Abstract: Disclosed herein is agricultural paper to be made into pots for raising seedlings. It is made up of a first layer made chiefly of natural pulp and a second layer made of synthetic fibers having a basis weight of 3-15 g/m.sup.2, said first layer and second layer being joined to each other by the wet papermaking process which intertwines the fibers of the two layers at their joining interface. The second layer is formed by fusion bonding composite synthetic fibers of polymers having different plasticizing temperatures.

Abstract: An improved method and a container for growing a transplantable plant are provided. The container is comprised of a set of upwardly extending removably joined side panels. The side panels are bendable and have vertical edge joints adapted so that one or more of the side panels can be bent arcuately and removably joined together to form a generally cylindrical open-topped container of selected size.

Abstract: A tree seedling container, constructed from expanded polystyrene, rectangular in shape and having cavities molded therein. The cavities are tapered from top to bottom and are open ended. The inner cavity walls are constructed in a castellated form having one or more raised portions extending vertically downwards the entire depth of the cavity. Grooved portions intersperse the raised castellated portions. Either one or the other of the grooved or raised portions is coated with a chemical to prune the lateral roots of a tree seedling which come into contact therewith.

Abstract: In a tape or packaged tape provided along the length thereof with pockets disposed transversely to the tape and with a desired spacing, said pockets being open at the top and the bottom and containing plants such as seedlings and beddingplants ready for transplantation together with the pockets as a continuous tape. The tape including the pockets and the plants is quite flat and bendable, windable spirally and foldable flat upon itself into a package. The pockets comprise two wall-forming thin layers of material fixed to each other at intervals and being adapted for the supply and regulation of the air and water necessary for the development and growth of the plants inside the packaged tape without the coexistence of any further growth medium thereabout.

Abstract: An improved method and fabric container for controlling the root growth of nursery stock planted in the ground prior to transplanting are provided. In accordance with the method, the root growth is confined in the ground within a porous fabric container formed of needle punched continuous fibers whereby the roots are readily caught and caused to initially penetrate the container, but the fabric constricts the roots sufficiently to produce nodule formation and root branching within the container.

Abstract: A root control bag of the invention is ued to contain the roots of growing plant stock during in-ground cultivation prior to later excavation and transplantation after the plant has reached a desired stage of maturation. The root control bag includes a wall manufactured from a non-woven fabric formed of a multiplicity of substantially continuous, randomly aligned, polymeric fibres, needle puncture bonded together. A standard probe penetration test is defined in the specification and the physical characteristics of the fabric must fall within certain limits as defined with respect to the standard test. The test basically comprises pressing a standard probe through the fabric and recording the load on the probe. For each test an initial puncture reading is taken, as well as a final penetration reading.

Abstract: This containment structure comprises a sheet-like container defining a plurality of cells for accommodation therein of small plants, in particular for cultivations in greenhouses, and a container holder having a substantially box-like shape. The containment holder removably supports the container and has engagement members allowing easy and reliable stacking of a plurality of such structures, cross-pieces for setting the position of the container with respect to the holder and recesses in the lateral walls for aerating the small plants accommodated in the cells.

Abstract: A plant tray (10) having a plurality of cups (14) in a flat sheet (12) of moldable material wherein the cups are in parallel rows (1-7) with at least some of the rows (2,4,6) having spaces (24) between some of the cups (14) for air openings (26) in the flat sheet (12) to supply air to the foliage of plants growing in the cups (14). The cups (14) in adjacent rows may be offset and have a variable width shape such as a hexagon to provide a maximum number of cups in the available space and which are located close to the air openings (26). The cups (14) of hexagonal cross section also have corners (46) for directing the root growth of the plants. The sidewalls (38) of adjacent cups (14) surrounding the air openings (26) form funnels (43) for improved air drainage.

Abstract: In a demountable container, the combination comprising:(a) the container having an upright axis and including multiple wall sections each extending part-way about said axis,(b) the sections having laterally interfitting tongue and groove element connections,(c) and elongated connectors extending through the tongue and groove elements so as to be endwise removable therefrom allowing separation of the sections.

Abstract: A reusable planter box with four side panels can be assembled and disassembled with ease, and are still durable enough to accommodate large plants and trees. The side panels of the planter box contain three inserting means on one edge and three receiving means on the second edge that can be brought together to form the connection between the two adjacent panels. These connections are secured by securing means located adjacent to the receiving means and hold the inserting means in place. The connection can be further secured by placing a cotter pin in a horizontal bore through the inserting means preventing the inserting means and receiving means from detaching. The lower part of the planter forms a ledge on which a disposable bottom shelf can be placed. Footings on each panel raise the shelf above the ground, which slows deterioration of the shelf and prevents roots from growing into the ground.

