Abstract: A soil amendment material and an associated process for the preparation thereof, comprising a water swellable hydrophilic polymer infused with high concentrations of plant nutritive salts. The amendment is prepared by repeated soaking of hydrophilic swellable polymer particles in a solution of nutritive salts in water, followed by heat application to drive off the entrained water, leaving the nutrients entrapped in the polymer particles.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for planting seeds and growing plants wherein the seeds are planted in a germinating soil mix in a group of adjoining enclosures placed upon a substrata of virgin soil or other plant nutrient medium, the plant roots growing directly into the substrata, with no replanting. The enclosure group provides a plant spacing reference, so that the growing area is efficiently used, and the germinating soil mix may be sterile so that cultivation for weed control after planting is not necessary. For storage compactness and economy, expandable honeycomb paper may be utilized for the enclosure group.

Abstract: A soil amendment material and an associated process for the preparation thereof, comprising a water swellable hydrophilic polymer infused with high concentrations of plant nutritive salts. The amendment is prepared by repeated soaking of hydrophilic swellable polymer particles in a solution of nutritive salts in water, followed by heat application to drive off the entrained water, leaving the nutrients entrapped in the polymer particles.

Abstract: A wild bee nesting domicile comprising a strip assembly of a flexible backing sheet to which is secured a matching pleated strip, the strip assembly being rolled or wrapped about itself so that the tips of the pleats are in contact with the backing sheet to form closely spaced bee nesting bores. A backing member is secured to the roll to close one end of the nesting bores as preferred by the wild bees. The domicile may be rolled into circular or oblong form, or may comprise a stack of such strips.