Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable projectiles for toy launchers that contain viable seeds. When lost outdoors the projectiles do not pollute the environment but instead degrade naturally and the seeds grow into plants that enhance the landscape.

Abstract: A weed enclosure device has a main body with a first enclosure half hingedly connected to a second enclosure half. Each of the first enclosure half and the second enclosure half may be movable about a hinge between a closed position and an opened position. The main body may have a top end and a bottom end. A first aperture may be formed in the top end of the main body. A second aperture may be formed in the bottom end of the main body. At least one divider may be disposed in the main body. The divider may have a plurality of flexible holders.

Abstract: An assemblable and disassemblable planter box for propagation, growing, transporting, and planting. The planter box has two sides and a bottom saucer. The sides are attached by engaging assembly a tongue along one edge with a groove formed by side by side lips along a corresponding edge, and inserting locks through the tongue and lips. The bottom saucer attaches the assembled sides to complete the planter box. The bottom saucer may be attached to the sides by bottom saucer locks inserted through bottom saucer slots and into side bottoms. Slots near side tops may receive horizontal planks and diagonal rods reaching up from corner tops help stabilize trees in the planter box. The bottom saucer may includes fork lift passages to facilitate movement of large planter boxes. The sides and bottom saucer may be made from High Density PolyEthylene (HDPE) or from PolyPropylene (PP), both recyclable materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ergonomic trash collection system and methods of a container with a floor. One or more flexure bearing region, hinge or living hinge, being formed in the container and or floor. In some instances one or more gaps or partial formed in the container wall(s) configured to support an asymmetrical separation of the walls along the gap.

Abstract: A stackable grow pot system including a plant pot having an inner volume, a plurality of side-walls, and a base including a selectively removeable disc. The selectively removeable disc is configured to be removed to allow plant roots to extend through an aperture. The plant pot is stackable. When stacked, the plant pot provides for volume expansion for growth of a plant and the plant roots through the aperture into a second-plant-pot. The device allows for quick and efficient transplanting.

Abstract: A system and method for growing and protecting tree seedlings is provided. The system includes potting tubes that may function as a pot for growing seedlings and additionally as a tree guard for protecting transplanted tree seedlings from pests. The potting tubes are open at both ends and may be secured to a bottom end cap for use as a pot. After a growth period, the end cap can be removed and the tree can be transplanted with the tube surrounding the tree for use as a tree guard. The system includes a tray with end caps attached to the tray for transporting and transplanting large numbers of tree seedlings.

Abstract: A latchably closable horticultural capsule is configured to contain a growing medium, and to be temporarily closed around a branch section of a parent plant during an air-layering propagation process. The capsule includes a first shell portion and a second shell portion pivotally joined together by a central hinge. The first shell portion includes a main shell body having a cup-like shape configured to partially surround the branch section, the main shell body having opposed end walls with notches formed therein. The first shell portion also includes two seal-receiving cups externally attached to the end walls of the main shell body. The seal-receiving cups have hollow notches formed in respective edge portions thereof, and are also configured to partially surround the branch section. The notches of the seal-receiving cups are substantially linearly aligned with one another, and also with the notches of the main shell body.

Abstract: A hinged hydroponic tower utilizing an integrated, single-piece hinge member, thereby allowing the tower face plate to move relative to the tower body. In addition to the hinge, the tower utilizes an integrated fastener to hold the face plate in the closed position. A V-shaped groove may be included on either side of the tower, the grooves increasing the efficiency of delivering water and nutrients to the plants via the narrowed rear cavity wall. The V-shaped grooves may also be used as an alignment aid when coupling planters, harvesters, or other equipment to the tower.

