Abstract: Providing a flower pot, which is rested upon the ground and which may be subjected to lateral forces which could tip the pot, with a retainer in the form of an elongated, vertically arranged, wire rod having an upper portion bent into a downwardly opening hairpin-like hook shape for grasping the upper edge portion of the wall of the pot and a lower stem portion of sufficient length to extend downwardly along the side of the pot and into the ground adjacent the pot. The retainer may be manually inserted into the ground, next to the pot wall, with its upper bent end receiving and gripping the upper edge of the pot wall for holding the pot against tipping.

Abstract: A trellis wire support apparatus and a trellis system and method for use in vineyards and the like. The trellis wire support comprises a body having at least one a fold configured to releasibly engage a corresponding slot in a support element, and at least one clip or hook configured to releasibly engage a trellis wire. The trellis systems comprise at least one support element having a slot therein, and at least one trellis wire support comprising at least one clip configured to releasibly engage a trellis wire and a fold configured to releasibly engage the slot in the support element. The trellis system may additionally comprise a cross arm, with the support element configured to couple to the cross arm. The cross arm may include parallel ridges extending along its length, and the support element may have notches adjacent each end thereof that are configured to engage the ridges on the cross arm.

Abstract: An assembly includes a plurality of elongated and rectilinear support posts having opposed end portions. The assembly further includes a plurality of U-shaped fastening members removably positional through a primary support member. The primary support member is provided with first and second pairs of arcuate indentations formed along the front face of the primary support member. A bracket including attachable first and second sections is medially situated between the support posts. The first section has opposed end portions conjoined to the front face of the primary support member, and the second section has opposed end portions conjoined to the first section end portions wherein the second section protrudes forwardly of the first section. The first and second pair of indentations are juxtaposed side-by-side and are laterally opposed from the end portions of the first and second sections such that the support posts can abut the bracket during operating conditions.

Abstract: Methods for making trellis support structures for use in supporting vine borne crops are disclosed. The support structure includes a metallic support member that is bent into a modified U-shape and attached to a metallic cross arm using a process that produces consistent results. The combination of the U-shaped member and cross arm is then attached to a vertical support post at two different locations: one attachment at the center of the U-shaped member, and the other attachment at the center of the cross arm in an axial alignment with the support post. The structure is extremely strong, capable of supporting considerable weight, not likely to shift, and less prone to failure from fatigue. The support structure is produced by first bending the central section of a metallic support member into a U-shape, placing the bent member on a specially designed adjustable jig, and attaching a cross arm.

Abstract: A tree support stake having a base and a trunk. The base includes a plurality of tines extending horizontally and radially from a center of the base. Each of the tines includes a vertical portion extending downwardly at a periphery of the base. One end of the trunk is connected to the base and the other end extends upwardly to a predetermined height. The trunk comprises a plurality of upward vertical extensions joined together and extending upwardly at various elevations along the predetermined height, and a plurality of horizontal bars protruding perpendicularly from terminuses of the upward vertical extensions.

Abstract: A new vegetation support for supporting the growth of vegetation such as vegetable plants and vines. The inventive device includes an elongate pole with alternating first and second sets of bores through it. The bores of the first set of bores are extended in a first direction while the bores of the second set of bores are extended in a second direction. Inserted through each of the bores is an elongate dowel. An auger member with a top turning portion and a bottom corkscrew portion is inserted into an opening in the bottom of the pole.

Abstract: A vegetable and plant growing cage and method of use and manufacture comprising a tapered, flexible, and lightweight helical coil which is capable of attaching to a conventional stake and which allows a gardener, farmer, or grower to alleviate the need for tying a plant during the growing season. The device allows a plant to grow within the coil and further allows the coil to support the branches, stems, fruits, and flowers of the plant. The apparatus and method of use allows for the user to non-destructively collapse or compress the helical coil into a substantially flat helicoid for storage during the non-growing season.

