Abstract: A corrugated paper shipping and display carton for potted plants. The carton includes a rectangular sheath having a front-to-back dimension which is approximately equal to the width of the pot so that the pot is gripped by the carton. The carton has a width which is substantially larger than the width of the pot to provide sufficient space on either side of the plant for air circulation. A pair of tabs extend inwardly from the front and back of the carton to engage opposite portions of the top edge of the pot to center the pot in position on a base portion of the carton. The carton utilizes horizontal corrugations to maximize the strength of the tabs. Two or more cartons may be strapped together between top and bottom trays to form a unitary multi-pack. A displaceable front panel has preformed slots formed along its edges which terminate in breakaway portions so that the front panel may be folded downwardly to provide an opening to the interior of the carton for easy access and display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating plant growth in which light is alternately directed at the plants from at least two directions. The frequency at which the light is shifted between directions is sufficiently low to allow the plant to react to the light source before the direction of illumination is shifted thereby increasing the growth rate of the plant. In one embodiment, the lights are arranged in two parallel rows above the plants with the rows longitudinally offset from each other so that the lights in each row are directly opposite the midpoint between lights of the other row. Each row is connected in a separately energized circuit so that as the circuits are alternately energized the light is directed onto the plants from at least two discrete directions.