Abstract: A plant cultivating pot is disclosed. The pot has top and bottom wall spaced apart by a sidewall or panel. The cross-section of the top is larger than the bottom wall so that the sidewall is inwardly sloped from the bottom wall to the. Openings in the sidewall provide points for planting a plant in media for supporting plant growth from within the interior volume of the body of the pot. The increasing cross-section of the pot from the top to the bottom maximizes exposure of each plant to sunlight. A frusto-pyramidal shaped, non-woven geotextile material provides an optimal shape and material for the body of the pot for growing strawberries.

Abstract: A floral sleeve having a body and an insert or extension attached thereto is used to cover a pot. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: A system for the cultivation of plants, including: a cultivation table, in which the plants to be cultivated have been placed at least for the time of the growing stage; growing substrates in which the seeds of the plant are sown and which are placed at the initial end of the cultivation table for germination; and elongated troughs which hold the growing substrates in which troughs also the seeds and seedlings of the plant as well as the grown plants are placed during both said germination and said growing stage. In the method for cultivation of plants in a greenhouse, a growing substrate for the cultivation of plants is placed in an elongated trough, and seeds of a plant are sown in said growing substrate placed in the trough.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for the treatment, e.g., cleaning, humidifying, filtration and/or detoxifying, of ambient air incorporates a plant, soil, roots and a water reservoir to allow for effective filtration of air over an extended period of time. In particular, the device is designed with an air impeller system such that external “dirty” air is circulated within the device in the proximity of the plant, soil, roots and/or water reservoir, thereby removing impurities, toxins and other undesirable chemicals from the air. The apparatus and methods of the present invention are readily applicable to a number of applications where air treatment is desired, e.g., household use. Moreover, by incorporating a plant system, the apparatus serves not only a functional but an aesthetic purpose as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing consumer-ready vegetables, mushrooms or herbs, comprising the steps of culturing vegetables, mushrooms or herbs in a closed container under suitable growing conditions until maturity; and transferring the container with the mature vegetable, mushrooms or herb to a retail outlet. The culturing of the vegetables, mushrooms or herbs until maturity takes suitably place in or in the vicinity of the retail outlet. The invention further relates to a set for performing the method and to the container comprising the mature vegetables, mushrooms or herbs.

Abstract: A plant tray having a bottom and a sidewall. The bottom has at least one prominence rising from the inner surface of the bottom. The at least two prominences have at least one elevated drainage opening that is elevated above the inner surface of the bottom. A planting is made with at least one plant that is grown in soil in the plant tray and has air pruned roots at the at least one elevated drainage opening. The medium, such as soil, is watered to allow water to initially reside in the inner surface of the bottom to a level limited by the at least one elevated drainage opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for facilitating the germination of seeds and growth of seedlings. One aspect of the invention provides a seed kit. The seed kit may comprise a biodegradable germination cup having a base having one or more apertures, a one-piece biodegradable germination pad capable of retaining water and sized to be received in the base of the germination cup without falling through the one or more apertures, and a biodegradable seedling cup sized to receive the germination cup. The seed kit may further comprise other components, such as a growth medium, a seed, a lid/base, a stirring stick, etc. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods wherein a seed is germinated and nurtured to a seedling by using a germination pad, a germination cup, and a seedling cup.

Abstract: A system and method for generating high-yield plant production is disclosed. The system includes a container, a growing station, and a monitoring system. The growing station includes vertical racks, a lighting system, an irrigation system, a climate control system, and a ventilation system. The monitoring system monitors all of the systems in the growing station, as well as the environment within the container, to provide real-time data and alerts to a user.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to devices, methods, and kits for use in horticultural containers. In accordance with some embodiments, a horticultural device comprising a base and a supporting plate may advantageously reduce the amount of soil required for potting. Aspects and embodiments of the present invention may facilitate potting and may reduce plant maintenance.

Abstract: A method for hydroponical aeration of plants may include supplying, via an air pump, oxygenated air to a plant within a section of a plant vase that is part of a plant vessel. The section includes roots of the plant submerged in water. The method may further include evenly distributing, via an air diffuser, the oxygenated air to the roots of the plant to facilitate hydroponic growth of the plant.

