Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of evaluating multiple plant individuals or plant lines for deep rooting property under the same culture medium moisture conditions. A method of the present invention is a method of evaluating multiple plant individuals for deep rooting property under the same culture medium moisture conditions, by planting multiple plant individuals together in a sufficiently deep culture vessel and lowering the culture medium moisture content gradually. The present invention also provides a method for evaluating plants for deep rooting property, wherein a culture vessel is installed in a water tank so that the culture medium moisture content can be readily adjusted, and thus management of cultivation conditions is facile and efficient. It is possible to select a plant which can grow in dry and low-groundwater level environment efficiently, by using the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The planter receptacle is for use on a railing of a balcony, deck, porch, or patio, or for use on a fence, or the surface of a balcony/deck/porch instead. The planter receptacle is made to securely rest on the railing top, straddle a railing when using two planter receptacles, hang down the side of a railing, or be used in combinations of such installations at the same location of the railing for more elaborate planter arrays. No tools or hardware, except a flexible line such as a length of rope, are required to secure the planter receptacle to the railing or fence. When the planter receptacle is used in a hanging position, it can be readily adjusted for leveling and/or to accommodate the vertical height of flowers as they may quickly grow, thereby improving their viewing from both sides of the railing throughout the season. The planter receptacle can be constructed and finished to coordinate in appearance with the railing or fence, or the structure to which the railing is attached, if preferred.

Abstract: A method for handling the bodily remains of a human or animal comprises the following steps, to be performed in suitable sequence, of: (a) providing a receptacle at least partly filled with soil material, for instance potting compost or hydroculture granules; (b) allowing a plant, such as a tree, a shrub, a bonsai tree or a house-plant, to grow in this soil material; and (c) adding at least components of the bodily remains to this plant.

Abstract: An apparatus bounds and retains the medium in which a transplantable plant is grown, and promotes the production of lateral root tips by such a plant at all levels in the growth medium. The apparatus includes a sheet having a plurality of hollow protuberances formed with proximal protuberance openings that communicate with distal protuberance openings. The protuberances provide pathways that mimic the natural tendency of the plant roots, so as to decrease the likelihood of the root tips evading the protuberances and promote root-tip growth towards the distal protuberance openings whereby air-root pruning is assured.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mural support for any type of natural plants, consisting of a mural support (1) with vertical front surface comprising one or more receptacles (2) provided each with an opening located in the same plane as said front surface, the receptacles being equipped at the periphery of their opening with an inner rim adapted to retain, when the support is fixed to a wall, one or more plants (4) capable of being conditioned in a soil clod (3). The invention concerns the industrial and commercial field of manufacture and distribution of articles or decorating residential as well as professional premises.

Abstract: A tray having at least one cavity for accommodating a plant pot during its filling, planting, or other processing in a predetermined alignment of the e.g., truncated conical plant pot that is rotationally symmetrical on the circumferential side to a center vertical axis, wherein the plant pot is located positively engaged in the cavity through base formations of the tray and of the plant pot, is designed in terms of a unique alignment of the plant pot while maintaining the high technical requirements of commercial gardening in such a way that the cavity is provided on the base side with a sliding way, which runs helically with a helical axis aligned with the vertical axis of the pot.

Abstract: A container for plants. The container may include a wall defining a perimeter of the container and a floor at a lower portion of the container. Receptacles may be formed in the container extending beneath the floor for receiving pots, plants, or potting soil. Openings may be formed in the container to allow the container to drain, and for allowing roots to grow through the container. The container may be used as a tray for carrying pots or plants. Also, plants may be placed in the container with or without pots and the container may be placed in a larger patio-type pot or directly in the ground. A mixture of plants may be arranged in the container by moving the smaller pots without damaging the plant roots. Also, the container itself may be planted in the ground without the need to disturb the plant roots.

