Abstract: A sprout lid for use with a container to sprout seeds and or beans is provided which may include a recess feature which may allow the container to be filled with water without removing the sprout lid from the container, as well as allowing proper airflow in the container. The sprout lid may also be used to rinse, strain, and drain seeds and or beans in the container.

Abstract: A vertical hydroponics system is provided. The flow rate or pressure of the solution passing through the system is uniform throughout the system to reduce or prevent clogging and/or leaking. The diameters of the various components of the system's water supply plumbing are such so as to reduce or prevent clogging and/or leaking. The vertical hydroponics system includes at least one body, at least one pot coupled to a front surface of the at least one body for supporting one or more plants, and a water source fluidly connected to each body for delivering water uniformly to each pot. Each body is configured to direct water away from the front surface of the body to reduce or prevent leaking. Accordingly, flow rates or pressures not typically associated with vertical hydroponics systems may be used to deliver water to the pot(s).

Abstract: A culture support substrate comprising: a first part, making up the backbone of the substrate and representing more than 70% of the total volume of the substrate, composed of particles P>100 ?m with particle size greater than 100 ?m, the particles as a whole consisting of hard particles PH>100 and/or of resilient particles PR>100, wherein the resilient particles make up a proportion by volume PV of between 0% and 100% by volume of this first part; a second part of corpuscular components P<100 with a particle size of less than 100 ?m, and making up from 0 to 450 g/l of the substrate; a third part, making up from 0 to 200 g/l of the substrate, composed of fine fibres between 3 mm and 100 mm in length and between 5 ?m and 35 ?m in diameter; and a fourth part, making up from 0 to 200 g/l of the substrate.

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 method for conserving soil and water comprises a botanical net body and a soft framework system for supporting the net body, and the net body is mainly made of straws, fabrics, and meshed materials similar to a net woven with flat and curve surfaces, combined with a frame, or directly coupled to the interior of the framework for filling soil into its hollow portion. The framework includes anchoring elements, multidirectional connecting rings and connecting elements between the rings, and the net body is connected to the framework by connecting the net body with a preassembled soft framework and anchoring the two together for filling soils and growing plants or solely anchoring the framework with the net body. After the net body is filled with soils and grown with plants, the net body is moved to the place of the framework and connected to the framework.

Abstract: The present invention provides a degradable extruded netting. The netting comprises a plurality of interconnected strands with at least some of the strands comprising a degradable composition comprising a polyolefin, a metal carboxylate, and an aliphatic poly hydroxy-carboxyl acid. In at least one embodiment, at least 10% of the strands are made of the degradable composition. The present invention also relates to a method for making degradable extruded netting. The method comprises extruding strands of polymeric material to form a netting wherein at least some of the strands are formed of the degradable composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable extruded netting. The netting comprises a plurality of interconnected strands with at least some of the strands comprising a biodegradable composition comprising polylactic acid polymer and biodegradable plasticizer. In at least one embodiment, at least 10% of the strands are made of the biodegradable composition. The present invention also relates to a method for making biodegradable extruded netting. The method comprises extruding strands of polymeric material to form a netting wherein at least some of the strands are formed of the biodegradable composition.

Abstract: A panel (10) for use as a side wall of a plant growth container is disclosed. In one embodiment the panel (10) comprises an elongate cuspated sheet (11) having apertures formed in at least some of the outwardly projecting cusps to facilitate air root pruning of the root structure of a plant grown within the container. The sheet (11) includes a non-cuspated edge section (12), the non-cuspated edge section (12) being co-operable with a complementary edge section (13) of the same sheet (11) or of an adjacent sheet. The co-operable edge sections (12, 13) form a guideway for holding means (32), the holding means (32) passing along the guideway releasably hold the edge sections (12, 13) in use form a side wall of the container. A plant growth container having at least one panel (10) as described is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cultivating leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and the like, according to which a net (3) with meshes which are smaller in size than the overall volume of the leafy body of the fully grown vegetables is spread over the surface of the cultivation bed. The cultivation method according to the present invention offers the considerable advantage that the vegetables, once the roots have been cut, may be retrieved, amassed or in any case simply harvested by raising the net from the ground, without any risk that the quality or integral nature of the vegetables may be adversely affected in any way.