Abstract: A method and container for developing seedlings includes germinating the seeds and air pruning the seedlings to a depth of about 3 inches.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for a vertical planter. Systems and methods according to various aspects of the present invention may comprise a planter system configured for growing plants in horizontal rows wherein each row is arranged vertically with respect to each other row. The planter system may comprise a planter container, a container support, and a vertical support. The vertical support may be coupled to a structure. The container support may be coupled to the vertical support and configured to support the weight and form of the planter container.

Abstract: A planter includes a lid and a container. The container has an upper side, a lower side, and a plurality of lateral walls extending between the upper side and lower side. The upper side, lower side, and lateral walls of the container define a container interior configured to retain a growth medium. The upper side of the container includes an opening configured to provide access to the container interior, and the lower side includes a plurality of drainage apertures or holes. One or more protrusions extend from at least one of an first face of the lid and the exterior of the lower side of the container.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining flower pot and/or plant cover having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition is disclosed. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining flower pot and/or plant cover may be provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the flower pot and/or plant cover.

Abstract: There is provided a medium for plant cultivation comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer chip. An ethylene content of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer included in the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer chip is preferably 20 to 60 mol %. In addition, a water content in the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer chip is preferably 20 to 300 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. As a result, it is possible to provide a medium for plant cultivation, which is capable of being used instead of the soil or rock wools, and with which it is possible to sufficiently grow crop plants, to have excellent recyclability, to facilitate a process for disposal the medium, and to have a small environmental burden.

Abstract: A plant container for reducing root circling and promoting air pruning comprising an open top portion, a closed bottom portion, a side wall extending from the open top portion to the closed bottom portion and a pair of handles woven on either side of the closed side wall. The open top portion, the closed bottom portion and the closed side wall defines the container made of non-woven geotextile fabric for providing higher air and water permeability for effective plant growth. The fabric promotes air pruning which boosts natural apical dominance of the roots leading to additional root branching. A skeletal support is provided internally or externally to provide a rigid internal structure to the fabric. The rigid internal structure helps easy filling, irrigating, moving and maintaining of the plant container. A pair of hook and loop-type fasteners helps the plant container to remain in a collapsed position when not used.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a modular horticultural growing system, creating a multitude of benefits through the utilization vertical growing capability and methodology. These benefits include increased growing densities, maximization of growing efficiencies, minimization of water usage, retention of nutrients, reduction of nutrient discharge into surface and ground water, increased growing capacity within existing capital infrastructure and space, reduction of energy and material inputs, cooling and beautification of structures and living spaces, increased local food production, synergistic effects throughout entire product, manufacturing, and production value chain, and many other benefits. The present invention allows individuals, especially those living in impoverished or densely populated urban areas, to grow a greater fraction of their food requirements.

Abstract: An open tomato booster on each end with a vertical closable side entrance to allow a tomato transplant space for growth of an additional root system in a vertical position with a method of application.

Abstract: A method for forming floral packaging materials from biodegradable and/or renewable polymeric materials is provided. Methods of utilizing such floral packaging materials are also provided.

Abstract: A modular planting system for roof applications includes a plurality of green roof planter modules each comprising a planter including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, and a biodegradable insert including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, wherein the insert is adapted to retain a plant matter in the interior space of the insert, the plurality of sidewalls of the insert extend above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, and wherein the plurality of sidewalls of the insert are adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant growing system having (a) plant life; (b) a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer to provide season-long performance; and (c) growing media. The planting growing system may also include a moisture control agent or a plant protection agent. Despite the high EC values of the growing system, the combination of materials that make up the growing system nevertheless produces superior performing plants with darker green, healthier-looking leaves; superior growth, fill and spread; more abundant production of flowers and fruits; and a more developed, sustaining root system. Moreover, these plants are far less susceptible to the effects of pests such as fungi (e.g., Fusarium and Rhizoctonia), pythium, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, and other pests.

Abstract: An improved drain hole cover for use in all types of planting containers is described. A preferred embodiment of the drain hole cover comprises a single generally discoid layer of lofted synthetic nonwoven material with a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to one side. Generally, the adhesive can be applied to a periphery of the one side of the drain hole cover in a pattern so as to leave a central portion uncoated by the adhesive. The drain hole cover can be disposed, adhesive side down, on an inner surface of a planting container concentric to a drainage hole of the planting container. In use, the drain hole cover allows water to drain out of the container and prevents the egress of soil through the drainage hole.