Abstract: A plate-like soil-fixation plastic plate is a rigid sheet-like body made of a weather-resistant composite plastic material and has a surface formed with several reinforcement ribs, which are integrally formed with the body in a crisscrossed manner to enhance the intensity of the plate. Two lateral sides of the plate are formed with several assembling holes. Four soil-fixation plastic plates of the invention may be assembled together using several connecting components to form a partitioning frame having open top and bottom ends to facilitate the planting.

Abstract: A system and method for producing flowers and stems from flower bulbs and marketing them by securing a desired number of bulbs to a uniquely configured support device and causing the bulbs to develop roots and shoots. The support tray is then transferred and inserted into a transparent display container where the support device is elevated from the bottom of the container by a predetermined distance, and a nourishing liquid is added to the container. The combined display container and support device is then shipped either directly to retailers for sale.

Abstract: A plant growing kit, primarily for growing climbing plants such as tomatoes, is contained in a flat box approximately the shape of a pizza box. In preferred embodiments three legs are included, broken down into sections in the box and directable into a sturdy tripod, over which a flexible vine-attachment element, such as a wire or thin tubular member or plastic coil, is assembled preferably in a tapered helical configuration. Also in the box is a basket, in flattened condition but erectable into a deep configuration and with provision for attachment to the legs, near their bottom ends, the basket being configured to contain a bag of soil, which may remain in the bag. The consumer provides drainage holes in the bag and an opening at top for the plants to grow and to climb up on the tripod and vine-attachment element. With a water-catching saucer under the bag and basket, the directed plant growing assembly can be placed in any desired location, including inside a building.

Abstract: An open-topped container has an outwardly turned rim extending around the open top a thermoformed body of the containers with the rim formed by a clamping ring which has one or more projections each forming an indentation into the rim. Trim tooling subsequently forms a slit through the bottom wall of each indentation able to receive a flat plastic display inserted therein.

Abstract: A semi-circular flexible flower box (top section) and a semi-circular flexible mounting shelf (bottom section), are both functional companion units. The top section functions as a flower box but has a flexible accordion pleat (inside/outside diameters) configured in a semi-circle to allow for attachment to cylindrical objects. The bottom section functions as a mounting shelf for the top section and is structured not only in the same flexible semi-circular fashion, but is designed in such a way as to capture the flower box section allowing it to rest securely on the mounting shelf or bottom section. Configured to the inside or backside diameter of the mounting shelf are slots that allow for insertion of an attachment strap. The attachment strap allows for a precise and snug fit of the mounting shelf and companion flower box, top section to cylindrical objects within the range of the mounting shelf's diameter.

Abstract: This container extends the watering cycle of plants. In some cases, plants may actually be revived and become healthy even after severe dehydration. This container is designed with a water reservoir built into the bottom. Holes on the side of the container allow excess water to run out. An insert that may or may not be porous to water is placed on the bottom of the container with the round ends sitting on the shoulder. Projections from the insert may or may not project through the holes. The top of the insert forms a surface limiting plant root growth: in effect, air pruning. The soil in the void areas, on each side of the insert, wick water to the soil mass. Using this container can greatly reduce the amount of water and nutrients consumed by the grower and significantly extend plant life in retail stores or other locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planting seeds and growing plants comprises a base member housing one or more planting tubes and an extraction rod. In use soil is placed in a planting tube with seedling thereby creating a potting medium. When the seedling grows to a desired size the planting tube is removed from the base member and placed over the extraction rod wherein it is gently pushed downward over the extraction rod thereby removing the potting medium and seedling from the planting tube for transplantation.

Abstract: A planter includes a plant growing container having a chamber formed by an outer peripheral wall, a number of posts erectly disposed on the outer peripheral wall, an upper cover disposed on top of the posts and having a number of channels, and a number of door panels slidably engaged through the channels of the upper cover and engageable between the posts covering or shielding the plant growing container and for preventing diseases and insect pests from entering into the plant growing container. The door panels and the partitions and the posts may be engaged into the container for forming a compact folding structure and for storing and transportation purposes.

Abstract: A hydromulch container medium including a container and a root system disposed in the container. A hydraulically compactable mulch is interspersed between the root system and the container to form a semi-solid container medium around the root system.

