Abstract: A device for growing plants above a selected surface includes a bottom member disposed upon a selected surface; a top member disposed upon and secured to said bottom member via two longitudinal securing seams, whereby, said top member includes two outer longitudinal flap portions and a longitudinal center portion, which ultimately receives a growing material in which plants and/or seeds are disposed. The longitudinal flap portions are ultimately folded above the growing material whereby longitudinal edge portions of the flap portions are separated a predetermined distance for allowing water and light to engage the growing material. Pipe members are removably secured to longitudinal edge portions of each longitudinal side of the bottom member, thereby enabling the manual lifting and transport of the device for disposal upon a selected surface.

Abstract: A system and method for deterring animal interaction with woody plants is provided, including a wire mesh cage. The wire mesh cage is formed from one of a sheet of steel wire mesh and a stake cage. The sheet of wire mesh may be formed into a tubular configuration to surround a plant in need of the protection. The stake cage may be formed from a plurality of uprights arranged around a periphery of a plant, and at least one filament wound around the plurality of uprights to form the wire mesh. The wire mesh cage may further include a protective covering, in the form of a cap or coating applied to a top surface of the wire mesh cage. The protective covering militates against damage to a plant surrounded by the wire mesh cage. The protective covering may be formed from a polymeric compound having an animal detracting additive and an ultraviolet inhibitor.

Abstract: A span type greenhouse has structural units installed parallel to one another over an entire length of a bay defined under a span. The ratio of a distance between a top of the greenhouse and a horizontal straight line passing through top ends of side posts over the bay width is less than 1/5. This greenhouse also has central double opening windows. In a transverse profile of the greenhouse, and angle formed between a straight line tangential to an arch segment in a transverse plane of the greenhouse at a side lintel, and a straight line intersecting a hinge axis and the end of a closed side window in the transverse plane of the greenhouse is non-zero in the direction of a concave side of the greenhouse profile, this break in slope procuring a slope for the closed window that is at least 15°.

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: A kit is provided that protects vegetation from external elements by turning any pot or planter into a greenhouse so that a person can grow fruit, vegetables, or flowers on a deck, patio, rooftop or yard. The kit provides a frame structure and a transparent cover supported by the frame structure that covers the plant. Plants can be started early in the season to extend the growing period. Plants can be grown even when the weather is still cool.

Abstract: The protection device is constructed of four main components, namely a base, a telescopic pole mounted on the base, a bendable arm secured to the pole and an umbrella assembly secured to the bendable arm. The base is sized and weighted to be placed in a container, such as a flower pot, in which a plant is to be grown.

Abstract: A crop protection system can include a housing that houses at least one roller mechanism to carry a roll of material, a vault configured to receive the housing, and a lift mechanism configured to vertically position the housing with respect to the vault. In such a system the housing may include three roller mechanisms where each roller mechanism is configured to carry a roll of material and also include a wire roller mechanism configured to carry a roll of wire. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for growing plants having a garden structure comprised of a plurality of interconnected trellis panel frames made of frame segments which are connected together by fittings, with attached soil containers for growing plants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing a headstone. A substantially-rigid perforated member is provided having a headstone aperture formed therein. The perforated member includes at least one anchor extending away from the perforated member to be driven into the ground. At least one securing member is disposed at the headstone aperture of the perforated member to secure the stabilizing apparatus to the headstone. The method includes providing such a perforated member, removing existing sod from around the headstone, placing the perforated member over the headstone with the headstone extending through the headstone aperture so that the perforated member is next to the ground, adjusting a securing member so as to secure the stabilizing apparatus to the headstone, and placing sod on top of the perforated member.