Abstract: A horticultural container includes a tag slot for receiving a display tag. The tag slot has an inner wall and an outer wall spaced widthwise from one another, and one of the inner or outer walls has at least two curved peaks separated by a valley and extending into the slot towards the other of the inner or outer wall to hold the tag against the other of the inner or outer wall. The peaks provide a radius that reduces cracking of the tag and increases longevity thereof, and reduces tag sagging, collapsing, or curling.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing plants is includes a body section having an upper orifice, a lower orifice, a back section, and at least one door. The upper orifice allows for planting of a plant while the at least one door allows for removal of the plant for transplanting. The upper orifice is smaller in cross-sectional area than the lower orifice allowing for plants to grow in their natural pattern giving the roots more room to grow in more soil from which to absorb nutrients making for a happier, healthier plant which will not need to be transplanted as often.

Abstract: A multi-piece hydroponic tower utilizing separate tower body and face plate components that are hingeably coupled together, thereby simplifying tower construction as well as tower maintenance. In addition to the hinge, the tower face plate(s) is held in place with a latch, e.g., a snap-fit fastener. A V-shaped groove may be included on either side of the tower, the grooves increasing the efficiency of delivering water and nutrients to the plants via the narrowed rear cavity wall(s). The V-shaped grooves may also be used as an alignment aid when coupling planters, harvesters, or other equipment to the tower.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flower pot which may be easily opened to facilitate placing or removing of the potted plant therein. The flower pot has at least one of the sidewall divided into two sidewall portions, and an opposing sidewall is provided with a hinge arrangement to allow for separating the two sidewall portions from each other, such that a front of the flower pot is opened for convenient placing or removing of the potted plant inside therein as desired without damaging the plant. Further, a locking arrangement is provided to hold together the two sidewall portions after the transplantation operation has been performed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for the cultivation of perennial artichoke plants. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods of cultivating artichoke plants to increase the uniformity and yield of marketable products (e.g. edible mature buds), and to accurately program and condense the harvest interval of artichoke plants grown as perennials in a planting field in order to reduce production and harvesting costs.

Abstract: The containment of plants and seedlings as such plants or seedlings are grown, transported, displayed and planted is provided. Containers are comprised of biodegradable materials that have the advantage of being formed into containers with various features, such as by an injection molding process, but that can be buried within the soil along with a plant's roots. Such containers allow for plant or seedling transplanting without having to separate the container from the plant's root system. More preferably, biodegradable plastics utilized in accordance with the present invention have properties such that the plastic can be injection molded and yet provide a stable structural container that will last in accordance with predetermined set needs, which needs may include environmental aspects, timing aspects and decompositional aspects. By utilizing injection molding, containers can be formed with many advantageous features.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving plant yield. The apparatus includes a plant container adapted to be movable between a first plant growing direction and a second plant growing direction. In one embodiment, the plant container includes a first rigid outer container and a second flexible inner container adapted to be received by the outer container and for containing growing media for one or more plants. The apparatus may further include a rigid trellis attached to the plant container. The present inventions also include a method for improving the growth efficiency and yields of a plant.

Abstract: An insert for growing plants, including a plurality of receptacles, adapted for insertion into a container, wherein each of the receptacles is arranged for receiving a separate plant with a portion of gel for feeding the plant. The receptacles may be arranged to allow communication between the portions of gel in the receptacles to allow the plants to share a common feed reservoir of the gel.

Abstract: A planter box configured for housing plantings is disclosed. The pallet box assembly includes a pallet base, two side panels, a front panel, and a rear panel, which are collapsible and reusable. Pallet base has tenon joint parts with locking mechanisms that extend out. Pallet base has an opening extending therethrough for ease of handling by pallet jack or hand truck. The side panels include grooves. Front and rear panels include tenon joint part with locking mechanism. The side panels are identical and interchangeable, the front panel is identical and interchangeable with the rear panel. Each locking mechanism includes a winged bolt threadedly inserted and engaged into the tenon joint part, and a wing which is rotated by about 45 to 135 degrees to engageably and securely attach the corresponding tenon joint part in the corresponding groove, so that the pallet box assembly is securely installed.