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 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 flexible support and lifting mechanism is provided for potted plants. The support and lifting mechanism allows a potted plant, such as a potted plant contained in a nursery pot, to be safely and easily placed in or removed from a decorative planter. A mesh bag having a net-like structure encases the sides and the bottom of the nursery pot. The mesh bag includes handles formed from an upper portion of the net-like structure. The handles may also be separately formed and attached to the mesh bag, or the upper portion of the net-like structure may be used for grasping and lifting the mesh bag. The mesh bag is preferably made of a water and sunlight resistant material and may be colored to reduce its visibility in use.

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 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 plant preservation and growth control bag and method of using the bag are provided. The bag includes an open top, a tapered side and a bottom and is formed of a porous fabric which catches plant roots and prevents root circulation, induces root branching within the bag and resists substantial root penetration. The bag is used in accordance with the method of the invention for preserving a plant while restricting the growth thereof after initially growing the plant in the ground and removing it therefrom in anticipation of transplantation.

Abstract: A radial garden support system for climbing plants and non-climbing plants that can be used directly on the ground, with or without planting containers, and can also be used on a deck or patio with planting containers. Adjustable upper and lower radial arms support the climbing surface to meet the vertical needs of the climbing plants chosen. Leveling screws on the lower radial arms maintain proper orientation of the system on uneven ground. Triangular planting containers fit between the lower radial arms defining the growing area and resulting in less weeds and decreased quantities of water and fertilizer. Removable greenhouse tents fit within each planting container and enable early plantings, therefore increasing the growing season. A watering collar introduces water directly to the roots of the plants and enables introduction of plant food to the roots minimizing water and plant food requirements.

Abstract: A collar or ring is disclosed herein for protecting and encouraging the growth of plants which includes a circular sidewall defining an open-ended cavity with a flanged handle at one end and a soil penetration edge at its other end. The flanged end is reinforced by the contour of the flange construction and/or integral ribs connecting the underside of the flange with the sidewall. A hole or groove may be provided in the flange to accommodate a watering device and the sidewall may incorporate straight or tapered sides or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A device for improving the delivery of water, aeration and fertilizer to the root system of plants provides an open-ended, water retaining, root barrier envelope which is placed around the root system of the plant, and a plurality of root deflector ribs for delivering water, aeration and fertilizer that extend downwardly along the envelope, and which are attached to the root barrier. Water, aeration, and fertilizer which are applied to the plant in the envelope will percolate downwardly through the upper portion of the soil surface embedding the root. The water will also move downwardly through the deflector ribs and then migrate inwardly through the perforations to a sub surface portion which is below the watered portion of the upper soil surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling and preventing the growth of plant roots using a water-permeable, non-woven fabric made of synthetic fibers coated or otherwise impregnated with a water-insoluble polymeric binder in which is dispersed a water-insoluble inorganic copper compound in an amount effective to stop root growth. The polymeric binder is bound to the fabric and retains and confines the copper compound to the fabric. The coated fabric is used to stop or prevent the growth of undesirable rootlets or radicles which come in contact thereto.

Abstract: A root control and containment system for holding and growing a plant in a cavity in the earth for controlling and containing vertical and horizontal root growth is disclosed. The system includes a vessel having upstanding sidewalls and a base therebelow and an open top thereabove. A root inhibiting carbon bound material is in chemical communication with the vessel and stores and releases the root inhibiting carbon bound materials over protracted periods of time. The root inhibiting carbon bound material is disposed in a discrete pattern relationship on an inner surface of the sidewalls and the base. The controlled release of the carbon bound material rejects lateral root growth therethrough the wall and vertical root growth therethrough the base of the vessel. An arcuate collar is attached to an upper edge of the sidewall of the vessel and is disposed above the surface of the earth surrounding the cavity for rapid identification of the cavity by field personnel when performing field tasks.

