rail removably cooperates with the second edge of the plate such that the landscaping material is locked between the second rail and the second edge of the plate.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for growing plants is disclosed. The system includes a first thermal panel with multiple flow channels, the thermal panel being located between a growing space and a light source. A cooling fluid is circulated in a countercurrent flow pattern (i.e. in at least two different directions). The channels may be connected to one or more headers, which serve as a fluid manifold to deliver fluid and collect fluid from the flow channels. Growing closely spaced plants from seed or cuttings to transplants for the field or a greenhouse is one application of this system.