Abstract: A pack of seedling plants includes a sealed, sterile dish containing an agar gel in which seedlings have been raised from seed sown in the gel. The pack may also include a growing tray for which a pack of compost may be provided, and a transparent cover which together form a propagator into which seedlings may be transplanted from the dish. The dish may be fixed to a backing and the various components of dish and backing, tray and cover snap fitted one with another to form a convenient package which also has the advantage of being rearrangeable to provide a robust package for the mail-order market.

Abstract: Soil plug release apparatus is arranged to release plugs of soil from a tray of the type having an array of compartments arranged in rows and columns with each compartment having a hole in the base thereof. The apparatus has a pair of support members held in parallel spaced relationship, and a bridge member spanning the support members and having a curved upper surface, in which there is a row of spaced openings; the spacing between the openings corresponds to the spacing of the holes in a row of tray compartments. A pair of guides guide a tray between the support members transversely over the upper surface of the bridge. The guide means are such as to deform the underside of the tray to conform to the curvature of the bridge member at the point the tray passes over the bridge member. A plurality of cylinders each arranged to store a discrete bolus of air, are coupled one to each opening. The bolus of air is released from each cylinder when the holes in a row of compartments become aligned with the openings.

Abstract: A transplant tray comprises a number of germination cells, each cell including side walls for holding and retaining a growth medium and seeds or seedlings for germination. Each cell has an opening at the top for retrieval of the growth medium and seedlings for transplanting after germination. The cells are connected to or are integral with one another forming a planar structure. The tray further comprises a skirt connected to or integral with the perimeter of the planar structure. When two trays are stacked the skirts of the two trays are nested within each other thereby enclosing the space between the two trays forming a germination chamber. Vent holes of appropriate sizes are provided in the skirts permitting limited and controlled gas exchange between the germination chamber and the environment to enhance the uniformity of germination conditions within the chamber. The vent holes are not so large as to cause significant loss of moisture to an uncontrolled environment.

Abstract: An improved method and container for growing a plant intended to be transplanted are provided. The side wall of the container includes at least one upwardly facing internal ledge positioned substantially horizontally therein and a plurality of spaced openings are disposed on the side wall and extend through the ledge. A portion of the roots growing laterally within the container are trapped by the ledge, are guided through the openings and are air-pruned as a result thereof.

Abstract: An improved growth container and method for growing a plant to be transplanted are provided. The interior of the side walls of the container have a lattice of root-trapping recesses therein each having a trough with a pointed end for directing roots growing therein downwardly and outwardly so as to form trapped lateral root tips. The side panels can be disconnected and moved laterally apart to prevent damage to the root tips trapped in the recesses.

Abstract: A plant container with concavoconvex ribs for growing plants and the like which is characterized by its ability to easily prevent the soil medium in the container from collapsing into a hole which has been mechanically drilled into the soil medium in order that a plant may be inserted into the medium, by its ability to be easily nested, by its ability to be efficiently and comfortably handled, and by its ability to be easily drained with maintenance of an optimum water level. The plant container is readily adaptable for use with a variety of plants and includes a frusto conical body made of molded plastic and has a rim portion at the top and a base portion at the bottom. The sidewalls of the container consist substantially of concavoconvex ribs that are concave on the inside sidewall and convex on the outside sidewall. Additionally, the bottom of the plant container contains one or more channels that extend radially across the bottom of the plant container.

Abstract: A device for growing plants at an abnormal growth rate in a container (9), which has entirely or partially perforated walls and an aperture in the growing direction of the plant, has the shape of a pouch with at least one stiffening strap (10). The container (9) is surrounded by a guide member (1) having a guide frame (2) adapted to the curve of the stiffening strap (10) adjusted therein and having at the upper end an annular lip (3) in the aperture of which said container (9) is fitted. In the aperture of the annular lip (3) can be inserted a clamping ring (13) by which the upper edge of the container (9) is clamped between said ring and the inner wall of the annular lip (3).

Abstract: A device intended to hold or contain a plant in planting comprises a sleeve having broken-through wall parts extending in the length direction of the sleeve from an upper edge of the sleeve to a lower edge. The lower edge may be formed with at least one tip to facilitate penetration of the sleeve into the soil.When planting on soil cover, the device further comprises an anchoring device surrounding the sleeve. The device includes an upper edge part and a lower edge part which are united with each other by strips extending in the length direction and showing kerf situated in a lateral plane, preferably a central plane.

