Abstract: A plant cover, comprising a base formed from a sheet of material, said base having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, an opening intersecting the upper end forming an inner peripheral surface and a retaining space, a skirt formed from a sheet of material, said skirt connected to the upper end of the base, and expansion means formed integrally with the base, the expansion means comprising an excess of material, the expansion means permitting the base to expand and contract to both closely encompass and follow the contours of a pot. Methods of using a plant cover.

Abstract: A plant cover, comprising a base formed from a sheet of material, said base having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, an opening intersecting the upper end forming an inner peripheral surface and a retaining space, a skirt formed from a sheet of material, said skirt connected to the upper end of the base, and expansion means formed integrally with the base, the expansion means comprising an excess of material, the expansion means permitting the base to expand and contract to both closely encompass and follow the contours of a pot. Methods of using a plant cover.

Abstract: A plant transplanting support device is formed of a sheet material for lining an interior of a container having a bottom and side walls for holding a plant. The support device resides between the container and the root ball of the plant to support and maintain the root ball intact upon transfer of the plant from the container to another container or from the container into a planting bed. The support device includes an elongated sidewall portion for being formed by a user such that its opposite ends converge to define sides of an enclosure. The enclosure is adapted to fit within the container adjacent the side walls of the container. A plurality of leg portions extend outwardly from the sidewall portion at a bottom edge of the enclosure. The leg portions are adapted for being folded upwardly from the bottom edge of the enclosure to an opposite top edge of the enclosure to define an enclosure bottom for residing adjacent the bottom of the container to support the root ball when transplanting the plant.

Abstract: A new and improved light weight plastic vase, includes a two part light weight plastic construction. The respective halves of the vase construction each comprise a flower container and have a base portion having a base width and a top portion having a wider width mouth. The top and bottom portions are integrally connected to one another at their tops and bottoms respectively and integrally connected to a common wall member. The common wall member of each half includes grooves and tongues which are spaced apart from one another about a centrally disposed pole receiving recess. The grooves, tongues and recess each extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the common wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the tongues and grooves of the respective halves of the vase construction slidably engage one another to help secure the vase to a table umbrella pole which in turn supports the vase in an upright manner without the risk of the vase being overturned accidentally.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a growing container in which plants are hydroponically grown on a support medium is disclosed. The growing container includes a plurality of openings in which seals are installed. The seals include holes through which the plants grow. When seeds are planted, a hollow tube is placed through the seal hole to maintain the seed in position. After the seed germinates, it grows through the tube. As continued growth expands the plant's stem to the size of the tube, the tube breaks apart and does not constrain future plant growth. Moreover, as the plant grows further, the seal hole expands to accommodate the plant stem. The seal surrounds and contacts the plant stem to reduce evaporation of nutrient solution from the growing container and to keep insects and contamination out of the growing container. A holding container is positioned above the growing container and coupled to the growing container through a manifold arrangement.

Abstract: A plant spray shield for spraying a plant with a chemical, such as a weed killer, has a generally funnel shaped body having an elongated slot extending along one side thereof to allow elongated plant stems and leaves to be inserted into the funnel shaped body through the slot. A handle is attached to the body for holding the body around the plant so that the plant held in the spray shield is isolated while spraying the plant with a chemical to shield other desirable flora and fauna from the sprayed chemicals. The handle is generally L-shaped and the body and handle are molded as a one piece unit. The handle is positioned about 90.degree. from the elongated slot in the body to position the handle away from the direction of the spray being sprayed on the plant. A method is provided for selecting the plant spray shield in accordance with the apparatus, inserting plant stems into the removed slotted portion in the body, and spraying a chemical onto the inserted plant stems and/or leaves.

Abstract: A hanging plant apparatus has a conical mesh sleeve with a rigid ring in the upper margin. Suspending elements are attached to the ring and extend upward for hanging the apparatus. The lower margin has a drawstring element in the hem. The lower margin of the sleeve is slipped over the upper rim of a conventional rigid plant pot and the drawstring element pulled tight to attach the pot to the bottom of the sleeve. The drawstring element is comprised of one or more plastic cable ties. When the sleeve and pot are filled with plant growth media, holes are cut into the mesh through which various plants can be inserted to-provide a unique hanging plant container with multiple plants growing out of the cone at various levels.

Abstract: The floral arrangement holder has a base which supports a foam block in contact with the upper surface of the base. Drain holes are provided so that any excess water can run into the hollow base portion. Recessed reservoir channels are provided in the upper surface of the base, to allow any excess water in one portion of the block to flow to a drier portion, and to allow water to wick upwardly into the block from the channels. A filling area extends outwardly from the base for convenient access, and has an upper surface which preferably is angled slightly downwardly towards the channels for better distribution of the water. The filling area also doubles as a convenient hand grip, by virtue of being provided with finger recesses. A clip arrangement holds the foam block in place. An elongated version of the holder holds two such blocks, and includes an extended end portion to provide greater-water storage capacity, particularly useful if the holder is suspended via an apertured tab at the opposite end.

