Abstract: The present invention, in different embodiments, discloses a horticultural tray and a method of use thereof. The horticultural tray includes first and second elongate portions having one or more receptacles for growing medium, and a foldable elongate portion between the first and second elongate portions. The foldable elongate portion has a central hinge and sloped side portions that slope downward and away from the central hinge toward the first and second elongate portions. The foldable elongate portion also has side hinges disposed between the foldable elongate portion and the first and second elongate portions. The horticultural tray may also have a first locking tab and a second locking tab configured so that the first locking tab fits securely inside the second locking tab when the horticultural tray is in a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for connecting an interconnectable plant tray to a complementary plant tray are provided. In particular embodiments of the present invention include an interconnectable plant tray comprising a tray having one or more sides and one or more storage receptacles. The tray further includes a connection region positioned along at least one of the sides for connecting the tray to a complementary tray, the connection region including a first portion and a second portion, the portions being separated by a notch. The tray also has one or more coupling members located along the first portion of the connection region, and one or more coupling receptacles for receiving coupling members of the complementary tray, the one or more coupling receptacles being located within the second portion of the connection region. In particular embodiments, the complementary tray is substantially identical to the interconnectable tray.

Abstract: A plant container having a frustoconical sidewall extending outwardly and vertically from a bottom of the container to a top of the container, a lip positioned near the top of the container, and a tag-accepting slot formed in the lip. The container may also include a first nesting step located below the lip and extending circumferentially around the container, the nesting step extending outwardly to a maximum circumference and including a container-stacking stop surface extending between the sidewall and the maximum circumference and a extending vertically from the maximum circumference. Further, the slot may substantially be positioned above a slot area, the slot area being an area where the maximum circumference of the nesting step is reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for connecting an interconnectable plant tray to a complementary plant tray are provided. In particular embodiments of the present invention include an interconnectable plant tray comprising a tray having one or more sides and one or more storage receptacles. The tray further includes a connection region positioned along at least one of the sides for connecting the tray to a complementary tray, the connection region including a first portion and a second portion, the portions being separated by a notch. The tray also has one or more coupling members located along the first portion of the connection region, and one or more coupling receptacles for receiving coupling members of the complementary tray, the one or more coupling receptacles being located within the second portion of the connection region. In particular embodiments, the complementary tray is substantially identical to the interconnectable tray.

Abstract: A plant container having a frustoconical sidewall extending outwardly and vertically from a bottom of the container to a top of the container, a lip positioned near the top of the container, and a tag-accepting slot formed in the lip. The container may also include a first nesting step located below the lip and extending circumferentially around the container, the nesting step extending outwardly to a maximum circumference and including a container-stacking stop surface extending between the sidewall and the maximum circumference and a extending vertically from the maximum circumference.

Abstract: A plant pot which not only is capable, when empty, of being conveniently and compactly stored or "nested" in a columnar formation along with other unfilled pots like itself, but also has the ability, after a plant and growing medium have been placed in the pot, to be stacked in any of a number of orderly and stable arrangements among other planted pots, also of the same construction. Stacking of plant-containing pots is made possible by a plurality of interlock stacking grooves provided on the bottom of each pot. Six (6) grooves are provided, and the sides of every other groove define an arced ledge that can be rested upon and abutted against the inner periphery of the rim of another pot so that a number of pots can be arranged to form a securely stacked structure.

Abstract: A disk shaped insert for use in conjunction with an elevated bottom drain in a plant container. The disk rests on the drain to create a water reservoir below the disk. Excessive water is permitted to escape the container through the drain. The soil is held above the reservoir by the disk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant tray for holding and supporting potted plants. The invention includes a spacer support rack and at least one riser with a ring at its topmost surface. Within the ring is a plurality of tabs for supporting plant pots of different sizes. The spacer support rack is configured to allow equal spacing between the plants when placed in the plant tray. This allows for optimization of the health of the plant and the space available to the grower. The spacer support rack is constructed in a manner that multiple plant trays can be nested on top of each other, allowing them to be stored in a directly vertical arrangement maximizing the use of the storage space available.

Abstract: A container for shipping or transporting one or more young plants or seedlings, especially through the mail. The container has an open top and is made preferably of a thin, very light-weight, thermoformed plastic. The container is divided into two sections: a bottom section for receiving the plant pot and/or root ball and an upper section for receiving the stem and leaves. A cover is connected by a living hinge to the bottom section. The cover acts to hold the plant pot and/or root ball in place and to reduce evaporation of moisture from the root region of the plant. The container is provided with a wall separating the upper and bottom sections. The wall is supplied with a smoothly contoured notch that permits the plant stem to pass from the bottom section to the upper section, and the cover or lid utilizes a "V"-shaped projecting member to gently direct the plant's leaves and stem into the contoured notch. A combination of engaging recesses and projections form a closure system that holds the lid in place.