Abstract: Apparatus for controlling moisture content in soil having a first fabric to be immersed in a water reservoir and to move into and out of contact with a second fabric to transfer moisture to the second fabric and then to an absorbent fabric underlying the soil. Movement of the first fabric into and out of contact with the second fabric to control moisture content in the soil is controlled by a lever which hangs downwardly from a pivot and holds the first fabric at its lower end. The lever is urged in one direction to break contact between the first and second fabrics, by a biassing means. It is urged in the other direction to renew the contact by the pulling action of a moisture-responsive stretchable and shrinkable material which shrinks during drying of the upper regions of soil and so creates the pulling force.

Abstract: Method of making a soil support for a plant container having a water reservoir beneath the support. The support is made by providing a fabric of water-absorbent fabric which is carried by support members. To hold the fabric in place, at least one fabric region is deformed and held in deformed state by a support member. In a preferred arrangement at least two spaced regions are deformed so as to stretch and tension the fabric between these regions and the regions are retained in deformed state by the support members and maintain the tension. In practice, support members are made by plastics injection moulding. The injection pressure deforms fabric extending across mould cavities and the plastics hardens to retain the deformed shape.

Abstract: A soil support for a plant container having a water reservoir below the support in which water-absorbent fabric in the support carries water to the soil base from the reservoir. To provide uniform watering to the soil, the fabric is provided with pathways to distribute water as evenly as possible throughout the fabric. These pathways are defined by regions of non-absorbent fabric which channel the water along the absorbent pathways. In a practical construction, interstices in the fabric are blocked, as with injection moulded plastics, to make the non-absorbent regions. Also, a main absorbent pathway, which is separated from the soil, is provided along longitudinal edges of the fabric to encourage water flow along the whole length of fabric before the water is brought into soil contact.