Abstract: The present invention includes a plant holding unit for supporting a plant on a generally vertical member. A plant container held by plant holding unit is held below a plane approximately normal to the outer surface of the generally vertical member. The plant holding unit is configured to support a plant container on a generally vertical member. The plant holding unit includes an opening having an axis and a perimeter edge, wherein the axis is approximately perpendicular to the first plane defining a general direction of plant growth. The plant holding unit also includes a barrier extending generally vertically from and attached to the perimeter edge, wherein the barrier forms a water retaining area.

Abstract: A light harvester or collector collects solar radiation from an unshaded location adjacent a growing plant. The light harvester can be either imaging (e.g., parabolic reflectors) or non-imaging (e.g., compound parabolic concentrator). The concentrated solar radiation is projected into a light transmitter that conducts the light through the plant's outer canopy and into the inner canopy to a diffuser which disperses and reradiates the light into the inner canopy. The diffused light transforms a non-productive, potentially leafless zone of the plant into a productive zone so that more fruit can be produced per volume of land surface. The system can prevent transmission of infrared into the inner canopy so that the inner canopy zone is not heated and the amount of water lost to transpiration is reduced. The system can also modify other spectral components to affect plant development and to control pests and diseases.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a modular green roof tray, house plant growth media and horticulture growth media, and a tree protection mat for weed and moisture control made from recycled disposable diapers. The growth medium and tree protection mat contain superabsorbent materials from diaper that can absorb waters and greatly reduce irrigation so to provide a drought resistant feature. One embodiment also provides a manufacturing process to perform 100% recycling of disposed diapers.

Abstract: A reflective netting material suitable for providing over and/or adjacent the plant as bird netting, insect netting, shadecloth netting, windbreak netting, or hail protection netting, is knitted, woven, or non-woven, from a synthetic monofilament, yarn, or tape or combination thereof formed from a resin comprising at least one white pigment such that the monofilament, yarn, or tape reflects at least 30% solar radiation on average across the UV (wavelength about 280-400 nm), visible (wavelength about 400-700 nm) and very near infrared (wavelength about 700-800 nm) ranges, and which transmits at least 10% or 5% on average of solar radiation across the wavelength range about 800-2500 nm.

Abstract: A system for growing plants without soil uses removable V-shaped baskets to support plants in a tiered, self-contained unit. Nutrient enriched water is sprayed on the plant roots. The roots are held by perforations in the elongated V-shaped basket and a plant blanket. The unit is multilevel and can be set over an aquarium. The growing shelf can have a worm bag in order to add natural nutrients. Baskets can be comprised of a pair of identical halves that can be readily mutually coupled. Coupling mechanisms can include those that snap together and those providing for a pivoting coupling.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for plants, said apparatus that features a planter with a closed bottom, sidewalls, and an open top, wherein a protruding lip is defined on an exterior surface of the sidewalls in proximity to the open top; and a first cover with an open bottom, sidewalls, and a closed top, wherein a set of clasping mechanisms are located on two opposing sidewalls in proximity to the open bottom, and wherein the clasping mechanism reversibly attaches the cover to the lip of the planter. The invention further provides a second, insulating cover with an open bottom, sidewalls, and a closed top, wherein the second cover is received by the first cover after the first cover is reversibly attached to the planter.

Abstract: A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.

Abstract: A process and system for growing produce decouples farming from the unpredictability of the external environment by moving the farm into a highly-controlled enclosed environment in which all variables are optimized to grow produce of exceptional quality in a consistent, predictable manner, while minimizing or eliminating deleterious environmental impacts. A filtered, positive-pressure environment greatly reduces particulate contamination and pest infiltration from the outside. Seedlings are planted in containers of an organic soil mix engineered to deliver optimal amounts of water, nutrients, fiber and organic matter. The containers advance along a production line, in the process being given controlled exposure to light of predetermined intensity and wavelength, optimized to produce a desired growth pattern. Water is given at regular intervals in amounts calculated to produce optimal growth without waste.

