Abstract: Embodiments are described for a closed-loop, vertical garden system for growing plants and filtering air and water comprising: a support structure; a composite, grow media configured to physically support the growth of plants and distribute water to the roots of the plants through capillary action through the area of the grow media; a water source coupled to the grow media through a pump and plumbing system, wherein the plumbing system is configured to draw water from the water source through the grow media and back to the water source in substantially closed loop aquatic system; and an air flow subsystem configured to draw outside air through the plants and transmit filtered air back out of the support structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vertical rotating garden using a grow media wrapped cylindrically around a column and oriented vertically above a reservoir are described. A motor is connected to the column and rotates the grow media around the axis of the column so that plants growing out of the media are exposed to different sunlight and environmental conditions. The grow media comprises a vinyl-based, non-permeable, ultraviolet blocking backing layer, an activated carbon filter layer attached to the backing layer, one or more capillary biomats attached to the filter layer that physically support the growth of one or more varieties of plants and distribute water to the roots of the plants through capillary action through the area of the grow media, and an optional front panel layer attached to one of the capillary biomat layers, the front panel layer comprising a porous structure made of polypropylene configured to support the plants growing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane the front panel surface.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a closed-loop, vertical garden system for growing plants and filtering air and water comprising: a support structure; a composite, grow media configured to physically support the growth of plants and distribute water to the roots of the plants through capillary action through the area of the grow media; a water source coupled to the grow media through a pump and plumbing system, wherein the plumbing system is configured to draw water from the water source through the grow media and back to the water source in substantially closed loop aquatic system; and an air flow subsystem configured to draw outside air through the plants and transmit filtered air back out of the support structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vertical aquaponic micro farm are described. The vertical aquaponic micro farm is designed to support and incorporate a variety of food growing and alternative energy devices, and can be used to grow plants, fish, and other similar organisms. The system incorporates a biologically active grow mat and filter system and combines a biological filter system with aquaculture, hydroponics, solar, wind, and battery technologies. The vertical aquaponic garden/farm represents a self-sustaining micro farm that can be set up in any area with exposure to sunlight and/or wind. It can be used in exterior locations, or interior applications with the addition of appropriate lighting systems. Depending on application, the system uses significantly less water that required for traditional farming. Water is recycled through the grow mat media bed (bio-mat) and a biologic filter, which can be inoculated with a culture of nitrifying bacteria in combination with the plant roots.