Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved plant soil protector. The improved plant soil protector includes a plurality of segments made from a grid-like material which permit the passage of air, water and fertilizer therethrough while protecting the soil from pets or the like. Additionally, each of the segments includes means which permit the segments, when joined together, to adapt to different sized plants as well as different sized pots.

Abstract: A sheet material (4) for use in cultivating plants comprising a body having a coilable flexible, fluid-permeable structure and a plurality of passages (7,9) formed in and extending from one surface (3) to the another (5) of said body. The passages serve to induce root tips to grow and contain fertilizers. The body has at least one surface formed with projections and/or recesses. Preferably, the surface having projections and/or is provided with a ceramic powder discharging infrared rays of wavelength in the range of about 5 to 15 micrometers, a elution-rate controlling growth regulation fertilizer and a small amount of a chosen element. In use, a given length of the sheet material is wrapped around the plant.

Abstract: The package (10) for shipping and storing articles such as cut flower arrangements (14) includes a flower container (12) lower portion is provided with a water-containing absorbent foam block (18) receiving the flower stems (38) in pierced relation and a block (20) of non-absorbent, relatively rigid foam, above the absorbent block sealing said block and said flower stems in place. A plastic film vented shell (16) is disposed about the flowers and connected to the container in shrink-wrap relation. The package includes U-shaped insert (22) which holds the container firmly in place in the shipping carton (24) and refrigerated gel envelopes to ensure freshness of the flowers on arrival at their destination.

Abstract: A receptacle for the transport, storage and display of horticultural articles includes a base, an inner receptacle, an insert element, a side element, and a cover element. The inner receptacle is slidable within the base and the insert element is slidably encompassed by the inner receptacle. The side element is telescopically slidable over the inner receptacle and the cover element slidably fits over the side element. The insert element may have a hydrophillic lining to maintain moisture and humidity. The receptacle functions as a display vase when the side element and the cover element are removed.

Abstract: A container comprising an uniaxially oriented, polyolefin film, which film is prepared by melt blending a mixture of a polyolefin, an inert filler, a processing aid such as calcium stearate, and optionally a stabilizer, maintaining the moisture level in the melt blend below 700 ppm, casting a film, and uniaxially stretching the film at least about 2 times its original casting dimensions in one direction until the film has a sufficient number of elongated, narrow shaped, microporous voids in order to create a CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 permeance in the range of 5,000 to 10,000,000 cc/100.sup.2 - atm - day. Such a film is used in a controlled atmosphere packaging container as a panel in a window for a controlled flow or flux of CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 through its wall in an otherwise gas impermeable container.

Abstract: The invention provides a container for packaging a flower having a stem communicating with a vial of nutrient, the vial including a lip and a body. The container comprises a generally hollow pedestal including a closed end, an open end opposite said closed end, and a sidewall extending generally obliquely between said closed end and said open end. The pedestal includes a support portion supportable by a support surface. The pedestal further includes an inner surface and an outer surface defined by the closed end and the sidewall. The outer surface includes a flange adapted to support the lip of the vial, with the body of the vial in the hollow of the pedestal, when said support portion is supported by the support surface.

Abstract: A container capable of creating within it preselected CO.sub.2, O.sub.2, and moisture concentrations in the presence of respiring fresh fruit, vegetables, or flowers is constructed of a substantially gas-impermeable material having a gas-permeable panel that is substantially impermeable to moisture in one or more of its walls to provide a controlled flow of CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 through its walls and a cellophane panel that is substantially impermeable to the flow of CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 in one or more of its walls to provide a controlled flow of moisture through its walls. The gas-permeable panel is a uniaxially or biaxially oriented film where the size of the area it covers is a function of its permeance, the amount and respiration rate of the contents, and the desired steady-state oxygen concentration. The size of the cellophane panel is a function of its permeance to water vapor and the desired rate of removal of water vapor from the package.

