Abstract: A planter for growing a transplantable plant includes a container having a sidewall and a bottom and further includes a retainer member for retaining a plant which has been transplanted within the container through the sidewall or bottom thereof. The retainer member defines an expandable opening which is movable between expanded and normally-collapsed conditions so that by urging a plant root system end-first against the retainer member, the expandable opening is moved to an expanded condition to permit the root system to pass through the expandable opening into the container interior. Upon passage of the root system through the expandable opening, the expandable opening is permitted to return toward its normally-collapsed condition about the stem of the plant to thereby prevent the withdrawal of the root system of the plant from the container interior through the plant retainer.

Abstract: Method for repotting plants wherein a rootball is moved from a first rootball container to a second rootball container using a planting head. The planting head has legs which legs are provided with pins which may be in a first retracted position and in a second extended position, wherein in a first step the planting head is brought above the rootball surface; in a second step the distance of the distal ends of the legs to the central axis of the planting head is reduced; in a third step the pins are inserted into the rootball; in a fourth step the distal ends of the legs are brought closer together; after which the rootball is taken out of the first rootball container and deposited into the second rootball container. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A plant is grown to maturity in a transplant container and transplanted into a recipient's container. The transplant container has side walls that can be easily detached from the bottom after the transplant container has been placed into the recipient's container above growing media. After the side walls have been removed, growing media is added to a level above the roots. The bottom of the transplant container is easily penetrated by the roots of the plant and is left in the recipient's container with the plant.

Abstract: A plant pot comprising a base and at least one side wall, the base and the side wall together defining an at least one chamber of fixed dimensions for receiving an at least one plant and a growing medium, wherein a plurality of apertures are formed in the at least one side wall, each aperture permitting passage of a root of the at least one plant from the chamber through the side wall to an exterior of the plant pot. Plants, typically trees, are normally grown in such pots in the ground and their recovery for onward sale is facilitated by the use of such pots.

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 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 plant pot having a wider base than throat and which can be vertically separated into two substantially identical pieces is provided. The plant pot preferably comprises a first pot member and a second pot member that are capable of engaging and disengaging each other. Complementary edges on the first pot member and the second pot member allow such members to define a substantially continuous inner wall when the first pot member and the second pot member are engaged. At least one retainer extends about an outer surface of the plant pot to retain the first pot member and the second pot member in an engaged position. In one embodiment, the first pot member and the second pot member are identical such that they are manufactured from the same mold thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying production of such plant pot.

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 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: A floatable growth tray for the germination of seedlings has a plurality of cells adapted to receive a mixture of a growth median and seeds. The tray has sealed pockets forming air chambers to enable the tray to float. The cells have holes forming openings extending through a bottom surface of the tray permitting water to enter the cells to promote germination of the seeds.

Abstract: A tree root ball wrapping apparatus (100) includes a circular platform (109, 113) for supporting a separable, open-frame, root-containment structure (103, 105, 107) having an inverted conical shape. A group of pivot joints (201, 203, 205, 207) are located at an upper section of the root-containment structure for separating the root-containment structure into half sections. In practice, the group of pivot joints can be opened during tree transplantation for providing removal of a root ball from the wrapping apparatus by opening the sections at the group of pivot joints for easily facilitating removal of the wrapping apparatus (100) from within a transplantation hole.

Abstract: A removable plant container for growing and transporting plants having a base member in communication with a lateral support wall. The base member and lateral support wall define a receiving aperture, having a volume V, for receiving the plant and growing media therein At least one removal device is in communication with the lateral support wall, the base member, or both. Actuation of the at least one removal device results in an increase in the volume of the receiving aperture from volume V to volume V?, thereby permitting the removal of the plant and growing media without damage to the plant root system of root ball.

Abstract: A plant pot is provided comprising a first plant pot housing with an open bottom; a first plate member supported by the first plant housing at its open bottom, wherein the first plate member is separated from the plant pot during transplanting; and a second plate member nesting with the first plate member after the first plate member is separated from the plant pot, wherein the first and second plate members are supported by a second plant pot housing also having an open bottom to complete a sequence of transplanting.