Abstract: A crop protection system can include a housing that houses at least one roller mechanism to carry a roll of material, a vault configured to receive the housing, and a lift mechanism configured to vertically position the housing with respect to the vault. In such a system the housing may include three roller mechanisms where each roller mechanism is configured to carry a roll of material and also include a wire roller mechanism configured to carry a roll of wire. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A structure, e.g. a pop-up tent, usable in extremes of temperature, wind, and aridity. One side of the structure's fabric reflects heat, and the other absorbs heat. The structure is reversible, so that, depending which side is outside and which inside, the structure either rejects or absorbs ambient heat, making the structure cooler in hot environments, and warmer in cool environments. The structure can have a detachable base with a hollow chamber in which one can put thermally insulating fluid (e.g. water) to add further comfort, which also provides additional physical and thermal stability to the structure. An optional moisture collector is disposable inside to collect condensate for recycling, and the fabric of the structure can be hydrophobic to direct other condensate to the base and away from occupants.

Abstract: A movable greenhouse and track system may include a track configured to be anchored to a first plot of farming land and a second plot of farming land. The movable greenhouse and track system may further include a greenhouse is capable of being anchored to the track and an anchoring member. The greenhouse may include a series of hoops forming an interior area; a member attached to the hoops for keeping the interior area of the greenhouse a certain temperature different than a temperature from an area exterior to the greenhouse; and a member for facilitating movement of the greenhouse along the tunnel of the track. The interior area of the greenhouse may include the first plot of farming land. After a predetermined time, the member for facilitating movement allows the greenhouse to be moved from the first plot of farming land to the second plot of farming land.

Abstract: A pot cover has a pair of cover elements that are interlockable to together form a pot cover body. The pot cover body is formed by a plurality of annular cover elements that are concentrically arranged on a horizontal plane to together provide a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, an inner perimeter edge, and an outer perimeter edge. A plurality of concentric spaces are formed between each of the plurality of annular cover elements, and a plurality of radially extending connector strips interconnect the plurality of annular cover elements to hold the annular cover elements in the horizontal plane. The connector strips may be cut between two of the annular cover elements to remove at least one of the annular cover elements.

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: A landscaping cover operable to be superposed a tree or a bush that functions to maintain a temperature that is greater than that of its environmental surroundings. The landscaping cover includes a flexible body that is generally planar in manner that can be adapted to cover a variety of different sizes of plants or trees. The landscape cover includes a plurality of heating elements that are disposed throughout the body. The landscape cover additionally includes a plurality of stakes that are electrically coupled to the heating elements and are operable to increase the ground proximate their location.

Abstract: A shaft in a cylindrical configuration has upper and lower ends and a cylindrical passageway. A housing forms a chamber with an open top and an open bottom. The chamber is in operative communication with the passageway. A sheet has a center, a periphery and a central extent. The sheet has a deployed orientation. The deployed orientation is in a generally hemispherical configuration. The center of the sheet is supported by the housing. The periphery of the sheet is provided adjacent to ground around the shaft. In this manner the plant is covered. The sheet has a stored orientation. The center of the sheet in the passageway is provided adjacent to the lower end. The central extent of the sheet is provided there above.

Abstract: A cover element for greenhouses or the like is formed as a panel-like element that includes a first substantially transparent layer having alternate strips with optical means for deviating and concentrating light that are alternated with optically neutral strips, and a second partially opaque layer having optically neutral and substantially transparent strips that are alternated with opaque strips and that include a photovoltaic element.

Abstract: A three-dimensional planting construction comprises a three-dimensional framework (46), some water (5) and soil (4) for plants (22) to grow and some turnover shutters (16) for adjusting lighting in which water (5), soil (4) and the turnover shutters (16) are provided on the three-dimensional framework (46). The three-dimensional framework (46) made from concrete and wood is built around the building (10), other buildings or ground. Wind power generator sets (39) supply power to the planting construction. An overhead trolley (43) is installed on the three-dimensional framework (46) for working. The plants (22) are irrigated with a pump (37) from a well or waste water purified roughly.

Abstract: A bee house for housing a plurality of bee hives includes a generally rectangular frame and four upwardly extending opaque fixed walls fixed to the frame and a gable roof having a generally triangular cross-section. The roof has a peak and a pair of eaves or outer edges below its peak and defines a longitudinally extending opening between a pair of roof panels at or along the peak. The bee house also includes a plurality of shelves for holding three bee hives on each shelf and an air-conditioner for maintaining the bee house at a temperature of between about 25° C. and 35 C.