Abstract: An integument and related process for the micropropagation of tissue is made of a semipermeable, translucent membrane. The integument includes a cellule for completely enclosing and sealing the tissue and growth medium from the ambient environment. Light is transmitted through the translucent membrane to the tissue. The semipermeable membrane allows the mutual penetration by diffusion and osmosis of oxygen and carbon dioxide to permit the tissue to breathe with the ambient environment. The membrane is impermeable to biological contaminants. The integument and related method provides enhanced growth of the tissue and a reduction in contamination.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve for a plant germination substrate consists of a a polymer mass and nonwoven, bonded fiber material treated with fungicides, in which cellulose fibers predominate. The rest of the synthetic fibers have a size of 1.3 to 17 dtex and give the fiber material a porosity of 1000 to 1600 l/s.m.sup.2 (air passage at 1.0 mbar). The fiber material is bonded by a binding agent and additionally contains fertilizer embedded in the polymer mass.

Abstract: Flower package apparatus includes a blank with a plurality of fold lines, cut lines, and scored lines from which a flower package may be made. The flower package, when appropriately folded together includes three embodiments, all generally triangular in configuration. The three embodiments include a transport package, a bouquet holder, and a self standing or free standing vase. The generally triangular configuration includes three elongated sides, each of which includes elongated panels or portions and which are appropriately folded to define the different embodiments.

Abstract: A container providing controlled atmospheric storage of fresh fruits and vegetables to improve retention of product freshness by adjusting the carbon dioxide to oxygen ratio, for the storage of said fruits or vegetable can be attained and maintained, thereby retarding premature maturation and spoilage. The environment is controlled by providing a microporous membrane panel of limited carbon dioxide and oxygen permeability on an otherwise substantially impermeable container. The size of this area is a function of its permeability, the amount and respiration rate of the contents, and the ratio of carbon dioxide to oxygen desired.

Abstract: A roofing plate for the planting on greenery on a roof, having an approximately rectangular surface as seen from above. The roofing plate comprises a wedge-shaped upper section tapering in thickness towards the ridge, a central section of uniform thickness and of a lower section with an open channel on top. The combined length of the central section and the lower section (measured in the direction of the ridge to the eaves) is greater than the length of the upper section, so that a scale-like double or multiple roof covering can be installed. Several rows (25, 26) are installed one above the other, whereby a plurality of open channels are formed, and are located one above the other, are filled with a nutritive medium (35) for the planting of greenergy (36). Shell sections (32) are preferably inserted into the channels and hook into each other by means of beads and creases (33) so as to form a strong, sealed connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for hydroponics comprising (a) a box made of cardboard comprising a bottom wall, a surrounding wall and a cover, wherein the surrounding wall comprises at least two sheets and a space is formed between the two sheets, and the cover consists of at least two parts which can be separately opened and closed, and at least one of the parts has at least one opening; (b) a container made of water-impermeable material which can be contained in the box; and (c) a porous solid medium for plant culture comprising a culture bed which can be contained in the water-impermeable container and at least one plant support, wherein the plant support protrudes through the opening of the cover part of the apparatus, beyond the cover part, and an upper surface of the culture bed and an inner surface of the cover define a space therebetween; and the use thereof.

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: A shipping container for shipping rooted plantlets and specially designed for accommodating rooted plantlets having the roots and growing media of a particular shape. The container includes a supporting frame, one or more plant frames and a cover, all of which are formed with tongues and grooves to permit nesting of the members in superimposed position to provide a relatively sealed container. Each of the one or more plant frames includes support members extending longitudinally or transversely between the end or side walls of the frame, and a plurality of spaced upright members projecting upwardly from each support member. Adjacent upright members define therebetween an area or compartment in which the rooted plantlets or liners can be positioned, with the upright members defining lateral or side openings through which extend the stem and leaves of the rooted plantlets.

Abstract: A package for horticultural items with a receptacle includes a container having a base portion for supporting the receptacle and side portions connected to and extending upwardly from the base portion about the receptacle. A flexible sleeve engages the container side portions to support the container and enclose the horticultural item. The sleeves are supported on a pedestal having flexible straps for spreading the sleeves and allowing removal of a sleeve for packaging the horticultural item.