Abstract: A air root pruning container for plants includes a side wall made of a plurality of segments extending in layers above a base wall with each segment having a larger radius as measured from a central axis than the subjacent segment and with the segments being separated from adjacent segments to provide air root pruning openings between the segments; each segment includes outwardly curved wall portions so that the interior wall surfaces will guide root development to an opening.

Abstract: A planter for growing a transplantable plant within dirt or potting soil includes a container for containing dirt or potting soil and which has sidewalls and an interior. The sidewalls defines at least one grow port which provides access to the interior of the container, and the planter further includes a plant insertion sleeve having two side sections which are hingedly connected to one another for hinged movement between opened and closed conditions so that when the sleeve is positioned in its opened condition, the root system of a plant to be transplanted is positionable within one of the side sections of the sleeve, and the side sections can be subsequently moved to a closed condition about the root system to place the plant insertion sleeve and root system in condition for insertion into a grow port of the container for continued growth of the plant within dirt or potting soil contained within the container.

Abstract: A method of making tree seedling plugs which permits the plug to be transplanted earlier is provided. The tree seeds are planted in a structured soil growing medium, and a miniplug is formed which may is then transferred to a standard size growing cell for further development to form the plug.

Abstract: A transplanting system including both methods and specific types of transplant apparatus such as propagule transplant trays(3, 4, 5, 6) addresses the need for the use of a propagule punch machine (8) on a variety of adolescent tray configurations (9, 11, 12, e.g.) and the increased operational efficiency that such enhanced operational capability affords. The system may involve at least one areally continuous propagule tray (3, 4, 5, 6) that is operationally compatible with a numerically significant number of adolescent plant trays. Other embodiments of the invention disclose punch pins (59) for use in a plant punch machine transplanter that are user-detachable and differentially designed so that plant punch elements of a certain design may be installed as part of the machine to customize the transplant process for a given species and transplant modality. The invention also provides for a consultable collection (such as printed documents or an electronic database, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention has for object a container destined to plants of medium and large size, as well the respective method of manufacture, container that has a shape aiming at the economy of material, the structural reinforcement, in order to withstand the high mechanical demands—mainly during the transportation—and the ease the respective lateral part (12) is provided with two or more handles (121) whose upper part (1211) is tilted relatively to the axe (14) of the container, so that its more external portion is more proximal to the bottom (13) and its more internal portion is more proximal to the mouth of the container, in that the respective bottom (13) is provided with one or more incisions (131) substantially rectilinear, which in case of plurality are substantially parallel to each other, in which at least one of the respective extremes, and preferably both, emerges on the said lateral part (12); and in that the surface constituting the lateral part (12) is totally or partially grooved, the

Abstract: A planting system for regulating the supply of water to a plant comprises a linear (28) for containing a volume of plant growing medium (30), such as soil, and drainage means adapted to drain water from the plant growing medium (30) contained within the liner (28) and convey the drained water to a desired location. A paving system (10) comprises a permeable layer (12) providing an upper surface; at least one supporting substrate layer (20) thereunder which is permeable to liquid, a containment membrane (28) of impermeable material containing said substrate layer (20) for controlled retention of water therein and duct means for allowing the passage of water from the substrate layer (20) to a plant growing medium (30).

Abstract: A transplant pot for plants that is formed when two identical pot halves are fastened together. The invention consists of three components; the main body of the invention where parts (side walls, guide tracks, gaskets and fastening mounts) are either molded or affixed to the main body, the fastening screws and the drainage dish which is not required for structural integrity but merely for growing medium drainage. When the two halves of the invention are joined by the screws being tightened through the fastening mounts, which are molded or affixed to the side walls and threaded, the rubber compound gaskets are compressed thus creating a tight seal. When the plant requires transplantation the screws are removed from the fastening mounts to allow the pot halves to be separated. This permits the rooted plant to be removed with minimal disturbance to the plant's root system and other structures.

Abstract: A portable tree pod structure 10 includes a base 12 constructed and arranged to rest on a surface. The base includes forklift-engaging structure 20 constructed and arranged to be engaged by forks of a forklift to move the tree pod structure. A support frame 22 is mounted for rotation with respect to the base. A pod 24 is coupled with the support frame 22 for rotation therewith. The pod is constructed and arranged to receive and carry a root ball of a tree.