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: The present invention concerns a flowerpot soil protection apparatus featuring a porous stretchable elastic fabric cylinder, wherein the fabric, while stretchable, is carefully chosen to prevent entanglement with fingers and paws. The upper edge of the cylinder features an elasticized sleeve containing a drawstring enabling the upper edge of the stretchable elastic fabric cylinder to be drawn snugly around the stem of a potted plant and secured to maintain the snug fit; the bottom edge of the cylinder features a closed elasticized sleeve containing a closed ring of elasticized cord enabling the bottom edge of the stretchable elastic fabric cylinder to be drawn and held snugly around the rim of a flowerpot containing a potted plant. The apparatus is reusable and easily installed and removed from a variety of flower pots.

Abstract: A plant protection device having a ventilation opening shield that may be protectedly positioned between a housing and a mounting socket. A temperature sensitive actuator may be provided in the socket and the shield may pivotally move about the socket between a position impeding airflow through the ventilation opening and a position facilitating airflow through the ventilation opening. Various embodiments and features are disclosed including a reinforced housing, multi-part housing construction, and a shield mounting structure provided through the shield, among other features.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable protective enclosure for trees or shrubs, comprising: a first enclosing portion having a upper region, and a lower region adapted to contact the ground, and comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending panels, each panel comprising a plurality first longitudinal members and a plurality of first transverse members, wherein the first longitudinal members and the first transverse members of a panel are attached to one another to form one or more first rigid frameworks; at least a portion of the longitudinal members or at least a portion of the transverse members, or both, are adjustable in length; each panel is adjustably attached to two adjacent panels to enclose one or more trees or shrubs; a second enclosing portion attached to the first enclosing portion in the upper region thereof, and comprising a plurality of second longitudinal members and a one or more second transverse members, wherein the second longitudinal members and second transverse members form one or more

Abstract: An apparatus for shielding plants from adverse weather conditions includes a pair of telescopic elongated members, a pair of supporting members, and a shade member mountable on the pair of supporting members. Each of the pair of supporting members is disposed on a top end portion of a telescopic elongated member of the pair of telescopic elongated members. The shade member is capable of assuming an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration. In the expanded configuration, the shade member is adapted to cover a plant lying adjacent the pair of telescopic members to shield the plant from the adverse weather conditions. In the contracted configuration, the shade member is adapted to uncover the plant.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating a cucumber, eggplant or the like includes a fastening element for allowing an opened cover body to be fastened into a closed state or a closed cover body to be separated into an opened state by causing a catching protrusion opened along the longitudinal direction of the cover body, and a plurality of catching steps to allow the cover body to be coupled and fastened when catching steps are hooked on a catching protrusion, and a cover body distortion prevention projection formed protruding from the catching protrusion to fix opposite sides of each of the catching steps when each catching step is hooked on the catching protrusion. Cover body separation/opening supports are formed, respectively, on the top of each catching step and on the catching protrusion such that the fastened cover body can be unfastened and opened.

Abstract: An apparatus to promote plant growth in vast desert areas is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a blocking plate pivotally jointed to at least two support posts. The blocking plate is operated by an electrical motor to turn wheels secured to a rotary rod to extend or pull back cables connecting the blocking plate and the wheels in order to swing the blocking plate between an approximately horizontal position and one or two approximately vertical positions in order to protect the plants underneath and promote plant growth. The apparatus can include a solar cell layer in the blocking plate, or attach a wind turbine at the top of one of the support posts to generate electrical energy from the extreme desert sunlight and windstorm. Further, rain gutters can be formed onto the blocking plate to collect and distribute rainwater.

Abstract: Plant protection devices, kits, and methods of protecting plants during adverse conditions are provided. The plant protection devices can have a enclosure and/or a precipitation member assembly. The plant protection devices can provide wind protection, mulch retention, and precipitation deflection.

Abstract: An enclosure for acclimatizing a micro-propagated plantlet includes a sealed growing chamber for the plantlet. The enclosure has a closable opening for providing nutrients to the plantlet and a humidity control to selectively reduce the humidity within the chamber over time to acclimatize the plantlet.