Abstract: A vine wire support post molded as integral unit from plastics has an elongate tapered supporting portion having upper end and lower end, a wire attachment provided on the supporting portion, a peg for holding support post in ground joined to lower end of supporting portion, a foot at the join between peg and supporting portion. The supporting portion is flexible and has variable sectional strength decreasing over a length of supporting portion from a position of higher sectional strength nearer lower end to a position of lower sectional strength nearer upper end.

Abstract: A virtually continuously adjustable plant support system utilizing oriented, high-modulus fiber-reinforced plastic matrix composites and plastics to form a three component plant system that can be assembled into a virtually infinite array of plant support configurations. The system includes at least one stake, at least one coupling element that can be slidably received on the stake for adjustment of its position on the stake. The coupling element includes through passageways for receiving a fiber-reinforced strand that passes through the coupling elements to position the strands in a desired orientation to support a plant. The strands are flexible and have structural memory. A loop defined by a strand can be of any desired diameter, which can be readily changed as needed or desired to accommodate a particular plant configuration.

Abstract: A new trellis support structure and a method for its production for use in supporting vine borne crops. The support structure includes a metallic support member that is bent into a modified U-shape and attached to a metallic cross arm using a process that produces consistent results. The combination of the U-shaped member and cross arm is then attached to a vertical support post at two different locations: one attachment at the center of the U-shaped member, and the other attachment at the center of the cross arm in an axial alignment with the support post. The structure is extremely strong, capable of supporting considerable weight, not likely to shift, and less prone to failure from fatigue. The support structure is produced by first bending the central section of a metallic support member into a U-shape, placing the bent member on a specially designed adjustable jig, and attaching a cross arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing a plant is disclosed. A planting system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A clip device is used in a kit, system and method for supporting plants during growth. The clip includes an elongated beam portion with clamp portions on each end. The clamp portions are made of a stiff, resilient material, and each includes a stationary jaw and a flexing jaw that define a bay sized to engage an elongated pole so that a pair of poles may be interconnected in spaced apart relation. The beam portion can be reinforced with flanges and/or gussets. The clamp portions may have cylindrical sidewalls and be in a C-shaped configuration. As a kit, a plurality of clip devices and a plurality of poles are provided in order to create a framework to support a plant. The method contemplates erecting poles at the vertices of a regular geometric polygon and releasably interconnecting them with these clip devices.

Abstract: A free-standing plant support for use with an open-topped plant container for a growing plant. The plant support has a vertical support member that is rigidly and preferably permanently attached at its lower end to an anchor member which extends horizontally away from the vertical support member. The anchor member is placed into the base of a plant container which is then filled with a mass of plant growth material. The vertical support member is grippable by hand adjacent the upper end. The vertical support member cooperates with the anchor member to facilitate lifting and transportation of the container filled with the mass of growth medium. The vertical support member also cooperates with a de-mountable horizontal support member made of a resilient springy material to contain and support plant material growing within the plant support. The invention also relates to a combination of the plant support with a container for plants.

Abstract: The use of dewatered small particle tailings material derived from the industrial washing of coal, metal ores, rocks and extracted minerals as a component of casing material for the cultivation of mushrooms (<i>Agaricus bisporus<i>and other <i>Agaricus spp.) is described.

Abstract: A system for supporting plants that include an angle member and a vertical member. The angle member further includes a first end, a second end, a top side and a bottom side. The angle member allows a plant vine to grow from the second end to the first end with the vine intercrossing between the top side and the bottom side. The vertical member further includes a top end and a bottom end. The vertical member positions the angle member. The first end communicates with the top end to provide an appropriate angle of inclination of the angle member. This allows freely hanging produce from the vine. The bottom end communicates with a raised bed a lateral distance from the second end providing stability of the system. Finally, the second end communicates with the raised bed providing stability of the system and allowing the angle member close contact with the plant growing from the raised bed.

