Abstract: A filling and transport system is provided in which containers are filled with potting mix or similar growing medium at a first location and transported as a transport module to a second location where plants are planted in the growing medium within the pot. The transport module used to transport the containers and closures containing the growing medium are arranged in a sandwich-like arrangement between two or more stabilising plates having respective retaining elements for engaging with either the base of the containers or the top surface of the closures to retain the containers in stacked relationship to one another during transportation by forming a stable transport module. Each closure is provided with a former for forming and maintaining a void or cavity in the growing medium, particularly during transportation so that the containers arrive at the growers with a preformed bore for receiving the plants.

Abstract: Soil substitute capable of supporting plant growth is produced in quantities suitable for substitution on a large scale, such as in landscaping operations. Shredded treebark is intimately mixed with quarry stone particles and silica sand particles and are then composted while mixed with the quarry stone particles and sand particles. Composting is performed by laying out the mixture in windrows and aerating the shredded treebark by mechanically turning material in the windrows so that composting proceeds within the temperature range 42-60 degrees Celcius.