Abstract: Automated, metrically controlled methods and systems of cultivating plants to maximize customer order fulfillment can dynamically take into consideration growing conditions and environments of transplant propagules, plants, and seedlings and even changeable order requirements. Through an appropriately configured programmable plant growth configured computer system, computer logic determined optimization of transplanting times, growth conditions, planting needs, and transplant propagule quantities, among other aspects, may be met more efficiently, with less waste at closer to one hundred percent. Programmable plant growth configured computer systems may be configured with a multi-cycle replacement tray maximization metric programs, and/or a multi growth stage parameterized metrics to achieve processes that are mare than just automated, but are fundamentally more than and different from previous systems.

Abstract: Embodiments focus on imparting a horizontally shifting motion to a plant punch element 1 during a part of a plant punch cycle 18 so as to reduce contact of a plant punching surface 38 with the plant during the plant punch. Plant punch elements that are particularly suited for such “shifting” capability may include a gap 41 facilitating lateral movement of the plant punch element to a position around at least part of the plant to be punched. Aspects of the inventive technology also address a sheltering plant punch apparatus that can also reduce injury and stress experienced by the plant while it is punched. Combinations of aspects disclosed herein provide a high degree of protection to the plant during a plant punch, thereby reducing stress experienced by the plant during the punch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the propagation and distribution of plants, or merely storage and/or shipment of items, in a space efficient manner. Individual apparatus may be stacked in a rack system. Space between individual stacked apparatus may be varied to accommodate plants of various sizes and permit varying degrees of air flow. Individual apparatus may be collapsed into smaller units without removable hardware and with all components remaining connected at all times. Apparatus may be delivered in a fully assembled stated and returned in a state of reduced size, minimizing transportation costs and efficiently utilizing transportation resources.

Abstract: A growing system for plant seedlings that takes into consideration the varied requirements of the seedling; seedling and transplant environment; seedling cell size; mechanical transplanter requirements; seedling leaf, stem and root development and coordinates all these requirements to increase transplanting yields which may include larger containers that maximize yield and minimize damage. Aspects may eliminate left-over seedlings, reduce the number of manual steps, decrease labor, and increase transplant yields.

Abstract: A transplanting system including both methods and specific types of transplant apparatus such as propagule transplant trays(3, 4, 5, 6) addresses the need for the use of a propagule punch machine (8) on a variety of adolescent tray configurations (9, 11, 12, e.g.) and the increased operational efficiency that such enhanced operational capability affords. The system may involve at least one areally continuous propagule tray (3, 4, 5, 6) that is operationally compatible with a numerically significant number of adolescent plant trays. Other embodiments of the invention disclose punch pins (59) for use in a plant punch machine transplanter that are user-detachable and differentially designed so that plant punch elements of a certain design may be installed as part of the machine to customize the transplant process for a given species and transplant modality. The invention also provides for a consultable collection (such as printed documents or an electronic database, e.g.

Abstract: A growing system for plant seedlings that takes into consideration the varied requirements of the seedling; seedling and transplant environment; seedling cell (312) size; mechanical transplanter requirements; seedling leaf, stem and root development and coordinates all these requirements to increase transplanting yields may include larger containers that maximize yield and minimize damage. Aspects may eliminate left-over seedlings, reduce the number of manual steps, decrease labor, and increase transplant yields.

Abstract: A growing system for plant seedlings that takes into consideration the varied requirements of the seedling; seedling and transplant environment; seedling cell (312) size; mechanical transplanter requirements; seedling leaf, stem and root development and coordinates all these requirements to increase transplanting yields may include larger containers that maximize yield and minimize damage. Aspects may eliminate left-over seedlings, reduce the number of manual steps, decrease labor, and increase transplant yields.

Abstract: A transplanting system including both methods and specific types of transplant apparatus such as propagule transplant trays(3, 4, 5, 6) addresses the need for the use of a propagule punch machine (8) on a variety of adolescent tray configurations (9, 11, 12, e.g.) and the increased operational efficiency that such enhanced operational capability affords. The system may involve at least one areally continuous propagule tray (3, 4, 5, 6) that is operationally compatible with a numerically significant number of adolescent plant trays. Other embodiments of the invention disclose punch pins (59) for use in a plant punch machine transplanter that are user-detachable and differentially designed so that plant punch elements of a certain design may be installed as part of the machine to customize the transplant process for a given species and transplant modality. The invention also provides for a consultable collection (such as printed documents or an electronic database, e.g.