Abstract: A main structure that can be constructed using either solid steel assembly (32) or reinforced concrete assembly (33) acts as the main structural component for new and remodel construction. The main structure whether it uses reinforced concrete assembly (33) or steel assembly is comprised of cells of equilateral size and each cell has a passage between inner and outer wall created using this method of construction. The inner wall uses the passages to secure accompanying structures and systems to a wall that use this structural system. The outer wall uses the passages to secure retaining assembly (34) to the structure. Retaining assembly (34) holds a strata of soil to the wall and creates plateaus along face of outer wall. The plateaus created by securing retaining assembly (34) to main assembly's (32) or (33) give vegetation a place to be planted and secured to a wall that incorporate the construction method of this invention.

Abstract: An adjustable-length shaft implanted in the ground for supporting trees. A helical screw is mounted on the lower end of the shaft. A lever arm, passed into a lever fitting attached to the shaft, is rotated about the shaft, causing the helical screw to penetrate and lodge in the ground. An anchoring bracket is attached to a portion of the shaft immediately above the ground. An anchoring rod is driven through the bracket into the ground, preventing further rotation of the shaft. A rigid fastening arm extends outwardly from the upper end of the shaft. The outer end of the fastening arm has a flexible strap with a free end. After adjusting and securing the shaft at the desired height, the free end of the strap is looped around the tree trunk and back through a ratchet mechanism in the fastening arm, which holds the free end fast.

Abstract: Vine wire support post (1) moulded as integral unit from plastics comprising: elongate tapered supporting portion (3) having upper end and lower end, wire attachment means (1) provided on the supporting portion (3), peg (5) for holding support post (1) in ground joined to lower end of supporting portion (3), foot (7) at the join between peg (5) and supporting portion (3), wherein supporting portion (3) is flexible and has variable sectional strength decreasing over a length of supporting portion (3) from a position of higher sectional strength nearer lower end to a position of lower sectional strength nearer upper end.

Abstract: The present invention is a plant support (10) that can be used on either a T-shaped post or a U-shaped post. The support includes a ring (12) for supporting the plant and a latching section which engages the post. The height of the support on the post can be easily altered if the user so desires. The support ring may further include a removable arc (370) section to allow the support ring to be easily removed from around the plant.

Abstract: An apparatus, for example a stand, for supporting an object such as a house plant, with respect to a support post having a vertical axis. A container having a bottom surface which forms a receptacle is mateably engageable with a projection formed in a top surface of a drainage plate. The drainage plate is connected to an upper end portion of the support post, whereby the container is positioned with respect to the support post and aligned with the vertical axis. In one embodiment of this invention, the drainage plate is connected to an end portion of a mounting bracket, whereby the container is fixedly positioned with respect to a generally vertical surface.

Abstract: A virtually continuously adjustable plant support system utilizing oriented, high-modulus fiber-reinforced plastic matrix composites and plastics to form a three component plant system that can be assembled into a virtually infinite array of plant support configurations. The system includes at least one stake, at least one coupling element that can be slidably received on the stake for adjustment of its position on the stake. The coupling element includes through passageways for receiving a fiber-reinforced strand that passes through the coupling elements to position the strands in a desired orientation to support a plant. The strands are flexible and have structural memory. A loop defined by a strand can be of any desired diameter, which can be readily changed as needed or desired to accommodate a particular plant configuration.

Abstract: A detachable container lifting device includes a handle with first and second longitudinal members extending from the handle. Each longitudinal member has an end section. A first aperture engaging structure is positioned on the end section of the first longitudinal member while a second aperture engaging structure is positioned on the end section of the second longitudinal member. A first stabilizing extension is positioned along the first longitudinal member between the handle and the first aperture engaging structure. A second stabilizing extension is positioned along the longitudinal member between the handle and the second aperture engaging structure. The stabilizing extensions and the longitudinal members enclose an edge region of a container adjacent to a main opening of the container while the aperture engaging structures pass through apertures adjacent to a region of the container spaced from the main opening.