Abstract: A booklet used in germination and transplantation for plant material is disclosed. The booklet can easily be sent through regular mail without damaging the plant matter. Delayed germination is available by use of hygroscopic material. The booklet can have multiple trays that are removable for easy transplantation into a pot or garden. The tray can further include an inlet port for water and a water chamber for released germination. Learning material can be included in the booklet, as well as decorative or marketing material. The information in the booklet can be in the form of print, electronic display, stained glass or any other format.

Abstract: A cylindrical plant container having a dual sidewall and a bottom wall is provided. The inner sidewall is constructed of woven polypropylene fabric and the outer sidewall is constructed of wire, such as chicken wire. The inner sidewall extends above the outer sidewall and is folded over the top of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The inner sidewall also extends below the outer sidewall and is folded over the bottom of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The bottom wall is removably connected to the combined inner and outer sidewall. The bottom wall is of a non-woven polypropylene material. The present invention is designed to be used in a plant nursery. The woven polypropylene permits air to penetrate through the sidewall permitting air pruning of the roots proximal the sidewall. This forces the roots to grow in both a horizontal and downward fashion resulting in a denser plant root system with no spiraling or circling of roots within the cylindrical plant container.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an improved root structure for a plant, the apparatus comprising a base, a plurality of vertical anti-circling channels connecting to the base and extending upwardly from the base, air channels formed in the base, a plurality of base anti-circling channels formed in the air channels extending along the length of the air channels, and ventilation holes in the base.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom of estuaries in propeller scars and blowouts and for encouraging plant growth in these propeller scars and blowouts. Aquatic plant shoots are transplanted by positioning shoots, plants or seeds in a sediment tube or sediment bag which is in turn placed in a propeller scar or blowout. When the sediment tube or sediment bag is placed in the propeller scar or blowout aquatic plant growth is facilitated. The sediment tubes and sediment bags may be preformed or they may be formed just prior to their placement in the estuary. A watercraft may be used to position the sediment tubes and sediment bags with and without sea grass shoots, plants or seeds, in propeller scar propeller scar. With the process and apparatus of this invention, sea grass plants can be replanted on the bottom of an estuary and new plant growth encouraged in propeller scars and blowouts..

Abstract: The cylindrical container is made of paper and has a rim, a seam along the vertical dimension thereof and an overlap in that seam. The bottom end of the container has a twisted and flattened tuft of paper. A fold is provided around the rim. This fold encloses the overlap crosswise for retaining the shape of the container. The paper container is usable as a seedling pot. There is also provided a hand tool for manually forming these paper containers. This hand tool comprises a cylindrical body having a diameter, a closed end and an open end, and a handle mounted to the closed end. The hand tool also has a cavity extending inside the cylindrical body from the open end, where the tuft of paper is pushed in during the forming of the bottom end of the container. There is also provided a method for forming paper containers using the hand tool.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom of estuaries in propeller scars and for encouraging plant growth in propeller scars. Aquatic plant shoots are transplanted by positioning shoots in a sediment tube which is in turn placed in the propeller scar. When the sediment tube is placed in the propeller scar the sea grass shoots are held in position for an extended period of time to allow the sea grass shoots to take root on the estuary bottom. The sediment tubes may be preformed or they may be formed just prior to their placement in the estuary. A watercraft may be used to position the sediment tubes with and without sea grass shoots over an area of the propeller scar. With the process and apparatus of this invention, sea grass plants can be replanted on the bottom of an estuary and new plant growth encouraged in propeller scars.

Abstract: A plant pot with transplanting facilitator including a container having an open upper end, an open lower end, and an intermediate surrounding side wall therebetween. The open lower end has a plate removably positioned therein. The plate has a central drainage aperture therethrough. The side wall has a longitudinal expansion slot extending between the open upper end and the open lower end. A longitudinal strip is removably disposed within the longitudinal expansion slot of the container. The longitudinal strip has an upper end and a lower end.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus including a seed carrier of a fibrous material, and at least one seed embedded within the seed carrier. The seed(s) and seed carrier are integrally formed with one another. The invention is also a method of planting, including the steps of providing at least one seed, and creating a seed carrier composed of a fibrous matter. Additionally, the inventive method includes the steps of embedding the seed(s) within the seed carrier such that the seeds become integrally formed into the seed carrier.