Abstract: The invention is a phytoremediation test cell that mimics mature plant remediation properties. The test cell allows a test of the accuracy and efficiency of phytoremediation by placing the trees that are to be used for phytoremediation in a contained elongated cavity filled with the soil or root medium that is to be phytoremediated. The cell has a drain outlet at its bottom that water poured through the cell is in contact with the roots of the phytoremediating plant and then drains through the outlet such that it can be tested. The plants are 8-10 months old and arranged in the cell such that their roots are surrounded and in direct contact with the root medium.

Abstract: A portable planting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a flexible, lightweight sack having an opening located in at least one end for receiving the soil. Opposing ends of the sack are held shut and supported by respective opposing handles which maintain the soil within the sack and allow the sack to be lifted and moved. Furthermore, the portable planting system comprises a liner which receives the sack. The liner has an upper opening for receiving the sack and opposing end openings for receiving the handles. Also, the portable planting system comprises one or more straps for containing the sack within the liner. Small holes can be poked in the exposed upper portion of the sack in order to plant individual plants and the sack prevents weeds from growing around the plants. The liner contains a portion of the water and provides stability to the portable planting system when the system is moved.

Abstract: A modular planting system for roof applications includes a plurality of green roof planter modules each comprising a planter including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, and a biodegradable insert including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, wherein the insert is adapted to retain a plant matter in the interior space of the insert, the plurality of sidewalls of the insert extend above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, and wherein the plurality of sidewalls of the insert are adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter.

Abstract: A method of increasing plant branching is disclosed. The invention relates to producing a compact and uniform horticultural display. The invention further relates to producing a horticultural display with plants of different families, genera and species that are difficult to grow into compact, uniform and floriferous horticultural displays.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for providing increased light to plants including a bottom panel including tiles, side panels coupled substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel at a first edge of the bottom panel and providing a first reflector to redirect light, end panels coupled substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel at a second edge of the bottom panel and substantially orthogonal to some of the side panels and providing a second reflector to redirect light, a container configured to house the plants being supported by the bottom panel and providing a third reflector to redirect light, and light sources producing light beneficial to the plants, the light incident upon the bottom panel, the side panels, the end panels, and the container, the bottom panel, side panels, ends panels, and container each reflecting a portion of the incident light is disclosed.

Abstract: A vertical gardening system includes at least one sheet of geosynthetic material hung generally vertically, and forming vertical channels extending top to bottom of the sheet on a rear side and including a plurality of small upwardly-open individual pockets on a front side and growing medium on both sides of the at least one sheet and located in both the channels and the pockets. A related method includes providing a portable stand and supporting on the stand a sheet with vertical channels and pockets as defined above, growing plants in the pockets with their roots extending into the channels, and moving the stand to promote plant growth, including one of moving the stand to orient the plants toward sunlight during daylight, or moving the stand between a first location of optimal sunlight and a second location of optimal protection against freezing.

Abstract: A modular unit, system and method include a base layer having a plurality of reservoirs configured to prevent water flow through a lower portion, the lower portion for contacting a support surface, and having interlocking portions configured to interlock adjacent base layers when installed. A water permeable layer is disposed over the base layer. A detachable wall is mountable on the base layer to contain planting media. The water permeable layer may include a water-holding capillary fabric mat layer with entangled filaments.

Abstract: A green roof planter module includes a planter including a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls each including an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the bottom wall and the plurality of sidewalls cooperate with one another to form an interior space, and a biodegradable collar member extending upwardly from at least a select one of the biodegradable sidewalls, wherein at least a portion of the collar member is in-molded within the upper portion of at least one of the sidewalls, and wherein the collar member is adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls.

Abstract: A pot for containing a plant such as a flower plant, having a bottom peripheral edge adapted for insertion or installation into a garden bed. In one embodiment, the pot is a normal truncated conical shape and the lower peripheral edge is irregular so as to use that bottom edge to more securely position the pot within a hole in the ground. The irregularity of the lower peripheral edge can be a plurality of teeth that bite into the ground and position the pot in the hole when the user rotates the pot while forcing it downwardly toward the ground. The bottom edge is thus used to cause the pot to settle firmly within the hole dug in the ground. In another embodiment, the pot is empty and is installed in the garden to provide decoration, by positioning the pot against the garden bed, and then pushing the pot into place. The upper rim of the pot may be decorative and may be located above the level of the ground.