Abstract: A stabilizer box has a number of interconnected panels which automatically articulate to form a bottom which converts the box from a flat and knock-down shape into a cubical configuration. The box opens and the bottom locks in place simply by pushing on the opposite ends of the flat, knock-down shape. The top of the box is formed by four interconnected wedge or somewhat pie-shaped panels which snap down into the plane of the top of the cube responsive to a slight pressure of the thumb upon articulation panels. Each of the four wedge or somewhat pie-shaped top panels has a quarter circle, arcuate cutout, at the tip of the wedge or somewhat pie-shaped panels. The cutouts come together to form a variable circular opening when the top is set up.

Abstract: A lidded container for growing, transporting and storing nursery plants. The container assembly comprises in combination an open-topped container dimensioned to receive the root structure of a plant and a lid which fits within the open top of the container. The lid has a central opening dimensioned to receive the stem or trunk of a plant and a radial slot of predetermined width communicating the opening with the exterior. A slide block or other closure is mountable in the slot. It slidably engages the slot margins when the lid is in its operative position, closing the open top of the container. Frictional interengaging means, such as a plurality of parallel, closely-spaced ribs on the upper inner margin of the container, releasably maintains the top in the closed condition of the container.

Abstract: A combination flower and display container includes an open top housing, an open top vase slidably received within the housing, a display such as a greeting card or photograph positioned between the vase and a side wall of the housing, and a cover for the housing having an aperture therein through which flowers extend. The housing is composed of a transparent material so that the display is prominently displayed. The vase includes a water impervious member covering its open top having a plurality of holes formed therein for receiving the stems of flowers. A sealant may be utilized around the holes to provide a waterproof unit so that leakage of water and/or spilling is prevented when the container is inadvertently dropped or tipped over. The container is also uniquely held inside of a carton for ease of shipping and handling.

Abstract: A botanical seed starter assembly for ornamental flowers in which the dormant seeds for a given type of flower or an assortment thereof are dispersed in a matrix of inert particulates in a small box having a removable seal. Printed on the box is a picture of the flower or the assortment thereof to be derived from the seeds. The particulates in the matrix include particles formed of absorbent material which are impregnated with a perfume whose fragrance corresponds to the natural fragrance of the flowers to be grown. When the seal is removed and the matrix is watered, the seeds therein will in due course proceed to sprout. In the more or less prolonged period during which germination is in progress and no sprouts are yet visible, the user during this period will not only experience the fragrance of the perfume, but will relate this fragrance to the flower picture associated therewith, and not have to wait for the flowers to come into being to enjoy them.

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 package for horticultural items with a receptacle includes a container having a base portion for supporting the receptacle and side portions connected to and extending upwardly from the base portion about the receptacle. A flexible sleeve engages the container side portions to support the container and enclose the horticultural item. The sleeves are supported on a pedestal having flexible straps for spreading the sleeves and allowing removal of a sleeve for packaging the horticultural item.

Abstract: Christmas tree stands and packaging systems for the distribution of Christmas trees. The packaging system includes an elongated receptacle and a Christmas tree contained within the receptacle. A stand base is secured to the trunk of the Christmas tree at the butt end thereof. The packaging system is provided with means securing the base and tree within the receptacle in a manner to prevent relative longitudinal movement between the tree and the receptacle when the packaging system is in transit. The securing means fastens the base to the receptacle in a manner to prevent movement of the base toward the tip end of the receptacle while permitting the base and tree to be withdrawn from the receptacle when the butt end of the receptacle is opened. The stand base comprises a bottom pan portion and a peripheral rim portion so that the base is adapted to contain water. A peg extends upwardly from the pan portion and is provided with an axial bore therethrough from the underside to the top of the peg.