Abstract: A cover is provided for protecting grass from sun damage. The cover is perforated to allow an optimal amount of sunlight to reach the underlying grass, as well as allowing water to reach the grass. The cover is secured to the ground by inserting an anchor through an anchor hole of the cover. The anchor has a restraining portion that clamps down on the cover and prevents shifting of the cover. To protect large areas, multiple covers can be connected to each other to effectively form a single larger cover. Latching assemblies are positioned at each side of each protective cover, with a latch and latch receptacle making up the latching assembly. The latch and latch receptacle of a reference cover engage with the latch receptacle and latch of an adjacent cover to attach the two covers to each other. This process can be repeated to cover even larger areas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plant protection device that combines the functionality of a solid walled style plant protector that is good for the establishment of a new plant/seedling and perforated style plant protector that is good for an established plant. The wall of a tree/plant protector and growth device has thin areas inherent in the wall that degrade faster than other parts of the same device wall. This occurs based on the weather conditions (wind/rain/cold), UV degradation, biodegradation, and other factors. Over time these areas open up, allowing air, sun light and other environmental elements to reach the plant/tree within the protector. Strategically placing the thinner areas allows for designs for different plant/tree species and applications. Applications for climatic regions—northern, aired, wetlands, etc. Other applications examples are reforestation, vineyards, windbreaks, etc. The degradation of the thin areas can be controlled by using different materials, UV stabilizer levels and other methods.

Abstract: A container cover device including a pliable sheet comprising a perimeter configured to be secured to an upper portion of a container so as to prevent spillage of contents of the container if the container were tilted, said pliable sheet having a first side and a second side, an opening provided in the pliable sheet extending from the first side to the second side of the pliable sheet, and a slit extending from the opening to the perimeter, thereby defining a first end and a second end of the container cover device, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to be removably engageable with one another, wherein the container cover device inhibits and/or prevents vegetative growth around an object configured to extend through the opening in the container cover device. A system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.

Abstract: A pot cover has a pair of cover elements that are interlockable to together form a pot cover body. The pot cover body is formed by a plurality of annular cover elements that are concentrically arranged on a horizontal plane to together provide a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, an inner perimeter edge, and an outer perimeter edge. A plurality of concentric spaces are formed between each of the plurality of annular cover elements, and a plurality of radially extending connector strips interconnect the plurality of annular cover elements to hold the annular cover elements in the horizontal plane. The connector strips may be cut between two of the annular cover elements to remove at least one of the annular cover elements.

Abstract: A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.

Abstract: A water-saving device includes a frusto-conical housing having a wide lower end that overlies a ground surface. A lip is integrally formed at the upper end, extending radially inwardly. A vertical cut is formed in the housing with a flange adjoining each edge of the cut. The flanges are spaced apart to admit a tree trunk into the hollow interior of the housing and are attachable to one another to enclose a tree trunk. A first pair of apertures is formed in the lip. A conduit has a first end in fluid communication with a row hose and extends upwardly from the row hose, through a first aperture, and downwardly through the second aperture. A water emitter is in fluid communication with a second end of the conduit and is positioned within the hollow interior of the housing below the lip and above the ground surface.

Abstract: A device for preventing plant growth around a post, comprising an opaque sheet, an opening in the sheet, and a slit extending entirely from the opening to the perimetric edge. A fastener structure is arranged to fasten one of the edge portions to an other of the edge portions in a relationship wherein the edge portions overlap thereby effecting a slope of the sheet downwardly from the opening to the perimetric edge and wherein the opening is shaped to have a first shape when the edge portions are not overlapping and to have a second shape to conform to the post when the edge portions are fastened in the overlapping relationship.

Abstract: A water retention device is used in conjunction with a plant container. The water retention device comprises a resilient plate structure forming a central cover, a sidewall extending from a perimeter of the central cover, and a slot extending through the sidewall and a portion of the central cover. The sidewall engages an inner surface of the plant container and supports the central cover at a spaced distance above a growth medium. The resilient plate structure is manually configurable to open the slot for receiving a plant stem so that the plant stem extends through the central cover. Water may be supplied to the plant container using either a spray stake disposed under the central cover or using a trough formed in the central cover. Where a spray stake is used, the inner surfaces of the sidewall and central cover may include ribs that deflect water.

Abstract: A mulch mat kit designed to retain mulch and to prevent grass around a plant while directly watering the plant root system, the kit including a water permeable base, a wall member attached in an upright position around the base, at least one optional tube removably insertable into the base, and an optional bracket to secure the wall member in an upright position. An aperture centered in the base removably receives a plant stalk therethrough and a slit in the base from the outer perimeter surface to the aperture allows the base to be slipped into place around the plant. The mulch mat kit may be utilized in combination with a sprinkler system in which each tube receives a sprinkler head.

Abstract: A device for holding objects that are attractive to the senses of animals, including a device for protecting a live catnip plant for use by a cat, the device in one form having a protective enclosure defining an interior to receive the object, such as the plant and plant supporting medium, the cage including a plurality of bars spaced apart to prevent or restrict access to the interior and direct contact with the object while allowing liquid, air, and light to pass through the bars to sustain the plant life and allowing the plant to grow through the bars to the exterior of the device for access by the cat. A watering cap in a top of the cage distributes water to the plant inside the enclosure. A cat toy, scratching surface, or platform or combination thereof may be incorporated into or associated with the enclosure.