Abstract: A first horticulture tray including cells and posts axially extending in the same direction from an upper surface. The cells are arranged in rows and columns that are aligned approximately perpendicular to the rows. The cells and the posts nest within similar cells and similar posts of a similar horticulture tray in a first orientation. The posts contact a similar upper surface of the similar horticulture tray to space the upper surface from the similar horticulture tray in a second orientation.

Abstract: A wall flower pot mount for mounting to a wall comprising a backing member for mounting to a wall with spaced apart support members joined to the backing member. The support members have support edges and are separated from one another. A flower pot having a surrounding side wall and a base with a recess formed in the base is provided. The recess has a width greater than the width of the spaced apart support members, such that the flower pot can be slidingly received on the spaced apart support members and supported. When the flower pot is so supported, the flat portion of the flower pot abuts the wall. A post flower pot have a post receiving recess with ribs for holding the post flower pot to the post.

Abstract: A plant containing vessel that is modular in construction and attaches to narrow horizontal surfaces such as office partitions, movable walls, narrow ledges and window sills. It is a low profile design with a relatively small cross section that conforms to the approximate width and length of the surface to which it is mounted. The planter can accommodate a variety of organic or inorganic mediums. Active growing systems utilizing an air pump or water pump may be used as dictated by the oxygen requirements of the plants. The planter can exist as a stand-alone unit or be connected together to comprise a continuous network that extends across adjacent walls. Various means are described for securing the planter to the mounting surface. Various means are described for providing structural support to the plants. The support structures serves to raise the line of sight to promote privacy for the office occupants.

Abstract: An insert assembly is used in combination with a planter container for creating a false bottom therein. The assembly essentially comprises a support platform for supporting a soil-bound plant, an optional spacer member for supporting the support platform, and an optional moisture-receiving tray for collecting and retaining excess moisture emanating from the support platform and the spacer member via the soil. The platform comprises a peripheral support surface that engages either the container or the spacer member for supporting the support platform at the chosen false bottom level in the planter container. Support ribs are integrally formed to the platform to increase its load bearing potential. The spacer member may be utilized as an optional structure to adjust for variable container dimensions and the moisture-receiving tray may be installed at the user's election to maintain a moisture source in inferior adjacency to the support platform.

Abstract: A container made of plastic, in particular a deep-drawn plant pot, includes a top container edge that is oriented primarily horizontally, adjacent to which is at least one container wall that is oriented primarily downward. The container wall has at least one slot that matches the container edge for a tag that is provided with a shank. The slot has two slot edges that are offset vertically from each other, whereby the slot edge that is offset from the container wall is lower than the slot edge that is adjacent to the container wall. Good retention and firm seating of the tag is realized, even with increasingly thinner-walled containers and narrower container edges.

Abstract: A stackable deep-drawn plastic container has an at least slightly conical wall and a bottom connected to the conical wall. The wall has a rim area remote from the bottom. The rim area has a first ledge and a second ledge located below the first ledge. It also has an intermediate support area having a first end connected to the first ledge and a second end connected to the second ledge. A stacking spacing of the deep-drawn plastic container when stacked in a stack is determined by the first and second ledges. The first and second ledges in a plan view onto the rim area overlap at least partially. The intermediate support area has a first width at the first ledge that is smaller than a width at the second ledge. The intermediate support area has a wave shape at least at one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: A planter for growing a transplantable plant within dirt or potting soil includes a container for containing dirt or potting soil and which has sidewalls and an interior. The sidewalls defines at least one grow port which provides access to the interior of the container, and the planter further includes a plant insertion sleeve having two side sections which are hingedly connected to one another for hinged movement between opened and closed conditions so that when the sleeve is positioned in its opened condition, the root system of a plant to be transplanted is positionable within one of the side sections of the sleeve, and the side sections can be subsequently moved to a closed condition about the root system to place the plant insertion sleeve and root system in condition for insertion into a grow port of the container for continued growth of the plant within dirt or potting soil contained within the container.