Abstract: A support for branches and vines consisting of a base which has a hole, a stem which has many holes at different levels and facing in various directions, many rods which may have many holes, many branch support assemblies each of which consist of a string which has at least two hooks, and a holder which may have many holes; the stem penetrating through the hole of the base; the rods being able to penetrate the stem through its holes; one of the hook of a branch support assembly being able to hook on a hole of a rod; another hook of the branch support assembly being able to hook on the holes of the holder of the branch support assembly.

Abstract: Practical injection molded plastic garden stakes use a ribbed cross-section with contained core displaced of thermoplastic by air, foam or the like. Integrally molded notches for fencing, hooks for plants, and holes for cords are provided on the ribs.

Abstract: A stake for use with plants including: a foundation means for stabilizing the stake being locatable in a relatively fixed position near the plant; a foundation stem extending from the foundation means, at least a portion of the foundation stem being hollow; a holding means for holding the plant or a display object, the holding means being associated with the foundation stem and remote from the foundation means.

Abstract: A gardening ornament frame includes a first half netting, a first hollow leg integrally formed on and extending downward from a bottom of the first half netting, a second half netting combined with the first half netting, and a second hollow legs integrally formed on and extending downward from a bottom of the second half netting. Thus, the gardening ornament frame has a predetermined configuration of the animal shape, so that when the plants are grown up, the plants are forced to form the predetermined configuration of the animal shape by confinement of the gardening ornament frame, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the plants.

Abstract: A trellis wire support apparatus and a trellis system and method for use in vineyards and the like. The trellis wire support comprises a body having at least one a fold configured to releasibly engage a corresponding slot in a support element, and at least one clip or hook configured to releasibly engage a trellis wire. The trellis systems comprise at least one support element having a slot therein, and at least one trellis wire support comprising at least one clip configured to releasibly engage a trellis wire and a fold configured to releasibly engage the slot in the support element. The trellis system may additionally comprise a cross arm, with the support element configured to couple to the cross arm. The cross arm may include parallel ridges extending along its length, and the support element may have notches adjacent each end thereof that are configured to engage the ridges on the cross arm.

Abstract: A stand displaying a member of the cucurbitaceae family includes a support for holding the member of the cucurbitaceae family. A figure associated with the support cooperates with the member of the cucurbitaceae family to complete a display.

Abstract: A unitary garden stake is provided from a formable length of tubing wherein an anvil is formed on an upper end of the tubular body and a wedge is formed on a lower end thereof. The anvil is formed by a plurality of longitudinal crimps along the length of the upper end. The wedge is formed by compressing the lower end of the unitary stake while removing a segment of the tubing wall near the lower end. The anvil is sufficiently strong to absorb the impact of blows administered to drive the wedge into underlying soil. A protective coating is applied to the stake when necessary.

Abstract: A flexible trellis and method of forming and using the same is disclosed. The flexible trellis includes a first primary section and a second primary section. Each of the first and second primary sections includes a first upright, a second upright, and a plurality of vertically spaced cross members joined to the first upright and the second upright and maintaining the first and second uprights in spaced apart relationship. A plurality of vertically spaced hinge members are provided. Each of the hinge members includes a first end and a second end, with the first end pivotally connected to the first primary section and the second end pivotally connected to the second primary section. The hinge members are arranged to permit pivotal movement of the first primary section relative to the second primary section about a pair of spaced apart vertical axes. Additional and substantially identical primary sections may be provided as desired.

Abstract: In a stackable support for bracing plants or other items incapable of self support, an elongated primary member includes first and second ends. At least one retaining arm extends from the primary member adjacent to the second end and is adapted to engage and brace said plants or other supple items. Successive stackable supports are capable of being mounted one on top of the other to accommodate larger or growing plants, or other supple items.

Abstract: A metal trellis post comprises a generally triangular-shaped elongated body having a rear portion connected to a first longer leg secured to a second shorter leg. One or two rows of notches are formed in the first longer legs and the second shorter legs. Each of the notches have horizontal slots connected to vertical slots having enlarged wire holding ends. Tensioned wires for supporting foliage and fruit are securely held in the enlarged wire holding ends and may only be removed upon pressing the tensioned wires into the trellis post and around holding element and then slid to the horizontal slots for removal.