Abstract: A clean package for plant pots filled with soil and plants, bulbs or tubers to be used for display of the vegetable item in shops is provided comprising three adjacent components to be coupled at the outer ends to form an article of prismatic shape, each component being shaped to envelop partially one or two plant pots of either square or round shape, so that the coupled assembly of the three components provides accomodation for one or three plants pots, whereas optional seam closures and/or stiffening grooves are incorporated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a growth substrate bed suitable for growing plants, which is easy to handle and transport. Such a bed consists of a bag-shaped casing made of some suitable material, preferably plastic, and its contents consisting of water-expansible preferably granular, growth substrate material. Suitable growth substrate material are pressed peat pellets. The bag is partly filled with said materials to such an extent that after the watering the material will fill the bag completely. In order to preserve a uniform distribution of the material in the partly filled bag during handling and transportation before watering, the bed is rolled up, preferably in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A portable container for living botanicals such as rooting plants, bulbs or seedlings, composed in part of either inert and/or biodegradable fillers, characterized by securing the plant and its root structure against dislocation while insuring adequate access to water and/or nutrient vapors. Use is made of soiless growth media may be in a plant net container or a natural soil as the media, for initial plant growth and in a larger pot container for sustained plant growth. The larger soiless media portion is molded in two halves whereby the net rooting container may be compressibly secured in place by molded flaps. A given young plant may continue growing therein, suffering little or no shock in the shipping and transplanting process. Water and/or nutrient overfill is precluded by coactive relationship between an overfill tube and the larger soiless media portion.

Abstract: A combination greeting card, ornament and seed germination receptacle which comprises an initially flat, scored blank that is foldable into a three-dimensional hollow ornament. A greeting message is printed on the blank and the latter in its flat form is adapted to be received in a mailing envelope and mailed as a greeting card. A relatively low profile seed germination packet is mounted on the blank and is located so that when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional ornament the latter forms an enclosure for the packet. The enclosure is provided with window openings located so that light can enter the enclosure and aid in the seed germination. The ornament with the seed packet therein can be hung on a Christmas tree or placed on any flat surface such as a table or mantle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for protecting plants during transportation by packaging plant (2) and its pot (1) in a bag (3) which at least partly consists of microporous material (6) having preferably an air-permeability of 0.1-300 mm.sup.3 air per second per Pascal per m.sup.2 of the film material with pore diameters of less than 0.5 .mu.m due to which the bag (3) is self-inflatable, exchange of gases still takes place and the climate within the bag (3) is kept constant.

Abstract: A cultivation ball is formed from at least one envelope, which is sealed or substantially sealed, containing the cultivation substrate; the plant is disposed in the ball, being separated from the substrate by at least one wall of the envelope or envelopes, and each envelope is made from a material through which the roots of the plant can pass once the ball has been set to grow. The substrate-containing envelope can be produced industrially at high rates of production, and is easily applied to the plant.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for plants or flowers composed of a pair of sheets of material which are joined together along their side edges to form a tapered tubular sleeve to house the plant. At least one of the sheets is formed of porous, spun bonded synthetic fibrous material to permit circulation of air within the sleeve and enable the plant to be watered directly through the sleeve. The sleeve, due to the use of the spun bonded fibrous sheet, has substantial strength so that the plant can be lifted and handled by grasping the upper end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A low-cost, self-contained and compact sprouting device and a simple method of use of the same. The device comprises a container having a perforated top inset tray, perforated bottom whereon the seeds are washed and sprouted, and a top cover serving as a water storage receptacle when inverted and placed under the container. A disposable cover or wash-away coating seals the openings through the bottom until plant growth is desired.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for handling and growing a plant with the aid of a container adapted to be partially filled with water and having an inner wall surface disposed in use substantially parallel to an upright axis, and including a holding device which may be moved along the inner wall surface between a position near the water level to a position thereabove, and which engages the inner wall surface with its outer surface in any of the positions, and is adapted to receive at least the stem of the plant, the steps include holding the plant in the container, and displacing at least a lower porton of the plant in an upright direction in the container in dependence of the growth of the plant.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a cart for transporting floral baskets, pots, sprays, wreaths, and the like conveniently and easily by one person. The cart comprises an elongated frame structure having a bottom, two sides and a front, along with a pair of wheels disposed at the front and support legs arranged near the rear of the cart. The sides form a pair of longitudinal channels for adjustably receiving a plurality of transverse rails. The transverse rails provide secure compartments for the floral baskets or pots during transportation. The frame structure also may include longitudinal dividers to form individual compartments for the baskets. Side frames also can be provided.

