Abstract: A pot cover with a matte finish is formed from a series of layers laminated together. The layer comprise a biaxially oriented film layer having a heat sealable matte finish skin on one side and is laminated to a corona treated side of a polyethylene film interlayer with a heat sealable layer on the other side thereof. An aluminum foil is then laminated to the heat sealable able layer of the interlayer. This laminated product may then be formed under heat and vacuum using coming molding techniques to a most desirable pot cover for flowers or plants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, a container, multiple arrangements of container and flat/tray pallets, corresponding container/flat/tray/pallet assemblies, an automated pallet assembly/disassembly system, autonomous pallet assembly transfer units, an autonomous pallet assembly transport train, and an integrated automated production system, for use in a horticultural nursery environment for: substantially reducing labor needed to produce; stabilizing of; collecting and shedding broadcast applications to; reflecting desired sunlight to foliage of; reducing root tip heating of; reducing water consumption in growing; reducing wetting of foliage of; controlling excess root growth of; and, reducing weed growth proximal to; spaced potted plants.

Abstract: A greening structure comprising a plant-cultivatable planting portion on a water-reserving portion and laid on a pavement for forming a greening area. The greening structure further comprises post-shaped members provided substantially consecutively from a portion where an external force loaded on the planting portion is directly received, to the bottom of the water-reserving portion or to the pavement, so that the external force loaded on the planting portion is received on the pavement through the post-shaped members. The greening structure is excellent in the supporting strength and the stability to provide a satisfactory treading feel. The substantially consecutive post-shaped members include: first post-shaped members disposed upward from the bottom of the planting portion; and second post-shaped members disposed downward from the bottom of the planting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus to promote plant growth in vast desert areas is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a blocking plate pivotally jointed to at least two support posts. The blocking plate is operated by an electrical motor to turn wheels secured to a rotary rod to extend or pull back cables connecting the blocking plate and the wheels in order to swing the blocking plate between an approximately horizontal position and one or two approximately vertical positions in order to protect the plants underneath and promote plant growth. The apparatus can include a solar cell layer in the blocking plate, or attach a wind turbine at the top of one of the support posts to generate electrical energy from the extreme desert sunlight and windstorm. Further, rain gutters can be formed onto the blocking plate to collect and distribute rainwater.

Abstract: Plant protection devices, kits, and methods of protecting plants during adverse conditions are provided. The plant protection devices can have a enclosure and/or a precipitation member assembly. The plant protection devices can provide wind protection, mulch retention, and precipitation deflection.

Abstract: A planter for growing a transplantable plant includes a container having a sidewall and a bottom and further includes a retainer member for retaining a plant which has been transplanted within the container through the sidewall or bottom thereof. The retainer member defines an expandable opening which is movable between expanded and normally-collapsed conditions so that by urging a plant root system end-first against the retainer member, the expandable opening is moved to an expanded condition to permit the root system to pass through the expandable opening into the container interior. Upon passage of the root system through the expandable opening, the expandable opening is permitted to return toward its normally-collapsed condition about the stem of the plant to thereby prevent the withdrawal of the root system of the plant from the container interior through the plant retainer.

Abstract: A system and method for rotating multiple plants through light on a continual basis and feeding plants while they are rotated. This system is able to provide the plants with food and water at levels inputted into its control panel. The water which runs through the system can be re-circulated and used by the plants. The system aerates the water in the re-circulation chamber before it is put back onto the plants. This system also has the capabilities to test the pH and nutrient level of the growing media which can include but is not limited to one or more of the following: spun rock, clay pellets, soil, or any other hydroponic growing media.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and media for facilitating somatic embryogenesis and for collecting, conditioning, and transferring the washed embryos onto a substrate and into an environment suitable for conditioning the embryos for a desired period of time so they become germination-competent for plant production. The described plant embryo cleaning apparatus and method are used for preparing multiple plant embryos for plant production. The apparatus and method can use a cleaning fluid source, a fluid-conditioning system, a fluid-delivery structure, a cleaning station, an outlet mechanism, a negative pressure source, and a controller.

Abstract: A method for securing seeds in an automatic seeding process includes the steps of placing individual seeds in pellets in a tray on a conveyor belt and then securing the seeds on each pellet by placing a gel film over each seed so that the pellets can be transported to a greenhouse. The gel film is provided by contacting a gel precursor with a gelling agent in the presence of the seed.

Abstract: A plant container having a plurality of holes in the bottom thereof, a plurality of legs are detachably connected to certain holes in the bottom thereof, and a length of wick extends through other holes in the bottom of the container.

Abstract: The present invention involves a horticultural growing rack used for growing plants. The horticultural growing rack offers a variety of benefits to a plant grower. The horticultural growing rack can be modified to create various sizes of racks. The rack can also hold various attachments such as a light bar, ballast bar, and tray holders. This rack can be easily shipped and stored.