Abstract: A plant pot system includes an inner pot and an outer coded container pot. The inner plant pot includes a lip lock ridge and belt. The outer coded container pot includes a lip lock band and groove; and has one of a range of appearances. The inner plant pot containing a plant is placed within the outer pot and locks into place by engagement of the ridge in the groove so the combined pots have the appearance of the selected outer pot.

Abstract: A mobile, indoor, sit-and-plant gardening station that provides individuals with the year round opportunity to enjoy their love of plants and gardening well into their later years in life and enables them to garden sitting down.

Abstract: A portable planter for high-density growth of plants is described. The planter contains a bottom and at least one wall disposed on the bottom for forming a cavity. The at least one wall contains a plurality of holes configured for allowing plant stems to extend therethrough in a generally horizontal orientation. At least one drain hole is formed in the bottom or the at least one wall for draining water from the cavity. Plant growth medium is placed in the cavity, and plants are planted in the plant growth medium such that the stems extend through the holes in the wall.

Abstract: An improved system for draining bunkers on golf courses and other sports playing areas, and for draining landscaped areas. A receptacle is positioned below the surface for receiving drain water and for discharging the water through an outlet. A perforated pipe water collection system can be attached to the receptacle to direct water to the receptacle interior space. A receptacle cover is removable to permit access to the receptacle interior space. The cover is sufficiently strong to support the overlying weight of people and equipment, and can have apertures for permitting water entry while resisting entry of sand and other solids into the interior space of the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a false bottom insert assembly for use in combination with an oversized planter container. The assembly essentially comprises a support platform for supporting a soil-bound plant, an optional spacer member for supporting the support platform, and an optional moisture-receiving tray for collecting and retaining excess moisture emanating from the support platform and the spacer member via the soil. The platform comprises a peripheral support surface that engages either the container or the spacer member for supporting the support platform at the chosen false bottom level in the planter container. Support ribs are integrally formed to the platform to increase its load bearing potential. The spacer member may be utilized as an optional structure to adjust for variable container dimensions and the moisture-receiving tray may be installed at the user's election to maintain a moisture source in inferior adjacency to the support platform.

Abstract: A molded body for improving cultivation conditions for plants, which is suitable inter alia for arrangement in a plant holder. The molded body has a tapered projection and is arranged in such a way that the projection protrudes into the plant substrate in the plant holder. The projection has elements allowing an exchange of substances between the interior and the surroundings of the projection. This allows the targeted introduction of air, water, nutrients and auxiliary substances into the plant substrate and the root conglomerates. The molded body has a recess which acts as a water reservoir that is separate from the plant substrate. The molded body is water-permeable in the upper part and essentially impermeable to water at the bottom, in the tip of the projection.

Abstract: A stackable unit for automatically dispensing fluid to at least one growing medium container associated with the stackable unit. The stackable unit comprising at least one growing medium container and a reservoir with an open top to facilitate filling thereof. A drainage channel cooperates with the reservoir and the drainage channel having an inlet located adjacent the open top of the reservoir to facilitate draining of excess fluid from the reservoir. The reservoir having at least one lateral dispensing opening for dispensing fluid from the reservoir into growing medium. A capillary member, which controls flow of fluid from the reservoir to the at least one growing medium container, communicates with the least one lateral dispensing opening supporting, for supplying moisture to growing medium to facilitate growing of a plant.

Abstract: A planting assembly (10) including a flexible trough member (12) which may selectively form a plurality of members which may be then selectively interconnected in any desired manner.

Abstract: A process for planting aquatic plants and seeds underwater on the bottom and edges of an estuary, where an aquatic plant or seed which is ready for planting is positioned in a holder having a means for retaining the plant or seed. The holder further has a bottom gripping section which is secured to the holder. The preformed holders may be positioned on the bottom of the estuary or broadcast onto the surface thereof. The preferred bottom gripping sections are rocks, stones and mollusk shells. The holder also incorporates an organic button which retains the aquatic plant or seed during the planting process. The plant or seed retaining section can be designed to decompose in a predetermined period of time. This predetermined period of time may be correlated to the growing cycle of an aquatic plant or the germination cycle of an aquatic plant seed.