Abstract: A hydroponic assembly in the form of a tray having spaced through-openings serving as growing stations, the tray being supported by a trough containing a body of nutrient solution. At each growing station there is a wafer of dry growing medium having a seed-receiving surface on its top side and having a wick communicating with its underside and extending downwardly into the nutrient solution, the growing medium being of the type capable of expanding three-dimensionally into a porous root-supporting block as the solution is fed via the wick by capillary action. The land surface surrounding each opening is formed into a well or receptacle for maintaining the porous block seated and generally aligned with the opening. A transparent cover of hollow inverted shape defines an enclosed space developing high humidity for sprouting of the seeds and growth of the resulting seedlings, the cover, tray and trough being interfitted.

Abstract: Seeds are sprouted within a cup-shaped container to confine and entangle them in a packable group. The seeds are uniformly spread across the bottom of the container with the aid of an upwardly directed light source. The bottom of the container is porous and a flow of air maintained through it during sprouting. The sprouts are entangled by growing in a porous hydrophobic foam or tilting the bottom of the container to several angles for the sprouts to mature. After maturing, the entangled sprouts are dumped from the container and wrapped under tension to provide a strong compact resilient package in a wrapper sheet which is folded over itself and sealed by heat sealing, twisting or crimping.

Abstract: A pad (16) of open celled fully reticulated polyurethane foam which is substantially hydrophobic serves as a bed for growing sprouts (14) from seeds (12). A high percentage of interconnected voids in the pad (16) provide a high degree of permeability to air flow and the material has surface properties, which retain adhered droplets of moisture providing humid environment without holding localized moisture which might prevent the free flow of air through the pad. The bulk of any applied water or mist is drained through or away from the pad, thus flushing impurities from it. A loose cover sheet of film (15) helps retain a humid atmosphere and pad (16) may be wrapped in such a sheet (18) to package the sprouts (14). The pad (16) may be transferred to a shipping tray (34) after the seeds are sprouted or may be originally placed in it. The pad (16) and tray (34) may have an extended lip (38) for collecting moisture when the package is inclined on end to provide optimum conditions during storage.

Abstract: A portable greenhouse which includes a base, a cover, and trays. The bottom of the base is corrugated, the bottom of the trays are corrugated. The base, cover and trays all have a peripheral flange. The flanges engage with each other to form a seal around the periphery of the greenhouse. The trays have apertures in the bottom. The cover is transparent with longitudinal and lateral ribs and an air flow vent.

Abstract: A sprouting apparatus (10) is disclosed which is suitable for the merchandising of seeds to be sprouted, the actual sprouting of the seeds, and the storage of the resulting sprouts. The sprouting apparatus (10) includes an outer container (12) which receives therein an inner container (14) in which the seeds are actually sprouted. The assembly is covered by a dome member (16). Nesting structure (24, 28) is provided on the inner and outer containers (14 and 12) so that an air passage is maintained between the inner and outer containers (14 and 12) at all times.

Abstract: A propagator for the cultivation of plants in a controlled environment comprising upper and lower elongate containers having a common perforated wall, a plurality of plant seeds supported in spaced relation by or adjacent the common wall, means for injecting liquid in the form of vapor or droplets into an end of each of the elongate containers and means for maintaining a pressure in the elongate containers greater than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A wheel-like device enables a looped-strand drum lacing to be made thereon from two lengths of rope for use when forming a tree root ball of soil during transplanting of the tree. The device has a central hub with a plurality of outwardly projecting posts mounted thereon in a circular arrangement. A plurality of equally circumferentially spaced legs extend radially outwardly in a spoke-like fashion from the hub. Each of the legs have a peg mounted on the leg at a predetermined distance from the hub. A first piece of rope is looped about the hub posts and leg pegs to form a plurality of outwardly extending closed end loops. A second piece of rope is wrapped in an overlapping manner with the individual strands of the previously formed loops into a circular configuration about the hub posts to form a circular drum lacing base. The two pieces of rope are stapled together at alternating overlapped locations.