Abstract: A culture tray for the rooting of young plants in parallel rows including an open-top housing having a base wall and a peripherally extending edge. The housing-base wall defines a plurality of transversely extending channels which accommodate a multiplicity of generally cup-shaped pots having bottom walls with a drainage hole. The tray-base wall is arranged at a lower position in relation to the surrounding edge and the transversely directed channels are provided in the tray base wall at a certain distance apart.

Abstract: The present invention entails a plant/seedling/cutting/plug growing tray and container system that includes a tray with a plurality of individual plant cells and container with each cell and container having an open top and bottom and a detachable screen bottom, and that allows plant removal either from the open bottom of the tray/container or open top of the tray/container. As plant roots emerge through an open-bottom tray or container supported above ground, the roots shrivel due to contacting dry air and temporarily suspend their growth. This bare-root growth phenomenon is known as air pruning. Proper application of root air-pruning process in conjunction with the use of properly shaped tray-cells and containers (small at the top and gradually getting larger at the bottom) significantly increases plant production, improves crop quality and promotes mechanization. Air pruning alone without the right tray and container will not provide these benefits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1), especially for growing plants, having at least one pot (2) in which the base is provided with a plurality of openings (10). Each opening (10) has a first part (12) which is formed in the base (3) and extends up to the pot wall (4). Each opening (10) also has a second part (13) which is formed in an area of the pot wall (4) located close to the base and which is adjacent to said first part (12). The first part (12) of the opening (10) is covered in the inner space of the pot by forming lateral passage openings (20) with a ridge (15) which is at least partially set at a distance from the base (3). The root tips die as soon as they reach the passage openings (20) between the ridge (15) and the base (3) since they come in contact with light and air. As a result, undesired turning growth of the roots is prevented in a simple manner.

Abstract: A solid body for growing plants, especially plant seedlings, which can be used for plants of any desired size, has a compact structure, and is highly advantageous with respect to storage and handling the solid body is made of coco peat having an insertion area for plants on its top side.

Abstract: A plant-growing method and apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes an impermeable pot having a fabric liner closely received therein. The liner is formed of a porous fabric which catches plant roots and directs the roots into the wall of the pot thereby preventing root circulation. The apparatus stops the apical dominance of the roots by directing them into the wall of the pot and therefore induces root branching within the pot.

Abstract: An improved method and container providing a root housing assembly to the plant which restricts the plant's thickest roots (greater than 1.5 millimeters in diameter) to remain within specified parameters. Regardless of the preferred container size, the lower seven eights portion of a container, perforated with a plurality of holes encircling the container permits fine, fibrous roots (less than 1.5 millimeters in diameter) to penetrate through to the soil surrounding the outside of the buried container's walls, whereas, the upper one eighth of the container is used for handling purposes, is not perforated, and provides a line of demarcation which will not permit root penetration into the soil environment outside of the container's walls. The holes with diameters of substantially 1.5 millimeters are equally spaced at distances of 3 millimeters apart. The roots which pass through these holes are not air-pruned, since the container is buried, but are restricted to the diameter of 1.5 millimeters.

Abstract: A bulb casing encases a plant bulb and properly positions, feeds and protects the plant bulb, in a biodegradable casing including two joinable, substantially hemispheric cavity members, preferably having plant nutritional supplements on or in an inside surface adjacent to the bulb's outer surface and rodent repellent materials on or in the outside surface thereof. The plant nutritional supplements can be plant food, such as bone meal. Artificial rodent repellents such as mothball materials or biodegradable, non-toxic chemicals such as cayenne pepper can be used. Preferably, the hemispheric cavity members are formed out of biodegradable cardboard or cellulosic material, such as moldable paper pulp or starch resins, so that the casings will degrade in the ground as the bulb grows to a plant.