Abstract: The present invention is a nursery stock container which is disassembled, at the time the plant is transplanted, in a manner which does not cause damage to the root ball of the plant. Each container has a wall member with spaced slots formed therein near a bottom edge and a base with an upstanding peripheral flange and peripheral tabs extending through the slots, which are removably secured together to form a cylindrical enclosure. To support the wall member and maintain the cylindrical configuration various retaining mechanisms may be used, each of which may be readily removed and disposed of at the time of transplanting.

Abstract: A sheet having apertures registering with said locations of the receptacle in the first orientation is used to distribute seeds or tissue culture elements. The receptacle may be placed in a growth medium reservoir and the plant precursors delivered through conduits from the apertured sheet to the receptacle by means of pressurized gas. After some growth the receptacle is reoriented to the second orientation. Apparatus is disclosed to perform the reorientation.

Abstract: A novel tissue culture assembly (10) which employs a tray (11) that presents one or more cavities (12) opening upwardly through a web sheet (13). A unique growing medium (25) is received in each cavity (12) and comprises a mixture of granulated foam (26) and pulverized gel (28). A membrane (35) spans the opening of each cavity and is secured to the tray (11). An aperture (36) pierces the membrane (35) at approximately the central portion of the cavity opening, or mouth (17), and the sides (38) of the aperture (35) engage a propagule (40) inserted through the aperture to support the propagule. The base (19) of each cavity (12) is provided with an aperture (20) by which selected fluids may gain ingress and egress with respect to the cavity. A domed cover (60) may be removably secured to the tray (11).

Abstract: Plants are hydroponically grown on rafts that float on an aqueous nutrient medium. The rafts have arrays of openings that extend from their upper surface to their lower surface for receiving plant-containing collars that dip into the aqueous medium.To provide efficient plant thinning without plant destruction, a fraction of the openings of the array of each raft is filled directly with plant-containing collars and the remaining plant collars are placed in a grid that overlies the raft and has openings aligned with a fraction of the openings of the array.

Abstract: A pot for holding a plant or the like comprising a one piece container molded of plastic and having a bottom with side walls extending therefrom defining an open top end. An elongated narrow opening is formed in the bottom in a configuration defining a central tab extending from one side of an outer portion and which may be pushed inward into the container to remove the plant and its potting soil. The plastic employed to form the container is pliable or flexible such that the central tab may be pushed inward without breaking the central tab from the outer portion of the bottom.

Abstract: Described herein is a carrying device for pot plant cell units, which device comprises a frame (1) supporting the cell units containing the pot plants to be planted, which frame (1) can be, by means of a side arc (9) fastened to same, supported to the waist of the planting person and, on the other hand, by means of harness consisting of belts (14, 16, 19, 20), to the upper body of the planting person. A shoulder belt (14), which passes from the breast side of the planting person across one shoulder to the back side, is at the breast side and at the back side, by means of front and rear connecting rings (17, 17'), connected to a side belt (16) passing around the other side of the planting person. At the breast side of the planting person, the frame (1) is fastened to the front connecting ring (17) by means of a short front belt and, at the back side of the planting person, to the rear connecting ring (17') by means of a longer rear belt (20).

Abstract: A root-pruning container involving a series of vertical pyramid like staircase stepped surfaces essentially parallel to the sidewall of said container and displaced to the inside of said container, wherein the vertical and horizontal surfaces forming the steps between the inner pyramid like surface and the outer container sidewall are intentionally sloped behind said pyramidal surface such as to form an acute angle of intersection with the container's sidewall. Because of the acute angle of the step, the root tips of a growing plant are directed into and trapped at the toe position of each individual step resulting in termination of the root growth (root-pruning). Such a container inhibits spiral growth, promotes root branching and results in more even root distribution as well as increased root growth in the growing medium.

Abstract: A support rail for use in supporting a planting tray during its initial growing period in a greenhouse. The support rail is especially suited for use with trays having a high-density matrix of small-sized soil plugs, and comprises a horizontally extending, vertically disposed web member and a pair of support members projecting from opposite sides of the web member at its lower extremity. The support members are angled downward from the horizontal so that a tray resting on support member will be supported along the tray's lower edges and not along the bottom surface. The rails are arranged in a uniformly spaced, parallel configuration, which provides stable support for a plurality of trays without providing a preferential growing environment for those soil plugs closest to the edges of the trays.