Abstract: A set of tree root barrier panels, each of which can be injection-molded as a single integral unit. Each has a female element formed by alternating recessed portions that open in opposite directions relative to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planting and maintaining bulberous and tuberous plants is described. The apparatus includes a bulb container having a top open end and a bottom closed end for planting the bulb, and a placement container having a top open end and a bottom closed end for preserving the hole that is created upon removal of the bulb container. The bulb and placement containers may be color coded to correspond to a particular bulb. The method for planting and maintaining a bulb includes placing the bulb and soil in the bulb container, planting the bulb container, removing the bulb container at the end of the bulb's active growing season, replacing the bulb container with the placement container to preserve the hole left upon removal of the bulb container, storing the bulb container during the bulb's dormant season, removing the placement container at the start of the bulb's active growing season, and replacing the placement container with the corresponding bulb container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective apparatus for a root system of a tree and/or plant which is defined by a collapsible wire basket structure that includes a support strap adapted to be rotatably mounted and secured across the opening of the basket so as to support the basket when the basket is positioned around the soil-bound root system of the tree or plant.

Abstract: A device for improving the delivery of water, aeration and fertilizer to the root system of plants provides an open-ended, water retaining, root barrier envelope which is placed around the root system of the plant, and a plurality of root deflector ribs for delivering water, aeration and fertilizer that extend downwardly along the envelope, and which are attached to the root barrier. Water, aeration, and fertilizer which are applied to the plant in the envelope will percolate downwardly through the upper portion of the soil surface embedding the root. The water will also move downwardly through the deflector ribs and then migrate inwardly through the perforations to a sub surface portion which is below the watered portion of the upper soil surface.

Abstract: High-strength ring for protecting the trunk of a tree from contact with lawn maintenance equipment, and other hazards, said ring being characterized by a high-strength stabilizing locking mechanism and a rolled upper edge.

Abstract: An accessory for firmly anchoring plants and the like at the bottom of an aquarium. A generally planar member is sized to fit within the aquarium, and rests in close proximity and parallel with the bottom of the aquarium. A means for removably fastening articles to the planar member is provided, enabling the positioning and attachment of articles, such as live and artificial plants, anywhere along the surface of the planar member. In a preferred embodiment, the planar member comprises a grid having rectangular openings adapted to receive coupling members which fasten to the grid, and also firmly grip the article to be anchored. As part of an under-gravel filtration system, a slotted planar member adapted to receive similar coupling members enables articles to be firmly anchored while at the same time providing filtration of the water within the aquarium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heeling-in and transplating means for easy inducing and cutting roots comprising a culturing bag and being characterized in that the culturing bag is provided near a middle portion a partition which guides roots of a plant heeled in the culturing bag to grow and extend evenly and radially above the partition and then downward along an innner periphery of the culturing bag, a plurality of water-soluble root-inducing nutrient stripes attached to the inner periphery of the culturing bag below the partition, and a plurality of externally communicable eyelets provided at a lower portion of the nutrient stripes for guiding and cutting roots. When the culturing bag is to be used, first position it in a planting hole on the ground, and the partition is lifted to facilitate the filling in of culture medium. Then, the partition is lowered again and more culture medium is filled in the bag to an adequate thickness.

Abstract: Methods of growing transplantable nursery stock plants are provided wherein the root growths of the plants are controlled. The methods basically comprise forming a plurality of spaced holes in the ground and placing a porous fabric blanket over and into the holes whereby depressions in the blanket conform with the holes. The porous fabric blanket has sufficient strength to constrict penetrating roots whereby root growth below the blanket is restricted and enlarged root nodule formation and root branching are promoted within the depressions above the blanket. The depressions are filled with a growing medium, and a plant is planted and grown in each of the depressions. The plants are subsequently removed from the depressions for transplanting.

Abstract: A root disbursement element is provided around the root ball of a tree, being adapted to direct some of the roots from the root ball downwardly while permitting others to grow outwardly. In those numerous situations where there is a hardscape near the tree, a root-control barrier is provided between the root disbursement element and the hardscape, in spaced relationship from the root disbursement element. The root-control barrier directs downwardly those roots that emanate outwardly from the disbursement element, to a depth sufficiently great that damage to the hardscape is prevented.