Abstract: For the protection of domestic gardens against varmints, birds, and the like, this frame screen, or multiple outdoor screens thereof, guard against invasion and are readily portable for shipping. The screen is preferably formed by stamping of a platen wherein multiple cavities are defined end-to-end and side-by-side, exposing the covered garden rows of seedlings or plants to the atmosphere, which thus exclude voracious animals from feeding on the plants. Each screen unit may be closed at ends or extended in-line to accommodate the garden rows. Alternately, the units may serve as a frame to support a flexible cover against frost, excessive wind, rain, snow and the like. For transportation, multiple frame units are fitted upon one another into a compact, moveable bundle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for covering a plant growing medium. The device includes a sheet that defines an aperture. One or more protrusions extend from the sheet to engage a top surface of the plant growing medium. A wall is integrally attached to each edge of the sheet. Each wall has a series of ridges.

Abstract: A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a grass protection mat which can be used for protection of grass in a golf course, a grass field, and a park lawn, or be used for growth of the grass. The grass protection mat includes a body member constituting grass penetrating spaces, protruding pillars formed at upper portion of the body member, lug members formed at lower portion of the body member, and an outer frame provided at outer wall of the body member. The grass protection mat further includes sinking prevention means provided across the grass penetrating spaces formed at the lower portion of the mat, elastically deformable sinking prevention means, mat sliding prevention means provided to the sinking prevention means, and sliding prevention means.

Abstract: A landscaping film, including a film sheet having a plurality of perforations defined therethough and discrete deposits of a weed control agent at locations on the film corresponding to the locations of the perforations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for covering a plant growing medium. The device includes a sheet and an aperture defined by the sheet. A first portion of the sheet surrounds the aperture. A second portion of the sheet has at least one ledge for engaging a top surface of the plant growing medium. The second portion of the sheet is integrated with the first portion of the sheet such that the at least one ledge is situated at a height below the height of the first portion of the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for covering a plant growing medium. The device includes a sheet that defines an aperture. One or more protrusions extends from the sheet to engage a top surface of the plant growing medium. A wall is integrally attached to each edge of the sheet. Each wall has a series of ridges.

Abstract: A soil cover device that removably secures to a plant container to restrict access to soil by children and pets, while facilitating the passage of air, water, and fertilizer to the soil through a plurality of openings. The soil cover device includes a plurality of partition members that removably secure with anchors, which partially imbed into the soil. When assembled, the partition members form an aperture for a plant to extend therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet for agricultural use. The inventive sheet comprises biodegradable cellulose paper (1), the surface of which is coated with celluloses, waxes, resins and pigments. The sheet is intended to be placed on agricultural soil such as to enable the growth of one or more plants through holes (12) that are defined therein. The resins comprise acrylic resins and the waxes can be polyethylene or paraffin waxes.

Abstract: A soil protection device for inhibiting access to soil surrounding a stem of a potted plant will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1a to 4 of the accompanying drawings. According to the now preferred embodiment, a soil protection device 10 includes a cover member 20 having a generally disk-shaped configuration for lying flat upon soil surrounding a potted plant. While the cover member 20 may include a one-piece construction, the now preferred embodiment includes having first portion 30 pivotally connected to a second portion 40 for relative movement between an open configuration (FIG. 1a) and a closed configuration (FIG. 1a). Each portion includes a generally hemispherical configuration such that the cover member 20 presents a disk-shaped configuration when the portions are at the closed configuration. Of course, other configurations would also be suitable depending on the geometry of plant receptacle with which it is being used, e.g. a square or rectangular configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cover devised to be positioned on a body, especially sod, in order to deflect light and to minimize the build up of heat under the cover, while retaining moisture so as to not to hasten the decay of the body. This cover comprises an inner surface which contacts the body, and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is of an opaque dark color to minimize heat build up and the outer surface is of an opaque pale color to deflect light. The inner and outer surfaces are produced by co-extrusion. As such, the cover is specifically designed to increase the shelf-life of sod, especially during its storage and transportation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for germinating seeds is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of translucent hollow spheres, each sphere having apertures therethrough for entry and egress of liquid and air, wherein each of the plurality of translucent hollow spheres includes soil and at least one of the seeds; a tray, for confining the spheres to an basin area within a periphery of the tray while permitting the spheres to roll on a rolling surface within the periphery of the tray; a platform; and a plurality of solenoids disposed on the platform for tilting the tray to displace the spheres, each solenoid having a shaft longitudinally extendable in a direction away from the platform upon activation of the solenoid and each shaft having an end distal from the solenoid coupled proximate to the periphery of the tray.