Abstract: Plant container assemblies with nested growth substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plant container assembly includes a base; an inner frame on the base; and an outer frame having a plurality of grid panels projecting from the base, surrounding the inner frame, and defining a plurality of slot regions between the inner frame and the grid panels. Growth substrates are inserted into the slot regions, and each of the growth substrates has a first side that is exposed through one of the grid panels for planting, and a second side that holds soil within a corresponding one of the slot regions.

Abstract: A collapsible container according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a base and a plurality of walls, including a first wall, collapsible onto the base. A support is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the first wall, such that an identical container would stack on the collapsible container at a first height when the support is in the first position and at a second height when the support is in the second position. In another embodiment, different stacking heights can be achieved by rotating the upper container 180 degrees relative to the lower container.

Abstract: An insert for growing plants, including a plurality of receptacles, adapted for insertion into a container, wherein each of the receptacles is arranged for receiving a separate plant with a portion of gel for feeding the plant. The receptacles may be arranged to allow communication between the portions of gel in the receptacles to allow the plants to share a common feed reservoir of the gel.

Abstract: A device for protecting the contents of plant containers comprising a top portion, a cut-out with a semi-circular interior portion, and a channel portion. The interior portion and channel portion are shaped to provide clearance and receive the base or stem of a plant. Embodiments of the device may include grooves and apertures to provide flexibility and drainage and the device also includes the capability to accommodate different styles and sizes of containers along with various plants and shrubs.

Abstract: A bounding system for a transplantable plant including a bounding apparatus and a support tray. The bounding apparatus includes a sheet-like sidewall framework defining a plurality of elongated, spaced sidewall apertures, and a bottom support having a support surface area. The bottom support is includes a sheet-like bottom framework defining a plurality of spaced bottom wall apertures. The bounding system includes a support tray comprised of a relatively solid sheet material, and having a tray top portion and a surrounding sidewall. The tray top portion defines an opening therethrough that is formed and dimensioned for supportive receipt of the bounding apparatus therein such that the bottom support thereof is vertically oriented at least at a sufficient distance above the ground to promote and encourage air root pruning of the transplantable plant proximate the bottom support. The surrounding sidewall and the sidewall framework defines a humidifying airspace therebetween in a manner reducing rapid dry-down.

Abstract: A plant container assembly, method, and kit include a plant container with a sidewall having first and second sidewall portions, an open top, and an open bottom. A hinge member is on the sidewall between the open top and the open bottom and pivotally connects the first and second sidewall portions for movement between an open position of the plant container, and a closed position of the plant container forming an interior space capable of containing plant growing medium. A closure portion extends along the sidewall between the open top and the open bottom. A plant support cooperatively engages the closure portion and selectively holds the plant container in the closed position. A planar member is configured to be selectively placed within the plant container and supported on a ledge member on each of the first and second sidewall portions to selectively form a bottom closure for the plant container.

Abstract: A flexible biodegradable package for flower bulbs for holding, storing, transporting and direct planting into the ground a plurality of flower bulbs, wherein said plurality of flower bulbs is placed between a flexible top layer of material comprising biodegradable fibers and a flexible bottom layer of material of material comprising biodegradable fibers, wherein said flower bulbs are separated by inter-bulb areas effected by a pre-selected inter-bulb distance, the bulbs being in a fixed position and a preferred planting orientation, said top layer being glued to the bottom layer at the inter-bulb areas and at the periphery of said layers. The invention also relates to methods of use and manufacturing of the package.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a propagation container comprising a circumferential wall, which bounds at least two cavities arranged next to one another, each cavity having a center longitudinal axis and the cavities being open to each other along part of the lateral circumferential surface thereof, wherein each cavity has an upper access opening and a bottom, between which upper access opening and bottom of each cavity run at least two retaining ribs that extend substantially vertically and are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction, which retaining ribs protrude radially from the circumferential wall into the associated cavity and define a cylindrical or conical frustrum-shaped accommodating opening centered at the center longitudinal axis of the associated cavity, and the mutual distance of the center longitudinal axes is dimensioned in such a way that the lateral circumferential surfaces of the accommodating openings touch or overlap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with cells for plant material, and/or systems and methods involving the transfer of cells containing plant material to larger cells (e.g., without removing the plant material from the cells being transferred to larger cells). The container can be used to transport plant material. The container has cells formed from biodegradable material. The cell itself can hereby be gripped by a transfer unit during a transfer method and this cell can be placed in a larger cell. In addition, the cells of the container can be separated from the rest of the container before the cell is transferred.