Abstract: A collapsible plant support structure is described which provides a structure wherein a plant may be grown and properly supported. The collapsible plant support structure has three or more vertical members (11) connected to a plurality of rings (12) by guide hubs (18) on the vertical members, thusly providing the collapsible feature of the structure. A vertical member typically is rod-like and extends the entire length of the structure and has connection points (19) set equidistant along the vertical members. The vertical members also include a tapered (20) and angled staking structure to assist in strengthening the structure. The vertical members also have geometrically shaped footplates (20) to assist in placing the structure into any given terrain.

Abstract: In a vineyard or the like, a system for positioning and tensioning the wires which form the trellis disposed between and among an array of metal posts upon which vines are trained, including retainers for selectively positioning wires relative to the metal posts and each other and further including a subsystem for applying the appropriate tension to the various wires making up the trellis.

Abstract: A collapsible plant support structure is described which provides a structure wherein a plant may be grown and properly supported. The collapsible plant support structure has three or more vertical members (11) connected to a plurality of rings (12) by guide hubs (18) on the vertical members, thusly providing the collapsible feature of the structure. A vertical member typically is rod-like and extends the entire length of the structure and has connection points (19) set equidistant along the vertical members. The vertical members also include a tapered (20) and angled staking structure to assist in strengthening the structure. The vertical members also have geometrically shaped footplates (20) to assist in placing the structure into any given terrain.

Abstract: A novel device, system and method for promoting the growth, development and harvest of desired plants while suppressing the growth of weeds is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a tapered container with an opening at the upper, wider end of the device and an opening at the lower, narrower end of the device. The device also has one or more openings along the surface of the device between the upper end and the lower end. In an exemplary embodiment of the method, a bag of growing medium is placed over the ground and a device is inserted into the bag so that the lower end penetrates both sides of the bag and enters the ground below and the opening at the lower end communicates with the ground. The opening at the upper end of the device should be at or above the upper surface of the bag and at least one or more openings in on the surface of the device should be in communication with the growing medium contained within the bag.

Abstract: A plant support assembly for rigidly supporting a plant in an upright position in various types of soil conditions. The inventive device includes a base, a tubular member attached to the base and extending upwardly, a shaft positionable within the base, and a locking strap for securing a plant to the shaft or tubular member. The shaft is preferably constructed of a material that is easily severed for allowing support for various heights of plants. The base is shaped for fitting within the lower portion of a conventional pot for plants. In an alternative embodiment, the tubular member includes an upper spiked end for inserting through the roots of the plant and thereafter receiving the adjusted shaft.

Abstract: A stake for use with plants including:

Abstract: An assembly for supporting trellis wires on a typical metal post includes a wire clip having opposed trellis wire support arms, each comprised of a portion of the wire extending laterally and including a distal portion bent back over the lateral portion to define an acute angle therewith. A medial portion joining the two wire support arms consists of a V-shaped configuration extending in a lateral plane. The apex of the V shape impinges on one edge of the cross-web of the post, and one leg of the V extends between two fence post spines. A cam over wire lock secures the wire clip to the post, and is comprised of a web having tapered opposed ends. A hole is disposed in one end of the web, and an R-shaped camming slot is formed in a second, opposed end of the wire lock. One end of the trellis wire support clip is passed through the hole in the cam over wire lock, and the wire lock is positioned to extend between the opposed wire support arms.

Abstract: The present invention is a plant support that can be used on either a T-shaped post or a U-shaped post. The support includes a ring for supporting the plant and a latching section which engages the post. The height of the support on the post can be easily altered if the user so desires. The support ring may further include a removable arc section to allow the support ring to be easily removed from around the plant.

Abstract: A support for articles having an elongated portion has a single shaft and a head made of wire. The head is attached to one end of the shaft. The head consists of a single wire formed into loops. The loops are formed at an angle with the shaft. The form of the support can resemble a flower, with the shaft representing the flower stem, the head representing the flower head and the loops representing the shape and arrangement of the flower petals. The support can be made from a single piece of wire. The invention can be used to support plant stems, arrange cut flowers in a bouquet or store writing implements.