Abstract: A method for generating a pneumatic barrier with a device that operates in a stratified atmosphere associated with the occurrence of radiation frost. This device takes cold and dense air found close to the ground by means of an axial fan with a vertical axle that propels the air upward to an elbow that forces the airflow to make a 90° turn. The airflow discharged from the device through the outlet section forms a jet with a horizontal axis. The jet's vertical cross-section, perpendicular to its axis, has a rectangular shape and sides that grow with the distance to the outlet. The momentum transported by the jet is able to create at a certain distance from the outlet a pneumatic barrier that fits the jet's section. This pneumatic barrier faces an air mass that is colder and denser than the air transported by the jet and prevents such colder and denser air from advancing toward the device.

Abstract: A light-weight plant sheet including plant pieces between a base sheet and a top sheet is able to make growth by tearing the base sheet and top sheet, each having a mesh structure. The top sheet contains a paste to adhere the top sheet to the base sheet and to hold the plant pieces, and such a paste comes out of the fibers of the sheet when wet during the manufacturing process. When the plant sheet is placed on the desired surface, the plant pieces can grow using water and nutrition provided from the surface of the construction site and absorbed by the top sheet and the base sheet.

Abstract: An irrigation mat is comprised of a water impermeable base sheet, a water permeable top sheet and a capillary mat disposed between the base sheet and the top sheet. One or more flat pliable optional drip tapes are loosely disposed between the top sheet and the capillary mat and displaceable therebetween to any desirable position. The drip tape is a hollow flat tube constructed of perforated plastics material and extends at least a full length of the irrigation mat. The irrigation mat with the drip tapes is capable of being rolled up upon itself to form a roll. The top sheet is also heat fused to the folded edges of the back sheet.

Abstract: Sanitizing container and display is a sealed but ventable container for removably placing demonstrable objects such as plants, cut flowers, inside the container, living creatures and the like in hospitals, home or other environments where immunocompromised or allergic patients live. This sealed container and display is provided with a ventilation system that establishes adequate air circulation to the inside the container while clearing the outflow air from any potentially harmful microbes, allergens (small particles that cause allergy) or chemical fumes that would be dangerous for those patients who lack normal immune protection or are allergic. This enclosed chamber can optionally be provided with an artificial light source for illumination of the displayed object if desired.

Abstract: A figurine shaped from coir base material compressed with a combination of fertilizer, paper and sawdust. The figurine includes a self-watering wick that allows water to be drawn from a reservoir to provide continuous water to the coir material. The figurine is further covered with grass seeds and nylon net to retain the seeds on the coir figurine. When water is added to the figurine, the seeds sprout grass that resembles hair. The grass can further be trimmed or grown to a desired length. Figurines or shapes can be human, animal or other shapes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to isolate at least a part of a plant from passage of things or materials of certain size or characteristics. In one aspect, a shroud or sock (10) of material can be removably placed over at least a part of the plant (3) with a releasable closure (13). The material is highly permeable to air and moisture and is substantially light transmissive. However, it has a pore size which blocks the undesirable materials or things (e.g., pollen or insects). The material can have a relatively light weight so that it can be optionally suspended by the plant (3) without significant effect on the growth or health of the plant. The material can have substantial tensile strength to resist deformation, tearing, or puncture during normal handling or in moderate to high winds. It can be utilized to provide a barrier over a part of a plant, substantially an entire plant, or a plurality of plants.

Abstract: A liner for use in a horticultural planter contains an integral water tray which is located between inner and outer fibrous layers of a liner. The water tray extends from a bottom surface of the liner toward a peripheral top edge. An overflow region is included with the water tray near the peripheral top edge of the liner.

Abstract: A seed tape includes successively arranged germinating units including at least one carrier strip and at least one auxiliary layer of biodegradable, flexible, non-woven or film-like material arranged on the carrier strip, whereby the auxiliary layer is locally interrupted a short distance along the seed tape, and whereby each germinating unit includes a mixture of granulated carrier, at least one granulated additive and an adjuvant in addition to one or more seeds. The mixture plus the seed(s) are kept together to form at least one core portion including an incision, in the germinating unit, and whereby the seed tape can be cut into separate germinating units prior to irrigation and/or bedding out, the core portion made of the mixture including locally adhered fibers of one or more thermoplastic materials which form a coherent, open network for keeping the granules of the mixture together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to isolate at least a part of a plant from passage of things or materials of certain size or characteristics. In one aspect, a shroud or sock (10) of material can be removably placed over at least a part of the plant (3) with a releasable closure (13). The material is highly permeable to air and moisture and is substantially light transmissive. However, it has a pore size which blocks the undesirable materials or things (e.g., pollen or insects). The material can have a relatively light weight so that it can be optionally suspended by the plant (3) without significant effect on the growth or health of the plant. The material can have substantial tensile strength to resist deformation, tearing, or puncture during normal handling or in moderate to high winds. It can be utilized to provide a barrier over a part of a plant, substantially an entire plant, or a plurality of plants.