Abstract: The invention claim is a garden tool to assist in the removal of planting medium and plant from a planting container. The garden tool comprises a handle having a first end and a second end, a base, and a planting container. The handle and the base are connected forming a L-shape body. The base is placed inside the planting container, and the handle extends above the top of the planting container. The connection between the handle and base may be reinforced by an angle brace. The connection between the handle and base may be hinged. If the connection is hinged, the angle brace prevents the hinge movement. Located on one end of the angle brace is a hook, that connects to the base. In addition, the base has weeping holes to allow the drainage of water. The base also has raised ridges to contain the growing medium when removed.

Abstract: A tree balling system automates the current tree balling method and greatly reduces strenuous physical labor. A novel wire basket having projections with hooks is provided for securing the earth ball of a plant for transplantation. Wrapping and tensioning a tensile member around these hooks encloses the projections around the earth ball. A balling station is also disclosed which has a stand for supporting and rotating the wire basket and plant. The balling station includes a tensile member guide and a tensioning component. The balling station is preferably located on a transportable vehicle and is equipped with unloading features for discharging the wrapped earth ball. A powered tensioning device tightens the wire basket around the earth ball. A hook forming device is also disclosed wherein the hook forming device can modify conventional wire baskets.

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 bounding system for a transplantable plant including a bounding apparatus and a support tray. The bounding apparatus includes a sheet-like sidewall framework defining a plurality of elongated, spaced sidewall apertures, and a bottom support having a support surface area. The bottom support is includes a sheet-like bottom framework defining a plurality of spaced bottom wall apertures. The bounding system includes a support tray comprised of a relatively solid sheet material, and having a tray top portion and a surrounding sidewall. The tray top portion defines an opening therethrough that is formed and dimensioned for supportive receipt of the bounding apparatus therein such that the bottom support thereof is vertically oriented at least at a sufficient distance above the ground to promote and encourage air root pruning of the transplantable plant proximate the bottom support. The surrounding sidewall and the sidewall framework defines a humidifying airspace therebetween in a manner reducing rapid dry-down.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary landscape soil and moisture retaining device. The retaining device may include a wall having a first region and a second region adjacent the first region, the second region inclined relative to the first region, and a flange extending outward from the first region of the wall. The retaining device may further include a raised lip extending from the flange and defining an upper edge of the retaining device. The second region of the wall defining a bottom edge of the retaining device, such that the flange is arranged between the upper and bottom edges of the retaining device.

Abstract: A transplantable plant container assembly is provided for containing a growing medium for a plant that significantly promotes air root pruning. The container assembly includes a container device that includes a sidewall support and a bottom support collectively defining an interior cavity. The sidewall support is comprised of a lattice framework defining a plurality of spaced apertures that extend from an interior wall to an exterior wall thereof. A relatively thin, moisture absorbent liner material is disposed adjacent to the lattice framework. The liner material is sufficiently penetrable to enable root penetration therethrough, by the plant, at the apertures. However, the liner material must also have sufficient structural integrity, when moist, to bound the growing medium and moisture across the spaced apertures of the lattice framework when contained in the interior cavity.

Abstract: A transplantable plant container assembly is provided for containing a growing medium for a plant that significantly promotes air root pruning. The container assembly includes a container device that includes a sidewall support and a bottom support collectively defining an interior cavity. The sidewall support is comprised of a lattice framework defining a plurality of spaced apertures that extend from an interior wall to an exterior wall thereof. A relatively thin, moisture absorbent liner material is disposed adjacent to the lattice framework. The liner material is sufficiently penetrable to enable root penetration therethrough, by the plant, at the apertures. However, the liner material must also have sufficient structural integrity, when moist, to bound the growing medium and moisture across the spaced apertures of the lattice framework when contained in the interior cavity.

