Abstract: The present invention is a pot-in-pot production system with components and a combination that facilitates the growing of nursery plants in containers while minimizing costs. The new system includes a socket pot container with at least one corrugation that is resistant to crushing and frost; a water-deflecting cover that controls the amount of water delivered to the plant to minimize leachate; and an efficient, inexpensive drip irrigation device that evenly distributes water to the plant for a consistent and healthy root system. The irrigation device can be attached to or be integrated into the water-deflecting cover.

Abstract: A reinforced unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the material layers. The material layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and extend outwardly to a multi-dimensional array of outlets. There may also be an additional reinforcing layer attached to the material layers. The reinforcing layer for the unitized mat can be a polymeric material layer, a fibrous material layer, a foam layer, a metal layer, or a composite layer. The fibrous layer, foam layer, metal layer, or composite layer may also form a portion of, or replace, one or more of the material layers.