Abstract: A reusable seedling transplant unit for elevated growing, by germinating several seedlings simultaneously in a growth medium, contains a plurality of pot-shaped cells all joined together; each cell has an open top and bottom and is structured with a plurality of ribs extending downwardly from the open cell top to converge to the bottom. The ribs are closely spaced forming narrow slits therebetween so as to retain the growth medium in the cell during elevated growing and during transportation to a site, e.g., for reforestation. The ribs can be resiliently deformed to release each seedling for replanting in soil along with its root lump and associated growth medium, without detrimentally affecting the root lump.

Abstract: A planter is moved through a field to place two rows of four plants on the top of a planting bed between adjacent irrigation furrows. Plants ready for transplant are disposed in trays within polymerized cast soil plugs. Each plug is disposed within the tray in a hole. Each tray has rows and columns of plant receiving holes extending through each tray. The planter carrying the plugs moves in increments and sets the planter mechanism in a stationary position over the top of the planting bed prior to plug planting. The tray carrying the transplants is registered horizontally and vertically to a plug receiving cylinder by respective cams and a supporting chain. Upon registry, polymer plugs containing sprouted plants therein are ejected, typically eight at a time, by ejecting fingers penetrating the plant receiving holes. Ejection occurs with the plants horizontally disposed into receiving concavities defined within a rotating cylinder.

Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of pulped fibers and a slag characterized by an open pore structure.

Abstract: A planter (10) from which plants can be easily removed without inverting and shaking same is disclosed. The planter (10) is comprised of a base member (14), a plurality of side panels (12) surrounding the base member (14), a plurality of support blocks (20) attached to the side panels (12) to support the base member (14), and straps (16) attached to adjacent side panels (12). Because of this construction, removal of a plant from the planter (10) is accomplished by the selective removal of fasteners (18) from one side panel (12) allowing this side panel to be swung outwardly about the straps (16) permitting access to the plant.In an alternate embodiment, a planter (40) has removable side panels (42) which are interconnected by means of dowel pins (48) received through adjacent side panels (42) and a connecting post (44) interposted therebetween. In still another embodiment, a seedling tray (30) having a plurality of compartments (32), each of which has a door (34) for access thereto, is disclosed.

Abstract: In the transplanting of seedlings, such as, tomato plants, soil prepared to receive the plant seedlings has a mulch layer of sheet material spread over the area in which the plants are to be grown and spaced holes are formed through the sheet material and into the soil with a seedling then introduced into each hole. Thereafter, a generally tubular protector is inserted through the sheet material into the soil surrounding each seedling so that the peripheral exterior of each protector is closely surrounded by the sheet material at the perimeter of each hole with an upper portion of each protector extending above the sheet material to enclose the stem portion of the seedling and a lower portion of each protector embedded in the soil beneath the sheet material to surround the root formation of the seedling. Each protector may have a downwardly tapering form where it encloses the seedling.

Abstract: A fin-stabilized container formed from foldable sheet material, particularly suited for aerial planting of seeds or seedlings. A cone or pyramid of sheet material is folded so as to form three or more fins at the trailing end and closure means for a container cavity at the forward end.

Abstract: An article of furniture including a recessed portion for accomodating a removable planter as well as a storage area or areas for receiving a plurality of diverse items.

Abstract: A hydroponic method and system for growing plants is disclosed wherein an inner container of a fibrous material contains particulate growing medium and a plant whose roots grow through the bottom and sidewall of the container and an outer supporting member of a root impervious material surrounding the inner container sidewall and having an upper portion thereof bearing inward against the upper portion of the inner container sidewall whereby the firm support of the inner container results from the combination of gripping at least a portion of the upper region of the container by the support member and the engagement of the laterally growing roots with the inner surface of the support member.

Abstract: Knock-down plant pot separable into component parts to free the plant that it contains without affecting the radicular system of the plant. It is made up of a plant-retaining wall portion formed by arcuate segments that abut one another, a holder being provided to releasably lock the segments in firm abutting relationship, this holder including locking strips that are provided outwardly of the wall segments, each strip having a groove at its lower end. The pot further includes a saucer portion for holding the wall portion. This saucer portion has an upstanding peripheral skirt and a series of horizontal thread portions projecting inwardly from the skirt and capable of being snugly received into the grooves at the bottom of the strips so that the wall portion may be held firm in the saucer portion. These thread portions are spaced from one another a distance sufficient to allow the strips to be inserted therebetween prior to be rotated for engagement of the thread portions into the grooves.

Abstract: A planting system including a support tray, a plurality of interconnected sleeves, and a plurality of transplant frames adapted for insertion within each sleeve. Each assembly is configured so that a plurality of assemblies are nestable and stackable without jamming relative to each other. Each individual part and sub-assembly is also configured to be nestable in nonjamming relationship with other like parts or subassemblies.