Abstract: A natural growth terrarium utilizes a frustrum shaped lower root growing container having a top opening and a bottom opening and an outwardly tapered sidewall. The terrarium also includes a separate frustrum shaped upper plant stem growing container having a top opening and a bottom opening, and an inwardly tapering sidewall. The bottom opening of the upper container is configured to be removeably attached to the top opening of the lower container, such that when the containers are connected, a plant can be grown in the terrarium and its roots allowed to spread through the lower container and its upper stem allowed to grow within the upper container. When mature, plants grown in the terrarium can be safely and efficiently relocated from the terrarium to the ground where the plants are easily replanted and the terrarium removed for reuse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with cells for plant material, and/or systems and methods involving the transfer of cells containing plant material to larger cells (e.g., without removing the plant material from the cells being transferred to larger cells). The container can be used to transport plant material. The container has cells formed from biodegradable material. The cell itself can hereby be gripped by a transfer unit during a transfer method and this cell can be placed in a larger cell. In addition, the cells of the container can be separated from the rest of the container before the cell is transferred.

Abstract: The invention is a plant container for growing and transplanting plants. More, specifically, the invention is for a plant container that is made of a multi-layered heat pressed root impenetrable materials with a plurality of closure mechanisms that allows a user to more easily remove and transplant a plant as well as monitor plant root growth.

Abstract: A biodegradable container for planting bulbs may include a plurality of layers with pre-positioned bulbs for each layer. Each layer may be a different species or type of bulb so that the depth of the specific bulb is appropriate for each type of bulb when the container is “planted” in the ground. The container may include a partition to separate each layer, and the partition may hold the layer of bulbs in relative position at a suitable depth throughout shipping of the container and eventual planting of the container. The container may include soil that holds the different bulbs in relative position, with or without the partition. The container permits easy planting of a variety of flowers by a consumer without inordinate labor or much concern about depth levels, since the container automatically establishes a suitable depth for each respective type of bulb therein, once the container is properly positioned in the ground.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for afforestation of recalcitrant land comprising the steps of preparing multiplicity of vegetation containers made of natural wood and having a thickness of 3-8 mm; growing plant seeds in a soil composition composed of sprouting promoter, rooting promoter, fertilizer and peat moss to obtain plant seedlings; placing the plant seedlings into the multiplicity of vegetation containers and airdropping the multiplicity of vegetation containers containing the plant seedlings onto the recalcitrant land.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing, protecting, isolating, and individually identifying sets of one or more articles in a plurality of compartments such that information related to the sets can be easily and efficiently linked to the set. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a compartment layer, a sealant layer, and indicia which may individually identify compartments. In another example, a method includes taking a compartment layer and sealant layer, loading compartments with sets of one or more articles, closing the compartment layer with the sealant layer, and identifying each compartment for each seed or portion thereof with a positionally-addressable ordered array of indicia on at least one of the layers of the package.

Abstract: A container for growing plants has a base and a side wall extending upwardly from the base, for containing a growing medium. An opening is defined in an inclined portion of the side wall, and a rib positioned on the side wall and facing into the container defines a root-guiding angle between the rib and the side wall, the root-guiding angle leading to the opening. Plant roots growing adjacent to the side wall are therefore guided by the root-guiding angle to the opening to be air pruned.

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: Systems and devices are provided for the handling and transport of plants, cuttings, tissue-cultured plantlets, and/or seeds. Said system comprising a prop-string having one or more prop-tubes affixed thereto and in alignment with the cells of a transplant liner tray. Plant, cuttings, tissue-cultured plantlets, or seeds are positioned within the prop-tubes for transport. Upon transplanting, the prop-tube with the plant, cutting, tissue-cultured plantlet, or seeds therein are positioned within transplant liner tray cells. The prop-tubes will not interfere with rooting or growth of the plant and can be biodegradable or an inert material. Said system facilitates the simultaneous transplant of multiple plants, cuttings, tissue-cultured plantlets, or seeds.