Abstract: A gardening apparatus that isolates a targeted plant for spraying of chemicals such as herbicides, while protecting desired vegetation in proximity to the targeted plant. The gardening apparatus can be held and operated in one hand, while the other hand is used to operate a sprayer. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft that permits a user to spray a targeted plant from a safe distance such as in an erect position. Located at the distal end of the shaft is a shield, and on the opposite proximal end of the shaft is a hand control mechanism for adjusting the opening and closing of the shield around a plant stem. The adjustability of the opening/closing of the shield through the hand control mechanism permits targeting of different sized stems as the shield can be adjustably configured to surround the stem, whether thick or thin, without having to touch the targeted plant by hand.

Abstract: A soil cover device that removably secures to a plant container to restrict access to soil by children and pets, while facilitating the passage of air, water, and fertilizer to the soil through a plurality of openings. The soil cover device includes a plurality of partition members that removably secure with anchors, which partially imbed into the soil. When assembled, the partition members form an aperture for a plant to extend therethrough.

Abstract: A tree ring that inhibits and/or prevents vegetation growth around the trunks of trees. The tree ring comprises an elastic outer peripheral edge and an elastic inner peripheral edge. In between elastic outer peripheral edge and the elastic inner peripheral edge is a flexible sheet. The flexible sheet has a plurality of holes. The tree ring is removably secured onto a tree pot of any dimension, size, or shape. The elastic outer peripheral edge stretches around the rim of the tree pot, and the elastic inner peripheral edge snugly fits around a tree trunk. It is noted that the distance between the elastic outer peripheral edge and the elastic inner peripheral edge that makes up flexible sheet may vary.

Abstract: An outdoor planter system with a central opening through which a plant may grow. The planter portion surrounding the central opening is inwardly and downwardly sloped, generally impervious to liquid and light, and thereby directs liquid to the central opening while simultaneously preventing undesirable growth of weeds and the like about a central plant. The outer perimeter of the planter has several keyways for removably attachment of a planter cover. The keyways are also adapted to receive plant growing or animal protection cages.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vent disclosed for a septic system, including a conduit configured to vent gas therefrom, including a leg configured to conceal a portion of, and convey gas from, the conduit, and a method of concealing a conduit configured to vent gas from a septic system including sizing the conduit, then mounting on the conduit a leg configured to convey gas from the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for producing container plants in a covered raised-based environment.

Abstract: A flower cup having a flared bell-like shape has a flared rim, tapered sides and a substantially flat base. The rim, sides and a portion of the base have a plurality of perforations running from the rim to the base, where the perforations meet a plurality of lines which radiate from the center of the base. The plurality of side perforations can be six and the plurality of base lines six. The side perforations align with the base lines. The plurality of base lines are partly perforated and partly cut, or half of the base lines are fully cut and the other half of the base lines are partly cut and partly perforated. The flower cup can have a stippled finish. A flower-stem protector has a straw sized to accommodate flower stems and having at least one rib on its proximal end, and a collar affixed to the proximal end of the straw.

Abstract: A planting template sheet apparatus for, and method of planting flowers, shrubs, bulbs or seeds through apertures in the template sheet, and the apertures adjoin indicia indicating specific plant locations, and the type of plant, as indicated on a template index page.

Abstract: A protective heat absorbing and heat reflective covering material for turf or lawn use comprising an open mesh weave of scrim material, the mesh having warp and weft strips forming a substantially thin layer having opposed major surfaces, where at least one of the warp or weft strip materials is a heat absorbing or heat reflecting material, and at least one of the major surfaces of the scrim material has a discontinuous coating having heat reflecting or heat absorbing properties opposite to that of the warp and or weft strip, the discontinuous coating thereon at least partially covering the surface.

Abstract: Adjustable landscaping ergonomic pads of various shapes adapted for covering the soil around the trunks of shrubs, trees, and garden plants to completely eliminate and retard the growth of weeds and other undesirable plants.

Abstract: A surface-covering protective structure. A thermal insulation layer has a basic wall thickness, fastening elements and a support arrangement integral with and projecting from the basic wall thickness of the thermal insulation layer. The support arrangement includes a plurality of supporting feet each comprising a supporting surface being operable to engage a protected surface that the protective structure is arranged on. The support arrangement is operable to physically separate the basic wall thickness of the thermal insulation layer from the protected surface. The fastening elements are operable to couple adjacent protective structures together. The protective structure, including the basic insulation layer, the fastening elements, and the support arrangement, includes thermally insulating plastic material operable to thermally insulate the protected surface.