Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method for utilizing the thermal energy in the soil to protect against damage to plants, such as citrus trees, from cold weather and to promote the growth of plants. The device comprises a heat pipe having an evaporator section which extends into the soil in the vicinity of the root system of the plants and extracts heat from the soil. The heat is then transferred to a condenser section which extends above ground and radiates and convects the heat to the plant. This also refrigerates the root system of the plant to extend the dormancy period. Also disclosed is a method for providing a supply of water to a plant, comprising the use of a heat pipe to create a temperature gradient around the root system of the plant, whereby water from the surrounding soil is caused to flow toward the plant.

Abstract: An apparatus for plant cultivation includes a sealed dark chamber and a sealed lighted chamber which accommodate a root portion and a stem and leaf portion of a plant respectively. The lighted chamber is defined by a transparent housing above the dark chamber and the lighting is provided by optical fibers. The dark chamber is supplied with nourishment, oxygen and the like, while the lighted chamber is supplied with CO.sub.2 -containing air which is controlled to a predetermined temperature and humidity. The supply of light occurs on a scheduled basis in accordance with a state of stomata of the plant.

Abstract: A hanging plant pot particularly for flowers, consists of a vessel which at the top has an encircling edge flange provided with anchoring openings for a releasable hooking of the vessel on suspension means e.g. bars, chains or straps. The openings have an oblong shape with a maximum dimension essentially oriented radially in relation to the vessel axis. At that end which is defined to enter the openings, the suspension means have a shaft part, the free end of which is provided with a pair of shoulders extending laterally in opposite directions from said shaft and which measured transversely to the shaft, have a total extension which is larger than the smallest one of the opening but at the utmost as large as the largest internal cross-section of the opening.

Abstract: A portable growing system for propagating seedlings or rooting cuttings comprising an upper propagation tray configured to receive a plurality of seedlings or rooting cuttings and a lower support bench configured to support the upper propagation tray above the ground or other supporting surface, the upper propagation tray comprising a tray member having an outer peripheral support ledge formed about the periphery thereof and plurality of propagation cells each having a centrally disposed aperture formed in the lower portion thereof to receive individual seedlings or rooting cuttings formed inwardly of the outer peripheral support ledge and the lower support bench comprising a pair of side walls held in fixed spaced relationship relative to each other by a pair of end walls and a lattice floor, the upper surfaces of the pair of the side walls and pair of end walls cooperatively forming an upper peripheral support surface to support the outer peripheral support ledge, the pair of side walls and the pair of end

Abstract: A cutting device particularly for use in grafting operations involving vines, plants and trees, having lever means (10,11) pivoted at (12) and coupled to a blade mount, the blades (22) of which co-operating with an anvil (25). A guide means (29) locates the vine, rootstock or the like over anvil (25). Movement of levers (10,11) toward each other causes blades (22) to pass downwardly and thus cut, with a shearing action, the vine, rootstock or the like, to form, in the example shown, a V-shaped notch, the other cut out portion of the vine having a V-shaped end. A suitable graft which has been previously cut out with the device is placed in the notch and bound in a conventional manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for plant cuture is disclosed which allows plants to be effectively grown even in basements and other places where solar radiation is unavailable, utilizing combined illumination by solar rays and artificial rays. Light source assemblies emitting the mixed rays are mounted on a housing in which plants grow and are movable therealong to periodically illuminate the plants, thereby promoting efficient photosynthesis. The light source assemblies may even be shared by a plurality of such housings which are arranged side by side or one upon the other.

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: A method and apparatus for providing natural fertilization and irrigation is designed to preserve the osmotic, chemical and electric natural equilibrium of plants. More specifically, the method and apparatus relies upon negative sap pressure within plants which facilitates the providing of water, fertilizers, gases, and other chemicals in the exact amounts needed by the plants. The apparatus includes a porous ceramic implant in a plant stem with liquid being provided by capillary action to the implant from an external source. The plant will draw liquid through the porous implant in proportion to the amount needed by the plant. A passive solar distiller also forms a part of the method and apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A device and method for protecting plants, especially citrus trees, from damage resulting from freezing temperatures. A heat conducting device, which derives its heat from circulating water, is placed adjacent a tree trunk. The heat conducting device and the tree trunk are placed within a thermal barrier and the top of the thermal barrier is sealed around the tree trunk to define an air space thereabout. Water is circulated through the heat conducting device and heat is supplied to the air space. Water leaving the heat conducting device may be poured onto the ground or sprayed over the tree to provide additional protection to the plants during a freeze.

Abstract: A frame for a garden bed collects and stores solar heat energy and transmits the energy to soil within a garden bed. Hollow frame members contain a heat storage medium such as water or a water antifreeze mixture. A variety of structures, including a clear plastic cover or a trellis, may be erected above the present frame. An electric immersion heat supplements solar heat energy to further warm the garden bed soil.

Abstract: A manually operated self-inking stamping device including a base for contacting material to be stamped, a stamp pad received by the base and having a shaft extending outwardly therethrough, a handle threadedly mounted on the shaft for rotational positioning movement therealong, and a locking member extending between and normally lockingly engaging the handle and the base. A coiled spring is disposed about the shaft between the handle and the locking member to bias the handle and the stamp pad upwardly and to maintain the locking member and the base in engagement. Ordinary operation is achieved by depression of the handle against the biasing of the spring.

