Abstract: An apparatus for strip growing is presented. The apparatus includes a strip unit with an open channel throughout its length that is configured to hold multiple rectangular root balls with a desired spacing between root balls. The strip unit is defined by an outer bottom wall, an outer sidewall on each side of the outer bottom wall extending upwardly and terminating in an inwardly extending peripheral lip. The open channel is defined by a skirt extending downwardly from the lip and at an angle towards the outer sidewall and terminating at an inner vertical wall, and the inner vertical wall terminating at an inner bottom wall thereby forming the open channel with its bottom section larger than its top opening. A trough unit configured for automated harvesting, and to capture and guide irrigation water down the open channel is coupled to one end of the strip unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for growing and packaging of live plants. The method involves placing a tray with a plurality of strip grooves on a conveyor system and putting growing media into the strip grooves. Plant seeds are then placed substantially in a single row longitudinally on the growing media and nutrients are added. The tray is then placed in a greenhouse until the seeds in each strip mature into a live plant with leaves and a root ball. The root balls are separated from the strip grooves and the live plant is placed in a container that is configured for display and for continued growth. The container is clamshell with a compartment for the leaves and a compartment for the root ball. The root ball compartment securely clamps the root ball and prevents it from sliding within the container. The root ball compartment includes a nutrient compartment.

Abstract: A thermoformed thermoplastic clamshell for packaging alive plants. The clamshell has a base unit with a leaf compartment and a root ball compartment. The leaf compartment has a lid pivotally coupled to its top and configured to snap fit and lock to the leaf compartment using tongue-and-groove type locks. The root ball compartment has a bottom wall that is elevated approximately one-third the height of the leaf compartment. A second lid pivotally coupled to the root ball compartment, in combination with the bottom wall of the root ball compartment, acts like a clamp to secure the root ball of a live plant. The second lid has a clamping groove with a flat bottom wall lowered approximately one-third the height from the top of the leaf compartment to define a rectangular channel within the root ball compartment for securing the root ball of a live plant.