Abstract: A self-watering planter having a base divided into two compartments, one for soil and one for water, separated by a divider wall. A wick extends from the water compartment over the divider wall into the soil compartment. A common upper rim encircles both compartments and a cover which defines a single compartment is seated on the rim, so that the cover forms with the base an enclosed space communicating with both lower compartments. Thus evaporation from either lower compartment is recycled. The lower surface of the cover top wall can be dimpled to distribute condensate more evenly over the plants.

Abstract: A plurality of perforated individual seed germinating and sprout growing bags are suspended from sets of portable racks which are placed on circular tray structures. The tray structures are supported in spaced vertical relationship by an upright mast located within an enclosed housing and adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The rack sets of each tray structure are arranged about the longitudinal axis of the mast to form circular tiers. Periodically, filtered and anti-bacterially treated irrigation water is supplied to each bag at a fast enough rate to thoroughly mix the seeds located therein. Water draining from the bags is collected in a storage tank and subsequently recycled after first being filtered and purified. Once the seeds have sprouted, artificial light is provided so that substantially all the sprouts in each bag receive a uniform amount of growing light.

Abstract: A container unit for the growth and transportation of plants includes a container having an open upper end having formed in the interior thereof a recess defining an annular step including a horizontal surface and a vertical surface. A soil receptacle contains soil having therein a plant, and the receptacle has an open upper end having extending upwardly therefrom an integral flange. The receptacle is positioned within the container with the flange of the receptacle being supported by and soldered to the horizontal surface of the container, to thereby form a sealed water receiving chamber between the exterior of the receptacle and the interior of the container. A disc retains the soil within the receptacle and has a central hole dimensioned to have extend therethrough the stem of the plant. The disc has a slit to allow the stem of the plant to be inserted into the central hole. The disc is positioned over and supported by the annular flange of the receptacle.

Abstract: A plant growth media in the form of a gel which is useful for growing plants in the form of seeds, seedlings, cuttings, nursery stock, etc., is obtained by dissolving a water-soluble polyisocyanate capped prepolymer containing said growing plant in an aqueous medium optionally containing various plant growth additives such as fertilizer, agricultural modified minerals and the like. The media can be formed in a variety of shapes.

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 first tapered container is arranged to hold a supply of water and supports a second tapered container which contains soil and one or more plants. A wick extends up through an aperture in a lower portion of the second container and is arranged to feed water from the water supply in the first container to a plant in soil in the second container. The assembly may also include a third container which seats in inverted relation on the second conveyor. The containers used are preferably transparent and in one arrangement the first and third containers are of like size but the second container is of a wider taper to provide the selected wedging engagement of the three containers. In another arrangement the second container has an enlarged upper portion forming a downwardly facing shoulder for seated engagement on the first container. Also, the second container may have a top flange for seated engagement on the first container and furthermore may include a recess to receive the bottom edge of the third container.

Abstract: A display package for foliage such as ferns or the like having stripped free ends bundled and arranged together, a planar corrugated board having a return bent formation along one edge defining a pocket, said foliage being laid upon said board with said free ends terminating within said pocket and a plastic sheeting sealingly applied to said board and foliage fully encapsulating same whereby the free ends are prevented from puncturing the plastic sheeting should shifting occur during shipment or display.

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.

Abstract: A package for a flowable material such as a plant growth medium and which can be converted for use as a container for growing plants therein. The package has an elongated or square flexible outer container and is filled with the flowable filling material. The container has markings for cutting out a pair of openings at either end of the top surface to thereby leave a carrying handle in the middle.