Abstract: A raised bed planter comprising a porous and permeable load-bearing exoskeleton comprised of nonwoven polymer matting and a spray-on polymer coating; a core section comprised of hydrophilic bedding fill material; and a bottom layer that serves as a weed barrier. The planter optionally incorporates multiple bedding levels and/or a wicking system or wicking components. In an alternate embodiment, the exoskeleton is comprised of a layer of outdoor carpet, a layer of fencing material, and a layer of nonwoven polymer matting. The planter optionally comprises one or more wings and a removable greenhouse cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for precluding plant trunks from freezing comprises an electrically powered heating means, for placement adjacent a plant trunk, to thereby warm the plant trunk. An insulating means is provided for surrounding the electrically powered heating means and the plant trunk, to thereby retain heat generated by the electrically powered heating means around the plant trunk.

Abstract: A system for mechanically simulating the daylight/dark cycle plants receive. In particular, flowering plants were ripeness is determined when said plants flower. The present system utilizes a multi arch device having a fabric laid over said arch assembly and said fabric comprising sufficient material to extend 360 degrees about a central axis. One half of this material is opaque so as to fully block daylight and the other semi-transparent so as to allow light therethrough. The device rests on the earth in which plants are grown thus half of the fabric is gathered to one side and the other in extended over an array of arches to form a dome-like covering. One central arch is mechanically operable on a timer program so as to simulate shorter days thereby fooling the plant that fall has arrived.

Abstract: A pot cover that is comprised of detachable components and which can be used in combination with any conventional garden pot or any other suitable container, for purposes of facilitating the propagation of seedlings or seed germination, and which also resembles a novel animalian figure appearing to be living in the pot. The sections (02) and (04) of the pot cover connect together via clips (06) or other conventional connecting device to enable the sections to be easily connected and disconnected from each other and from the pot as required. The user would fill a pot with soil medium, and add seeds and water. Then connect the sections of the pot cover together, and then insert the connected sections of the pot cover into the upper rim of the pot, so that the pot cover sits securely on top of the pot, with the outside bottom edge (08) and (09) of the pot cover abutting the inner top rim of the pot.

Abstract: An expanding grass or weed inhibitor around a growing tree or shrub trunk with a series of overlapping, semi-circular wings (16) attached to the base (10), rotating via multiple pivot bolts (18). With an expanding trunk (14) diameter, the pressure of the trunk forces the semi-circular winds to move away from the trunk. Due to the overlapping of the semi-circular wings, their mutually-applied pressure blocks sturdier grass or weeds from uplifting the wings (16) or permeating the base (10). Along the perimeter of the base (10), a barrier wall (12) prevents the semi-circular wings from rotating too far respective to the trunk (14). For the purpose of mounting, base (10) pivots via a pivot bolt (18) while opening along slit at pivot side of base (26). On the opposite side of the base (10), slit at opening side of base (24) opens to account for a wide range of trunk diameters. To secure the base (10), lockable bolt (20) transects a hole connecting to lockable bolt (22).

Abstract: A three sided label structure (100) is disclosed, having three interconnected label sections (101, 102, 103). The label sections (101, 102, 103) are provided with relevant information about a plant supported in a container (120). Hinge sections (105, 106) are provided to facilitate a bending of labels so as to form triangular label structures.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vent disclosed for a septic system, including a conduit configured to vent gas therefrom, including a leg configured to conceal a portion of, and convey gas from, the conduit, and a method of concealing a conduit configured to vent gas from a septic system including sizing the conduit, then mounting on the conduit a leg configured to convey gas from the conduit.

Abstract: A system and kit of components for winterizing plants and trees, where the invention comprises a skeletal frame formed by plural first tubular members, each having an upper end and a lower end. When assembled, the respective lower ends are spaced apart and positioned vertically and anchored within the ground surrounding the plant or tree. Joined between adjacent first tubular members are plural second tubular, horizontally oriented, members to form a generally square skeletal frame. About the skeletal frame is a light-transmitting plastic wrap. Overriding the skeletal frame is a top frame, preferably pivotal about a pair of upper ends, to allow access to the protected plant or tree. Additionally, the invention contemplates a cover, such as a plastic wrap or canvas-like material over the top frame to ensure complete protection of the plant or tree.