Abstract: The invention is a device that allows plants to be transplanted with minimum disturbance to the soil around the roots.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices for cultivating a young plant comprise temporary insertion into the soil close to and around said plant of a substantially impervious material so as to form a small enclosure assuring retention of most nutrients near said plant. Small perforations in said material permit drainage of excess water from said enclosure. Identations along lines joining said perforations facilitate breaking, tearing or cutting of the material to an appropriate size. A sharp leading edge may be provided along the perforations and indentations to facilitate insertion of the material in the soil around the plant. The material may be in form of an assortment of tubes or of a sheet adaptable to being bent into a cylindrical or conical configuration.

Abstract: A propagator for growing and transplanting young plants comprises a container which is for receiving a growing medium and which has walls which can be moved away from the growing medium when transplanting takes place, the whole container being placed in a prepared trough or furrow prior to the removal of the walls without disturbing the root systems of the young plants being transplanted.The container may be supported by a support stand, or it may be free standing.

Abstract: A device for transporting a plant having a root system confined in a ball of earth. The device comprises a flexible strip which is placed around the ball of earth in belt-like fashion, a means for winding the strip so as to tightly grip the ball, and a means for locking the strip in position as the ball is being transported.

Abstract: A container assembly including a plurality of cell like compartments pivotally joined together to form a chain, the compartments including spacer members extending on opposite sides of each compartment, said spacer members including joining members adapted to pivotally interconnect in a complementary way to join said compartments, said spacer members forming a gap between the cmpartments adapted to receive a tooth of the driving means for moving the container assembly from one point to another.

Abstract: New and improved transplanting device is provided for use in the transplanting of plants and is of particularly simple, lightweight, durable and inexpensive construction which can readily be modified for use with plant pots of widely varying sizes.

Abstract: A planting system including a support tray, a plurality of interconnected sleeves, and a plurality of transplant frames adapted for insertion within each sleeve. Each assembly is configured so that a plurality of assemblies are nestable and stackable without jamming relative to each other. Each individual part and subassembly is also configured to be nestable in nonjamming relationship with other like parts or subassemblies.

Abstract: A plant growing box with four inwardly and upwardly sloping side walls defining a quadrilateral enclosure, held together by four readily separable corner brackets having a removable securing pin. The meeting edges at the corners are spaced apart from each other to provide for ventilation there. Preferably the box walls slope inwardly at about 15.degree. to vertical, and they are each supplied with an exterior control handle. Two lower edges provide a bottom-receiving slide for a removable perforated bottom.

Abstract: A seedling tray assembly and greenhouse which includes a base, a sheet of embossed material in said base and spaced from the bottom thereof, a seedling grid resting on said embossed material and a deeply dished cover overlying said base and seedling grid.

Abstract: A container assembly for growing and transplanting plants is disclosed. The container assembly includes an open ended pot, a drainage tray, and a drainage disc removably supported on an annular flange near the bottom end of the pot. The drainage disk is movable through the pot for displacing a volume of soil and a rooted plant through the top opening without disturbing the soil surrounding the roots of the plant. The tray sidewall and pot sidewall define an open reservoir space between the sidewall of the tray and the sidewall of the pot to permit the plant to be watered from the bottom.

Abstract: Two upright perforate pipes, one inside the other, the space between the pipes being filled with soil and the inner pipe being filled with solid nutrient material. The inner pipe is provided with a closeable opening to permit removal of exhausted nutrient materials.

Abstract: A liner for plant pots covers substantially the entire interior surface of the pot and has upwardly extending finger grips which project through the top of the soil, permitting the liner to be gripped and drawn upwardly, raising the root and soil mass of a plant free of the surrounding pot, the flexible sheet member which comprises the liner being made in two or more distinct segments joined at the bottom such that they can easily be parted from the soil mass permitting the repotting of the mass, ordinarily into a larger pot or container.

Abstract: A planting system in which the basic unit of the system comprises a plurality of individual containers for growing plants to a stage suitable for transplanting and in which the plurality of containers are secured in a flexible carrier sheet. The securement of each of the containers in the carrier sheet is such that the entire basic unit can be handled in a number of shipping, handling, filling, growing, and transplanting operations in a convenient, unique and efficient manner. Various articles of manufacture are contemplated in the system of the invention which aid and render in the unique and efficient use of the system. Those articles of manufacture include shipping and handling cartons, holding trays, filler plates and portable pack arrangements.