Abstract: The root-control planter has a thin-walled frustoconical body that is open at the top and bottom, and that has vertically-spaced ledges that lie in planes perpendicular to the axis of the frustum. Internal ribs or ridges are provided integrally with the body, and have vertically-spaced hook or notch portions that hook not only over the top of another identical planter but also over the ledges thereof. At the bottom of the frustum is a radially-outwardly extending flange. At circumferentially spaced points about the bottom region of the body, and adjacent the flange, are relatively small openings through which certain tree roots will grow and lock the planter in the ground despite the upward forces exerted by other tree roots that pass beneath the flange. At the top of the planter body is a continuous rim that is bent-over in an inward direction, hooking or bending over the upper ends of the ribs.

Abstract: The pruning-cloth is a heavy duty fabric supported by two light weight poles which can be guided under any type or size shrub with very little effort. Once the cloth has been positioned under the shrub, the pruning is ready to begin. The clippings will fall onto the cloth, saving valuable time and energy, as there is virtually no clean-up or raking. After the shrub is totally pruned, carefully shift the clippings toward the center of the cloth, bringing the poles or guides together, holding them horizontally until they are held vertically over a container, such as a 30 or 40 gallon trash can. The clippings will fall with ease neatly into the container. You are now ready to begin your next shrub with no clean-up behind you.

Abstract: The present invention entails a plant tray that includes a plurality of individual plant cells with each cell having an open top and bottom. Each plant cell is designed to contain and hold a plant growing medium such as peat cake or peat-soil mix. A detachable screen secured to the bottom of the plant tray to provide air-pruning of plant roots can be conveniently removed from the plant tray to facilitate extraction of the individual plants from the plant tray. Air-pruning is the phenomenon in which plant roots emerging through the screen base of the plant tray shrivel due to contacting drier air. This promotes secondary root growth or root branching and eliminates root binding and root tangling resulting in enhanced plant growth. A number of different structural designs are provided for detachably securing the screen to the plant tray.

Abstract: A method of growing nursery stock in-field, in reusable, permanently buried containers, combining the advantages of both container and in-field planting techniques. Apparatus for practice of the method includes an in-ground container with root-escapement apertures, and a harvesting tool conforming to the shape of the container which coacts with the container to facilitate removal of a plant and its root ball from the container, while leaving the container buried in the ground.

Abstract: A plant base cover and plant basket liner, each including a layer of an absorbent material adhesively bound to a netting that is preferably formed of a durable material such as nylon. The plant base cover includes a passage for admitting the base of a plant therethrough and a cut extending from an edge of the plant base cover to the edge of the passage to facilitate placement of the plant base cover around a plant. The plant basket liner is specifically sized and configured to be placed within conventionally-known plant baskets and is adapted to maintain a quantity of soil therein. The process of fabricating both the plant base cover and plant basket liner includes the steps of forming a layer of the insulating and absorbent material, securing a netting over the layer, and spraying the layer and the netting to adhesively bind them together.

Abstract: An improved fabric container for controlling the root growth of nursery stock planted in the ground prior to transplant is provided. The improved fabric container is formed of a porous, needle-punched, continuous fiber fabric that maintains root growth in the ground such that roots are readily caught and caused to initially penetrate the container, but the fabric functions to constrict the roots sufficiently to produce nodule formation and root branching within the confines of the container.

Abstract: An improved method and fabric container for controlling the root growth of nursery stock planted in the groud 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: An apparatus and method for marketing and planting plant bulbs. The apparatus includes a bag for enclosing a plant bulb, a filament attached to the bag for lowering the bag to a preferred depth in a planting hole, and an identifier element attached to the filament for identifying the variety of the plant bulb and the color of the flowers produced by the bulb.