Abstract: A planting arrangement and method to improve crop yields in open fields is provided in which there is a solar light corridor between crop rows and in some situations a plurality of sub-rows between the solar corridors and/or a secondary crop planted in the solar corridor. Orientation of the rows for greater crop yield is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a planter pouch comprising a bag shaped, flexible, plastic bladder having an open top and containing a polymeric growth medium. The open top is secured between a rigid collar and a cylindrical cap, the cap being provided with a plurality of slits through which the stalks of living plants can be inserted until their roots are embedded in the polymeric growth medium. The planter pouch permits living plants contained therein to grow without adding water for prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: A plant enclosure for outdoor use has a hollow body with open upper and lower ends and ventilation and drainage openings. In order to permit a desired amount of water to be conserved within the base of the enclosure, the openings are positioned such that a portion of the body may be buried in the soil, with the openings spaced above the soil surface. The base of the body has plant root openings, positioned to be buried beneath the soil surface. These openings are sized to permit plant roots to grow laterally outwardly close to the soil surface, beyond the perimeter of the enclosure. A lid is engageable to the upper rim of the body. The lid have a recessed portion on its upper surface to that capture rain or sprinkler water. Apertures within the lid permit the captured water to drain into the enclosure. Preferably, the body and lid are clear or translucent to create a greenhouse effect during daylight hours.

Abstract: A device for supporting plant pots on a floor surface so as to permit evaporation of moisture from therefrom and which is easily manually adjustable to fit plant pots of varying size.

Abstract: The instant invention is a lawn and garden edging system which provides for a border device positionable adjacent walks and plant beds with provisions for the attachment of watering and lighting components. An insertion structure is provided which is inserted into the ground by use of a wooden handle placed into an aperture allowing an individual to stand on an upper end of the structure allowing the installer's weight to force the structure into the ground. The upper portion of the structure forms a passageway with apertures available for positioning watering components, electrical components may also be attached for connection to lighting products used to highlight trees, bushes or a home. A second embodiment of the invention provides a conduit for attachment to conventional extruded plastic edging dividers, the conduit provides the formation of a passageway for placement of the aforementioned watering components and electrical connections.

Abstract: An anchor comprising a curved picket is provided. The picket has a first end and a second end and an attachment element, for receiving a trainer, positioned proximate to the first end of the picket. The second end of the curved picket is penetrable into a surface of a soil or other penetrable substance, in a manner that anchors the picket. The picket penetrates the root system of the plant. The root system provides additional anchoring support for the picket and the attached trainer. A trainer is attached near the first end of the picket and a plant is trained to grow along the trainer. The anchor is a simple and inexpensive device that firmly anchors a trainer near the ground while preventing the trainer from directly contacting the ground. The anchor is more resistant to winds and erosion when compared to conventional anchors. The tension on the trainer is adjustable after the anchor is set into the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of a liquid chemical treatment to plants in a field. The apparatus includes a movable framework and first and second spaced-apart depending portions mounted upon the framework for providing a space extending longitudinally of the framework. First and second air displacers are carried by the first and second depending portions for creating first and second opposed streams of air in directions at an angle to the longitudinal axis. The air displacers are positioned on the depending portions so that the first and second opposed streams of air are longitudinally offset from each other. Nozzles are carried by the framework for introducing the liquid chemical treatment into the streams of air produced by the air displacers. The streams of air caused the plants to bend to and fro as the plant passes through the space so as to permit the chemical treatment to reach the underside of the plants. A method for using the apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A knockdown planter box frame composed of two basic components in the form of frames and posts which may be easily releasably joined together. The frame is intended to secure non-wooden internal panels which contain solid nutrients such as soil and fertilizer. The wooden framework receives protection from direct contact with decay-causing micro-organisms in the growing medium. Panels are removable in such a way as to facilitate pruning a rootball without removal of the plant.

Abstract: A buoyant apparatus is provided for floating plants and other foliage in ponds. It is directed to a floating support or raft for one or more plant pots. Such materials are attractive to fish and other aquatic animals frequently present in such decorative ponds. In the floatable foliage pots herein the floating base or collar is protected so that it cannot be chewed, and ruined by aquatic animals. A mesh screen is adapted to cover exposed surfaces of the collar to prevent fish from biting it.

Abstract: A floral display holder has a hollow body with a frontal recess for receiving a water-absorbing foam, and a manual pump to draw water from a lower portion defining a liquid reservoir. The floral display holder has U-shaped clips to secure the foam generally against a floor surface of the recess. The water drawn with the pump is directed onto the foam, thereby replenishing the foam with additional water.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the amount of solar energy and heat transferred into and out of a building or other structure through a glazed opening using a system of pneumatically actuated, reflective shutters. The air discharged from the blower flows through a venturi. The venturi communicates with a system of inflatable, reflective shutter elements. A control valve downstream from the venturi regulates airflow through the venturi. A photoelectric sensing element is installed at the level of the growing plants. The electric current generated by the sensing element is proportional to the intensity of the sunlight entering through the glazed roof. The control valve is operated by an electrical control means which responds to the electric current generated by the photoelectric sensing element.

Abstract: A liquid fixing agent prepared by dissolving in dilute acetic acid chitosan and natural polysaccharide (such as cellulose, pectin, and alginic acid). It is used to fix planted soil (in a terrarium) by application to the surface of soil, followed by drying. Fixed soil prevents ornamental plants from falling or moving in the container during transportation and also remains in place even when the container is inclined.