Abstract: A live plant container comprises an elongated trough, a hydratable propagating medium positioned in and substantially filling the trough, and a cover closing off the trough to form an oasis for the plants with the cover including a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings configured and dimensioned to form cells to retain live plants in an upright position when inserted through the opening into the propagating medium.

Abstract: A plant transplanting support device is formed of a sheet material for lining an interior of a container having a bottom and side walls for holding a plant. The support device resides between the container and the root ball of the plant to support and maintain the root ball intact upon transfer of the plant from the container to another container or from the container into a planting bed. The support device includes an elongated sidewall portion for being formed by a user such that its opposite ends converge to define sides of an enclosure. The enclosure is adapted to fit within the container adjacent the side walls of the container. A plurality of leg portions extend outwardly from the sidewall portion at a bottom edge of the enclosure. The leg portions are adapted for being folded upwardly from the bottom edge of the enclosure to an opposite top edge of the enclosure to define an enclosure bottom for residing adjacent the bottom of the container to support the root ball when transplanting the plant.

Abstract: A bulb and root protection system for allowing bulbs and rooted plants to be planted in the ground and protected from small burrowing animals. A protection cage has a top edge, and encloses a volume. The protection cage is open at the top edge. The protection cage is placed in the soil up to the top edge wherein bulbs or rooted plants are placed inside an interior volume of the protection cage, and the protection cage is filled with soil. Small animals are prevented from reaching the bulb or planted roots by the protection cage, but roots growing from the bulb or plants can grow and penetrate the mesh of the protection cage. The bulb and plant root protection system is additionally provided with a flexible liner provided within the interior volume. A dual purpose stabilizing strut is also provided with the plant root and bulb protection system, the strut comprising an anchor portion and a water dispensing portion for dispensing water below the surface of the ground to the plants roots or the bulb.

Abstract: A rodent barrier device for use on the ground engaging tires of a vehicle. A continuous wall barrier made of a weather resistant and low outer friction slippery material, such as the slippery plastic LEXAN material, having an upper concave surface rim encircles the tires of the vehicle to be protected from the rodents. Initially before made into a continuous wall, the material making up the wall barrier may be a single elongated flat strip that is processed and bent into a continuous tire encircling wall by having the two opposite ends of the strip meet at a common edge.

Abstract: A first outer container is formed with a side wall and a bottom wall. The bottom of the first container has a support structure or raised area to define a water reservoir in the bottom of the container. An overflow drain is provided in the container and preferably in the raised area to limit the depth of the water reservoir. A second inner container including a drain hole and having a live plant is placed in the first container at or above the water level in the first container. The water in the first container has a depth to inhibit excessive root growth from the drain hole of the second container. Roots which grow through the drain of the second inner container contact the standing water in the reservoir and die and rot at the point where the roots contact the water to limit growth in the first container. The water in the first container is particularly effective in controlling root growth from the inner container through the drain holes in the first outer container.

Abstract: A plant pot is capable of preventing roots from winding and lengthening excessively therein. The pot includes a container which has an open top, a base, and a surrounding wall. The surrounding wall has a bottom end connected to the base. The base has a central portion, a plurality of spaced apart connecting portions which extend radially from the central portion to the bottom end, and a plurality of holes which are confined by the connecting portions and the surrounding wall. The holes are elongated along the direction of the surrounding wall and are closely adjacent to the surrounding wall. Parts of the base close to the surrounding wall are mostly opened and are substantially free of corner spaces which would assist root winding and excessive lengthening.

Abstract: A container for growing and transplanting flowers and plants. The container includes a rigid outer shell, having enclosed sides, an enclosed bottom and an open top, and an inner planting pot formed from a decomposable material and having enclosed sides, an enclosed bottom and an open top. The inner planting pot is releasably receivable within the rigid outer shell such that when the inner planting pot is received within the rigid outer shell the bottom of the inner planting pot is supported on the bottom of the rigid outer shell. The enclosed sides of the rigid outer shell are sloped inwardly from its open top to its enclosed bottom. The enclosed sides of the inter planting pot are sloped inwardly from its open top to its bottom to a greater degree than the slope of the sides of the rigid outer shell. An annular air space is created between the inter planting pot and the rigid outer shell when the inner planting pot is received within the rigid outer shell.

