Abstract: In an automatic planting apparatus (10) a first predetermined number of pieces of blocks (4) in the first row of a plant supporting sheet (3) on a sub-conveyer (13) are torn off by a block separator (25). The blocks (4) that are torn off are inserted into holes (2) in the first row of a panel (1) on a main conveyer (11) by a block inserting unit (39). The panel (1) is then fed forward by a row pitch by a main feeder (15) and slid laterally with the sub-conveyer (13) by a distance corresponding to the width of each block (4) by a sliding unit (17). The block inserting operation is then repeated.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to clip and collect seedlings easily and effectively from runners of a parent plant such as strawberry. To attain this object, a method for raising seedlings comprising; planting a parent plant in a plant bed disposed in a high position, growing plural runners linked mutually to hang from said parent plant in said plant bed, attaching water absorbing block to each rooting part between runners hanging in midair, supplying water to each water block to grow root and seedling from said rooting part, and clipping and collecting the resulting seedlings from runners is provided.