Abstract: A spray shield assembly for providing an expandable spray shield connectable to a variety of sprayer types. The spray shield assembly includes a shield member having an accordion section to permit expanding a length of the shield member. The spray shield assembly includes a plurality of interchangeable lids, each lid being designed for attachment to a particular type of sprayer including a garden hose type sprayer and a bottle type sprayer.

Abstract: A retractable, plastic enclosure (30) for row crops, ideally tomatoes, comprises a pair of plastic walls (33, 34) bordering the seedbed (22) that are supported by spaced-apart ribs (40, 42). Row crops between the closed walls are shielded from extreme conditions including frost, heavy rain, freeze, hail, and winds. The multi-ply, plastic walls are formed by folding a sheet of plastic. Arcuate ribs (40, 42) flexibly secure the walls in symmetric, spaced apart, parallel rows adjoining crops on either side of the raised seedbed. The walls may be yieldably drawn together or forced apart by drawstrings (82, 80). The ribs are formed from multiple separate strips (50, 52) that are stapled together and sandwich at least one wall layer. The drawstrings are routed between spaced-apart rib guides in a zigzag fashion. Tensioning of the lower drawstring closes the walls, sheltering the young row crops. The upper drawstring opens the walls.

Abstract: A surface-covering protective structure. A thermal insulation layer has a basic wall thickness, fastening elements and a support arrangement integral with and projecting from the basic wall thickness of the thermal insulation layer. The support arrangement includes a plurality of supporting feet each comprising a supporting surface being operable to engage a protected surface that the protective structure is arranged on. The support arrangement is operable to physically separate the basic wall thickness of the thermal insulation layer from the protected surface. The fastening elements are operable to couple adjacent protective structures together. The protective structure, including the basic insulation layer, the fastening elements, and the support arrangement, includes thermally insulating plastic material operable to thermally insulate the protected surface.

Abstract: A sunshade includes an intermediate net portion having mono filament circular weft yarns interlaced with flat warp yarns, two stringing sections which are formed on two sides of the intermediate net portion and each of which has a limit portion which is interposed between two weft-free portions and which is folded to lay the weft-free portions one over the other, two opposite drape portions extending from the stringing sections, respectively, and a pair of strings threading through and fastening together the weft-free portions.

Abstract: A hanging planter includes a bowl-like lower portion and a ring-like upper portion, with the upper portion nesting within the rim of the lower portion to provide a plant holding assembly. The upper edge of the lower portion and lower edge of the upper portion are crenelated, with the mating edges defining a series of plant growth openings therethrough when the two components are assembled. The crenelations are preferably of variable depths in each section, to define at least two different levels of plant growth openings through the sides of the assembly, with the upper edge of the upper portion defining a third plant growth opening for the device. Plants are selected according to their growth habits, with trailing plants being placed low in the planter, long flowering plants being placed at an intermediate level, and more upright plants being placed atop the others. The result is an essentially unbroken array of plant life covering the present planter, after the plants have grown out.

Abstract: A retractable, plastic enclosure (30) for row crops, ideally tomatoes, comprises a pair of plastic walls (33, 34) bordering the seedbed (22) that are supported by spaced-apart ribs (40, 42). Row crops between the closed walls are shielded from extreme conditions including frost, heavy rain, freeze, hail, and winds. The multi-ply, plastic walls are formed by folding a sheet of plastic. Arcuate ribs (40, 42) flexibly secure the walls in symmetric, spaced apart, parallel rows adjoining crops on either side of the raised seedbed. The walls may be yieldably drawn together or forced apart by drawstrings (82, 80). The ribs are formed from multiple separate strips (50, 52) that are stapled together and sandwich at least one wall layer. The drawstrings are routed between spaced-apart rib guides in a zigzag fashion. Tensioning of the lower drawstring closes the walls, sheltering the young row crops. The upper drawstring opens the walls.