Abstract: A root growth barrier and method for use with transplantable plants is provided. The barrier is a bilayer, comprising an inner layer of a root-tip-trapping material bonded to an outer layer of a root-impenetrable material. The inner layer faces the roots of a plant and serves to trap root tips to promote root branching. When a black or dark-colored inner layer is bonded to a white or light colored reflective outer layer, soil temperatures are lower and water retention is promoted. Such a barrier may be used as a freestanding container for plants or be manufactured into preformed rolls for use in plant pots and containers.

Abstract: An in-ground planting pot apparatus for facilitating watering and fertilizing a plant having: a frustro-conical portion having a minimum diameter, a maximum diameter opposite the minimum diameter, and an outer surface; a curved lip portion circumscribing most of the maximum diameter and extending outwardly from, and having an outside diameter greater than, the maximum diameter, the curved lip portion starting on the outer surface and terminating at the same plane formed by the maximum diameter; and an elongated tray portion having a tray bottom that is co-planar with the start of the curved lip portion, and a tray rim starting from the tray bottom and terminating at the same plane formed by the maximum diameter and curved lip portion The apparatus can be inserted into soil with the minimum diameter down and a fraction of the frustro-conical portion remaining above ground, a plant may be planted in the middle, and then water and fertilizer dispensed into the frustro-conical, tray, and lip portions which direct

Abstract: A hydromulch container medium including a container and a root system disposed in the container. A hydraulically compactable mulch is interspersed between the root system and the container to form a semi-solid container medium around the root system.

Abstract: The invention includes an improved container and method for growing a plant to be subsequently transplanted. In one embodiment, an upwardly extending container wall is adapted for retaining soil. A plurality gutters are disposed on an interior portion of the container wall. The gutters extend along the container wall to one or more openings, thereby guiding roots to the openings for air pruning the roots. A root guiding surface of the gutter may extend downwardly and outwardly to the container wall, to form a substantially v-shaped gutter. Alternatively, an upwardly extending lip may be disposed on an inner portion of the root guiding surface, forming a substantially u-shaped gutter between the lip, ledge, and the interior portion of the container wall. The gutters may also slope downward in a direction along the container wall to better accommodate the geotropic nature of plant roots.

Abstract: A method for planting a living fence of different lengths with a height or design which varies, from saplings of different species. The fence can be transported ready for planting in an intended location, with the transport device provided as an integral part of the growth apparatus, and with the transport device intended to protect the fence from damage during transport.

Abstract: A planter box for transplanting or removing trees, shrubs, or plant material. The planter box includes four corner members and a first and second channel arranged on each corner member. The box has a plurality of wall members arranged within the channels. A plurality of fastening members are arranged between the corner members.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for supporting various stages of plant growth through layered soils. In embodiments, a soil adapted for supporting a first plant growth phase (e.g. germination) may be proximal, adjacent, or partially surrounded by a second soil adapted for supporting a subsequent growth phase (e.g. a vegetative phase) such that the roots of the plant encounter the second soil as the plant progresses from the first growth phase to the second growth phase. Some embodiments may provide one or more additional soil layers positioned proximal to the second soil, with the additional soil layers adapted to support additional subsequent plant growth phases. Apparatuses suitable for practicing embodiments of such methods are further provided.

Abstract: A transplantable plant container assembly is provided for containing a growing medium for a plant that significantly promotes air root pruning. The container assembly includes a container device that includes a sidewall support and a bottom support collectively defining an interior cavity. The sidewall support is comprised of a lattice framework defining a plurality of spaced apertures that extend from an interior wall to an exterior wall thereof. A relatively thin, moisture absorbent liner material is disposed adjacent to the lattice framework. The liner material is sufficiently penetrable to enable root penetration therethrough, by the plant, at the apertures. However, the liner material must also have sufficient structural integrity, when moist, to bound the growing medium and moisture across the spaced apertures of the lattice framework when contained in the interior cavity.