Abstract: A modular soil conserving planter is definable in terms of a longitudinal trough having open transverse end faces and longitudinal side walls which are axially compressible, laterally flexible integral accordion-like surface, the surface including elements for control of drainage from the trough and each end face of the trough further including snap-fittable selectable connections to open end faces of adjoining like planters. In the bottommost region of the planter are provided drainage openings which control the rate at which water can escape from the planter through the effect of gravity and of osmosis from the surrounding soil.

Abstract: Improved crop yields are obtained by determining total dissolved solids (TDS) in a representative sample of transplants to determine strike rate as a logarithmic function of TDS before transplanting. Juvenile plants with high strike rate readings are transplanted. A refractometer having a logarithmic scale showing low, medium, and high strike rates as a direct readout from a juice sample is used. A bioregulator can be used to induce high TDS levels prior to transplanting. Particular application is to transplanting strawberry runners.

Abstract: A cylindrical plant container having a dual sidewall is provided. The inner sidewall is constructed of polypropylene fabric and the outer sidewall is constructed of wire, such as chicken wire. The inner sidewall extends above the outer sidewall and is folded over the top of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The inner sidewall also extends below the outer sidewall and is folded over the bottom of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The present invention is designed to be used in a plant nursery. The woven polypropylene permits air to penetrate through the sidewall permitting air pruning of the roots proximal the sidewall. This forces the roots to grow in both a horizontal and downward fashion resulting in a denser plant root system with no spiraling or circling of roots within the cylindrical plant container. The heat transfer characteristics of the polypropylene reduces the root ball temperature compared to other containers.

Abstract: A system of plastic plant trays is disclosed for conveniently transporting, displaying and removing (for planting) young plants or seedlings. In the preferred embodiment, each tray comprises a plurality of cells for removably housing the plants; unique pull-out tabs for gently lifting plants atop them from individual cells; and a color-coded handle that identifies the price of the plants. By pulling up on a dangling end of a tab, a gardener can lift and later extract a plant with minimal damage to its roots or flowers.

Abstract: A Metamorphic Damping-off Guard (30) accessory for improving the performance of an excess water shedding root shaping plant container (100) is disclosed. Guard (30) is placed on top of the container's protrusion (120). This arrangement reduces soil moisture under a seedling's (70) stem and thereby protects it from damping-off disease. Guard (30) can be used in combination with an insertable protrusion (20) to provide similar protection for a seedling planted in a conventional plant container (10). The Metamorphic Damping-off Guard (30) is made from a durable component and a biodegradable component. The durable component is comprised of a quantity of small, rigid, durable, nonabsorbent, non-biodegradable, non-toxic objects, such as stones (35). The biodegradable component is comprised of a biodegradable, nonabsorbent, non-toxic cement, such as wax (37). The cement binds the objects together into an easily handled whole. The Metamorphic Damping-off Guard (30) changes its properties over time.

Abstract: A hydroponic cultivation receptacle comprising a tray 22 having a board 22a to place seeds of small vegetables like sprouts has plural drainage holes 23 on the board 22a and upper rims of said drainage holes 23 to form protrusion 24 so as to retain a little amount of water to dip lower part of the seeds placed on the board 22a. Accordingly, water remained to the height of protrusion 24 retains enough water to keep lower part of the seeds by surface tension while most water provided inside tray 22 drained from the drainage holes 23. Protrusion 24 prevents the seeds from moving from the place they are uniformly placed and the problem of moving of the seeds when water is poured is also solved.

Abstract: A system of plastic plant trays is disclosed for conveniently transporting, displaying and removing (for planting) young plants or seedlings. In the preferred embodiment, each tray comprises a plurality of cells for removably housing the plants; unique pull-out tabs for gently lifting plants atop them from individual cells; and a color-coded handle that identifies the price of the plants. By pulling up on a dangling end of a tab, a gardener can lift and later extract a plant with minimal damage to its roots or flowers.