Abstract: Wire panels which are easily and readily adapted to any size tree or shrub root ball and which when attached together form a basket to preserve the integrity of the root ball are disclosed. The panels are formed in a criss cross configuration and are secured by rope, cord, twine or wire in a shoelace type tightening arrangement. It is also possible to preconnect several wire panels in a size corresponding to a commercial shade digger by use of an easily deforming wire link at the top and bottom of the panels. The wire panels provide the sizing flexibility to be used for any size tree or shrub root ball.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hanging basket liner for lining wire and other types of hanging baskets designed to hold live, growing plants and flowers or artificial plants or flowers. The liner is of a construction which incorporates a covering of sphagnum moss on its outer surface, so that it has a natural appearance. The flexible material from which the inner liner is made is adaptable, by cutting and trimming, to fit various sizes and shapes of hanging baskets. The liner, which has a diameter in the range from 17 inches to 48 inches and a thickness in the range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch, has a inner lining with sponge like properties which retains moisture, reduces the drying out of the growing medium and is durable, long lasting and reuseable. The liner has a number of vanes emanating from its center so that side slits, through which trailing plants can grow, are created as the liner conforms to the shape of the hanging basket.

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: A star-shaped root ball container constructed of a single wire with loops forming an odd number of points is illustrated together with the apparatus and method for making same.

Abstract: A plant guard for protecting plants against pest attack. The guard (10) comprises a knitted hose-like net structure which is intended to form a casing around the guard. Connected to the bottom part (13) of the net structure are mutually crossing hang-threads (14) which form the bottom of the guard. A closure thread (17) is located at the other end of the net structure, this thread when tightened gathering together the upper part of the guard. The closure thread (17) is knitted integrally with the net structure and comprises a thread of high surface friction, so as to be self-locking when tension is released. At least one loop (18) formed from the closure thread is attached to the bottom end (15) of an adjacent, corresponding plant guard, such that the closure thread (17) is drawn together when the two plant guards are separated one from the other. The application also describes a method and a circular knitting machine for manufacturing such a plant guard.

Abstract: A cradle for use in transplanting and transporting trees includes a body with an upper rim and two main strap members diametrally opposed and extending downwardly from the rim to terminate at a bottom wall. Auxiliary upright straps extend between the bottom wall and the upper rim, and each main strap has at the top a handle which defines an open ended sleeve parallel with the bottom wall, so that carrying rods can be inserted through the handles to facilitate manipulation.

Abstract: A process for growing nursery stock (e.g. trees, shrubs, etc.) involving the specific improvement of confining root propagation to a nonwoven porous polymeric fabric bag such that growth through the bag is severely constricted at the fabric, producing a girdling effect and root branching within the bag. Such a process leads to a tightly packed, highly root branched soil ball even in loose sandy loam that is easily removed from the field, readily transported and effective in re-establishing the tree upon transplanting even during the hot summer months.

Abstract: A wire basket for holding the root system of a plant in a ball of earth has a continuous wire strand aligned to form a tubular grid consisting of a plurality of longitudinally oriented bight strands, and a plurality of helical coils of the wire strand laid about the tubular grid, the crossing points of the bights and the coils being welded. The method of making a tubular wire basket from a continuous wire strand comprises laying the strand in a series of back and forth bights aligned in the form of a tubular cage open at both ends, helically coiling the wire across the bights to form a continuous helical wrap, and welding the wire at the crossing points.

Abstract: Wire baskets to receive burlap bag wrapped root balls of trees and bushes have a large diameter top wire ring, a smaller diameter bottom wire ring, at least one intermediate wire ring and a plurality of U-shaped brace wires enveloping said rings in circumferentially spaced relation having the ends of the side legs thereof looped over the top and inner periphery of the top ring and the bight portions thereof underlying the bottom ring and spanning the bottom ring area in overlapped relation at a plurality of zones spaced from the center of the ring area to form a reinforced bottom. The brace wires surround and retain the rings and the intermediate and bottom rings are spot welded to the surrounding brace wires. The wire baskets house the root balls during storage prior to transplanting, during transportation to the planting site and are buried with the root balls at the planting site thereby preventing loosening of the earth surrounding the roots in the burlap bag wrapped ball.