Abstract: A tree support of self-stabilizing type including a pair of yieldable assemblies each comprising a first hook adapted to be attached to the upper portion of a stake, a second hook having a yieldable covering adapted to be attached to the trunk of a tree to be stabilized, and a tension spring having opposite ends respectively connected to the aforementioned hooks and extending therebetween. The pair of yieldable assemblies are connected between a tree to be stabilized and a pair of similar vertical stakes spaced at opposite sides of the tree and spaced from the tree sufficiently that the springs of the assemblies are under at least limited tension and the assemblies being operable to return the tree to initial vertical position regardless of the direction in which the tree is swayed by wind or otherwise.

Abstract: A basket used in displaying household plants is provided. The basket is characterized by improved resistance to the deteriorating effects of water exposure and includes a woven shell of interwoven cellulose strips and a molded plastic base fastened to the shell to form the basket. The base includes a water containing reservoir and a spacer to improve the durability of the otherwise cellulose basket.

Abstract: A cover to protect plants, such as rosebushes, azaleas, rhododendrons and the like, against winterkill and to maintain the plants in a dormant state is provided in the form of a multilayer bag with an air space between the layers, skirts or flaps at the mouth of the bag adapted to be covered with earth and a drawstring for closing the mouth of the bag around the crown of the plant. The layers of the bag permit air and vapor to breathe therethrough, but the bag is impervious to rain, snow, ice and strong air blasts. An inner layer of the bag is opaque and dark colored, preferably black, to keep the plant in a dark environment so as not to encourage premature growth. An outer layer of the bag is light colored, preferably white, to reflect the winter sun's rays. The materials forming the layers of the bag are nonwoven spun-bonded textile fabrics.

Abstract: Two roof sections are arranged for seated engagement on a pair of upright legs. Each of these four sections is of flat construction for compact shipment and storage. The legs have an adjusting support joint connection with the rafters of the roof sections to allow for different widths of the arbor as it is being constructed. Gusset plates are attachable to the roof and leg sections for connecting these parts. Ground anchor stakes are provided for bolted connection to the leg sections in both a use position and an inverted non-use position.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a process for the culture of Quebec Pleurotus Super Mushroom. For this purpose, a substrate comprising straw, wood chips from broad-leaved trees, crushed shelled ears of corn, vermiculite, Japanese millet, mixed cereal grains, lime, micro-cel, is seeded with the Quebec Pleurotus inoculum. The mixture is maintained at a humidity of 75 to 85% and a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. The system is given a photoperiod of 2.5 hr at a light intensity of 125 lux. Incubation temperature is maintained at 22.degree. C. and fruiting temperature at about 14.degree. C. to 21.degree. C. This enables to obtain within 8 to 12 days of complete development, mushrooms of the class Basidiomycetes, Agaricales of the Pleurotaceae family, from the mushroom 107-Aa G. MYCOLA Inc. This mushroom is an excellent food, loaded with aromatic principles and enables to be prepared in many ways. In addition, it can be used as a laboratory tool, for teaching biology and botany, or has decorative use in a small interior garden.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of a shading and insulating screen for greenhouses or a protection screen in the open air for market gardening cultivation or horticulture, having a regular check pattern, using a circular loom comprising an insertion device (7) which is provided with a compensator (12).The screens which are obtained have a homogeneous air-permeability which allows the bed to respire uniformly, but they are impermeable to water. They have an increased firmness. The method allows the production of screens made of metallized polyester film capable of filtering the sun's rays.

Abstract: A sprouting vegetable cultivation apparatus which includes a rotary drum for growing a sprouting vegetable, a pipe-shape guide positioned at the center of rotation of the rotary drum and having an opening formed along a longitudinal direction thereof, and a water spray pipe arranged inside the pipe-shape guide for spraying water into the rotary drum through the opening. The rotary drum includes a plurality of partition plates extending on its interior in the longitudinal direction. In addition, at least one perforated board can be provided on an inner surface of the rotary drum at an interval spaced therefrom.

Abstract: A plant protection system which utilizes a housing and a heat source is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention includes a truncated cone shaped housing which is positioned on the ground so as to surround the tree or other plant. The heat source may, for example, include a water pipe and spray emitter located within the housing to provide water in spray form near ground level adjacent the tree. A deep well may be used as the water source, thus providing water at a temperature higher than the ambient temperature. As the warm water spray rises within the housing, heat is transferred to the interior of the housing. An extension having side walls in the form of an inverted cone may be secured to the upper end of the housing to provide a further heating effect. Any of various designs and constructions for the housing and the extension may be employed. The heating means may also be provided from any of various sources and materials.

Abstract: A roller applicator for treating plants with herbicides and other fluids comprises a nonabsorbent textured roller, a low-pressure fluid delivery system, and means for collecting and recirculating the fluid. The components of the apparatus act in cooperation with one another so as to minimize loss of material by drippage, spray drift, and holdup in the components of the device. The applicator can be used with solutions as well as wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, and other multiphase formulations without separation.