Abstract: In a vineyard or the like, a system for positioning and tensioning the wires which form the trellis disposed between and among an array of metal posts upon which vines are trained, including retainers for selectively positioning wires relative to the metal posts and each other and further including a subsystem for applying the appropriate tension to the various wires making up the trellis.

Abstract: A garden marker device has a cover, a back and a stake. The cover is transparent and has a periphery bounded by a top margin, a bottom margin and a pair of side margins. The back is connected to the top margin and the pair of side margins of the cover, so as to define an enclosure between the cover and the back extending between the side margins. The stake is connected to the back.

Abstract: A detachable container lifting device includes a handle with first and second longitudinal members extending from the handle. Each longitudinal member has an end section. A first aperture engaging structure is positioned on the end section of the first longitudinal member while a second aperture engaging structure is positioned on the end section of the second longitudinal member. A first stabilizing extension is positioned along the first longitudinal member between said handle and the first aperture engaging structure. A second stabilizing extension is positioned along the longitudinal member between the handle and the second aperture engaging structure. The stabilizing extensions and the longitudinal members enclose an edge region of a container adjacent to a main opening of the container while the aperture engaging structures pass through apertures adjacent to a region of the container spaced from the main opening.

Abstract: A device for retaining different types of plant supports comprises a frame consisting of four members with ends that are releasably inserted into bores of a collar having a central passage and ends that are inserted into holes in container. The central passage on the collar receives the plant support.

Abstract: A bud clip is provided that ensures that a bud grows straight during the budding process. The bud clip may clip onto the root stock so that the bud clip does not girdle the root stock and does not need to be removed from the root stock. The bud clip may bind the bud to the root stock during the fall bonding process and then ensure the vertical growth of the bud during the spring. The bud clip may be biodegradable and may be impregnated with fertilizers.

Abstract: Structure is disclosed for supporting immature plants and small trees to assure straight and healthy stem and trunk growth until the stem and/or trunk reaches a growth phase where it is self-supporting. Several embodiments of two part stakes are discussed including detachable upper and lower portion stakes and telescoping upper and lower portion stakes. Plant feeding features in the stakes are described and structure for providing cooperating stake pairs with novel interconnecting straps and stem/trunk engaging apparatus is disclosed. Stabilizing structure for the stakes is also disclosed, so that stem trunk support is strong enough to accomplish the intended purpose.

Abstract: In a vineyard or the like, a system for positioning and tensioning the wires which form the trellis disposed between and among an array of metal posts upon which vines are trained, including retainers for selectively positioning wires relative to the metal posts and each other and further including a subsystem for applying the appropriate tension to the various wires making up the trellis.

Abstract: A trellis system and latch mechanism for use in growing vine plants, such as grapes, raisins and the like that is particularly suited for use with the alternate bearing method of raising such plants. The latch mechanism has a latch body that pivotally connects a support arm from one row of supports to the support arm of an adjacent row of supports. Alternatively, the latch mechanism connects a wire member on one row of supports to a wire member on an adjacent row of supports. The latch body is configured to allow the user to connect to a support arm or wire member on an adjacent row of support members on the non-bearing, renewal row to support the weight of vines and fruit that comprise the bearing row. Use of the latch mechanism allows the grower to selectively open or close the trellis system to establish the bearing or renewal rows during alternate growing seasons.

Abstract: A supporting frame for a portion of a stem of a plant comprises a generally arc-shaped guiding member, two spacers projecting away from an inside concave surface of the guiding member, and a pressing member pivotally connected to the spacers. The guiding member, the pressing member and each spacer define a U-shaped cross-section for permitting insertion of the portion of the stem therein. The pressing member is deformable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the pressing member is away from the guiding member and the portion of the stem can be inserted between the guiding member and the pressing member.