Abstract: Composition and method for preparing artificial seeds of plantlets that can be developed into grown plants for propagation in the field are disclosed. In one embodiment, the artificial seeds are developed in degradable containers. The disclosed methods also allow for rapid propagation of in demand plants, such as sugarcane, to meet the ever increasing global demand for this plant.

Abstract: A method for cultivating a plant, wherein a substrate is formed, in which substrate a seed or a root of the plant is placed, which substrate containing the seed or the plant is placed in a holder for the plant to grow, characterized in that at least two substrate parts are formed, with the seed or a root of the plant being placed between said at least two substrate parts before the substrate containing the seed or the plant is placed in the holder.

Abstract: Containers having air pruning holes are have dimensions configured for germination and/or growth of citrus plants, including citrus rootstock, as well as other plants. One such container may have a width of about 1.0 to 1.25 inches and a depth of about 5.0 to 7.0 inches. Another such container may have a width of about 4.0 to 6.0 inches and a depth of about 12.0 inches to 14.0 inches. Soil blends containing various additives configured for use in germination and/or growth of citrus and other plants may be used in connection with the containers or independently of the containers.

Abstract: Exemplary sprouters may provide automatic water level adjustment for soaking seeds and growing sprouts from those seeds in trays formed from a hydrophobic material and with holes in the bottom surface of the tray sized such that the surface tension of pure water and the hydrophobic properties of the tray material resists passage of the pure water through the holes. The automatically adjusting may be facilitated by germinating seeds soaking in water changing the surface tension of the soaking water and reducing the resistance to passage through the holes.

Abstract: A convertible planting system includes a flexible sheet of material bent into an overlapped configuration to form a container defining an interior volume, the flexible sheet having a first broad surface covered with an engageable loop material, and a second broad surface from which touch fastener hooks extend in an area overlapping the first broad surface with the sheet of material bent to form the container; with the hooks releasably engaged with the loop material, and soil filling at least a portion of the interior volume of the container and in contact with the loop material. A gardener may plant a seed in the convertible planting system, peel back a portion of the sheet of material forming a wall of the container by releasably disengaging hooks and loops of the sheet of material, and reattach the portion of the sheet of material by reengaging the hooks and loops.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a freestanding vertical horticultural apparatus for commercial and/or home use for growing of plants in containers includes a plurality of containers arranged in a plurality of mutually vertically spaced groups which are rotatably supported in brackets by an elongated vertical spindle through which is routed a pressurized fluid supply line which is coupled to a spray emitter by way of a flow adjustment valve. At a flow rate determined by the valve, the emitter sprays irrigation fluid inside a hollow distributor body positioned at the top of the apparatus. The lower portion of the distributor body is segmented into a plurality of sumps, each of which feeds a substantially uniform quantity of the fluid under gravity to each respective one of the containers by way of a respective fluid delivery tube, one of which is coupled to the lower portion of each sump.

Abstract: A method and container for developing seedlings includes germinating the seeds and air pruning the seedlings to a depth of about 3 inches.

Abstract: A wicktube can transfer liquid from one end to the other end by capillary action, and a wickswitch can control this capillary liquid transferring action. Wicktubes are connected together to form a wickhub. A wicknet combines wickhubs, wicktubes, and liquid reservoirs to form a network. Wickconnectors connect the elements of the wicknet. Wicknet and wickswitches can control the liquid supply of the plants in a garden or farm. This liquid supply control can be precise if electronic controller and some sensors are added. It is simple, slow and clean. And it uses only minimum amount of liquid. Plants can be hung on the wall to form a garden on the wall, a hanging garden.

Abstract: A modular system for plants and air purification having a plant module with a containment portion for holding a plant growth medium and a conduit for passage of air therethrough. The modular system also contains an exhaust module having an inlet aperture for receiving air flow from the plant module, an outlet aperture and an air pumping unit arranged to pump air from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture. The plant module and exhaust module are connectable one with the other, and wherein when connected air flow is permitted between the two units.

Abstract: A plurality of plants of at least one species are planted in starter soil contained in a starter tray. The tray can have a perforated floor with a plurality of reinforcing ribs and one or more walls rising from the floor peripherally. The plants are nurtured in the starter tray long enough to develop entangled roots with an interplant root entanglement that at least partially consolidates the starter soil.

Abstract: This invention concerns apparatus for growing plants comprising a column (100) of pots (102) stacked one above the other to define an enclosure for housing plants. Each pot (102) defines a chamber (104) for holding a plant. Separators for separating pots of the column are provided and the separators define an enclosed headspace around a top of at least two of the pots where plants project from the chamber. The chamber comprises a passageway (106) that provides a continuous flow path for air through the column (100) without requiring the air to flow through the chamber (104). This flow path includes the headspaces above the at least two of the pots (102).

Abstract: Described are a vertical garden system and method. A mounting panel includes a plurality of first mounting attachment mechanisms. A planting cell module is positioned on a surface of the mounting panel. The planting cell module has a second mounting attachment mechanism constructed and arranged for removably coupling with a first mounting attachment mechanism. The planting cell module has an interior volume in which a plant component is positioned.

Abstract: Method and device for growing a plant. In particular, a device intended for accommodating the quick-growing stem of tomato, cucumber and sweet pepper plants. It is proposed to wind up the stem from the bottom in such a manner that the plant continuously extends in the cultivation space at the same height. Winding up of the stem in a simple manner is possible, as a result of which the latter extends about the winding point in a coiled manner. The end of the stem is arranged in a substrate carrier, such as a gutter, which also rotates. According to another variant, the stem is pressed into substrate material during winding up, resulting in the plant forming roots, so that the part of the stem which is already developed can be cut off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable planter. The planter of the present invention includes one or more foldable compartments defined by an array of panels. Each compartment includes one or more upright panels to form an upright core; one or more movable panels to form a trough used for planting; and one or more fold lines, wherein at least one fold line between the one or more upright panels and the one or more movable panels. In an embodiment, each panel is attached to at least one adjacent panel along a fold line. When the planter is not in use, the movable panel pair folds at a fold line between the upright panel and the movable panel.

Abstract: A method for slope planting, including the steps of: forming at least one hole in a slope; piercing, by at least one fastener, through a vegetation bag that is ventilative and pervious to water and into the hole in the slope, to fasten the vegetation bag; applying cement or adhesive to the vegetation bag and/or the slope to form a reinforcing layer for combining the vegetation bag with the slope; and filling the vegetation bag with stuffing. The present invention further discloses a slope planting structure as constructed by the method, and a reinforced slope planting structure.

Abstract: A floral sleeve having a body and an insert or extension attached thereto is used to cover a pot. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: A planter box for mounting to a structure includes a box body comprising side walls and a respective attachment means extending laterally relative to each side wall, each attachment means adapted for mounting the planter box to the structure. Also provided is a method of mounting a planter box to a structure, the planter box comprising a body having side walls, attachment means extending laterally relative to each side wall, a rear wall, and at least one support formation extending generally rearwardly relative to the rear wall. The method includes the steps of disposing the planter box adjacent the structure such that the at least one support formation supports the planter box on the structure and attaching the attachment means to the structure to mount the planter box to the structure.

Abstract: A container surrounding a pole and base stand of a freestanding floor lamp or similar structure. The container includes a sidewall integrally attached to a base panel to form a ballast volume, a fixture void, and a wedge void extending into the ballast volume. The container can take on a variety of shapes and can be split into two sections comprising an upper planter section and a lower reservoir section. The upper planter section includes a ballast volume, a pole void and a wedge void. The lower reservoir section includes a ballast volume, a wedge void, and a base void and can include a watering port. The base void can be used for storage or as a pet house. A wedge section can be provided to close off the wedge void and define the aperture in which a freestanding device such as a floor lamp is housed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating the germination of seeds and growth of seedlings. One aspect of the invention provides a seed kit. The seed kit may comprise a biodegradable germination cup having a base having one or more apertures, a one-piece biodegradable germination pad capable of retaining water and sized to be received in the base of the germination cup without falling through the one or more apertures, and a biodegradable seedling cup sized to receive the germination cup. The seed kit may further comprise other components, such as a growth medium, a seed, a lid/base, a stirring stick, etc. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods wherein a seed is germinated and nurtured to a seedling by using a germination pad, a germination cup, and a seedling cup.