Abstract: A plant container has a semi-spherical opened top cup-shaped receptacle permanently attached to a vertical back panel. The cup and back panel form a pocket for retaining soil for a plant. The back panel has at least one opening for receiving a mounting element, such as a suction cup, for removably mounting the container to a vertical supporting surface, as for example, a window pane. The back panel also defines a reservoir for water and openings in communication with the receptacle for watering a plant received in the receptacle.

Abstract: An improved floating island planting system comprising a float ring formed as a circular walled member of closed-cell polyethylene foam, and a garden planter formed in a bowl configuration with a collar of greater diameter than the float ring. The bowl of the garden planter is dimensioned for nesting in the float ring, the planter is defined by a plurality of holes through the closed bottom. A fill mix comprising a combination of clay and potting soil resides in the planter. An alternate embodiment is shown in which the planting system is integrally formed from an open-ended circular collar section that is heat sealed to a conforming circular base section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a hydrophilic membrane to provide by the process of pervaporation through the membrane water suitable for agricultural irrigation, industrial use, hydrating or rehydrating of food or agricultural or pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention also relates to a water purification apparatus which includes the hydrophilic membrane, comprising one or more layers of hydrophilic polymers, to purify water which may contain suspended or dissolved impurities and solids, including but not limited to seawater, brackish water and other kinds of polluted water.

Abstract: A planter has a drainage spout that extends downwardly and outwardly to a drain opening horizontally beyond an underlying structure such as a porch railing.

Abstract: An umbrella planter having a snap-on lower water reservoir base member and a center sleeve tube for use with an umbrella-type patio table having a table top with a centrally located opening for receiving an umbrella pole of an umbrella assembly. The umbrella planter includes an upper planter member and a lower water reservoir base member. The lower water reservoir base member includes a side wall having an upper perimeter lip and a bottom base wall; and includes a hollow center sleeve connected to the bottom base wall and having a central sleeve opening for receiving the umbrella pole therethrough; and the bottom base wall also includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the bottom base wall of the lower base member includes first connecting means for connecting and mating the lower base member to the upper planter member.

Abstract: A plastic article includes a first plastic portion having a series of protrusions extending therefrom and adjacent to each other. A second plastic portion is molded between and over the protrusions of the first plastic portion, thereby forming a protuberance on the plastic article in a desired profile.

Abstract: A plant container (50) having an inner member (52) containing a volume of earthen material (54) and an outer member (56) of IR reflective material. The inner member and outer member may be combined into a composite sheet of material (18) having an inner layer of material (28) providing strength and an outer layer of material (26) providing heat reflection and UV protection. The outer layer of material may be a white plastic containing titanium dioxide while the inner layer of material may be a less expensive material. In one embodiment, a prior art IR-absorbing black plastic or clay container is wrapped with a sheet of composite plastic material (18) having a white titanium dioxide-containing outer layer 26.

Abstract: A liner for use in a horticultural planter contains an integral water tray which is located between inner and outer fibrous layers of a liner. The water tray extends from a bottom surface of the liner to a peripheral top edge. The water tray is integral with the liner and located between outer and inner fibrous layers. The water tray extends also from the bottom surface to a peripheral edge which is spaced apart from the peripheral top edge of the liner. An overflow region is therefore formed between the peripheral top edge of the liner and the peripheral edge of the water tray.

Abstract: The floatable planter is employed in a body of water, such as a fish pond, in order to prevent the growth of algae. The planter employs an aquatic pot for receiving a plant, a peat pot having a planting medium for receiving the aquatic pot, a floatation ring about the aquatic pot, a mass of decomposable material selected from the group consisting of barley straw and lavender, and a mesh bag that envelopes the pots, floatation ring and decomposable material. As the decomposable material decomposes, hydrogen peroxide is produced in order to act as an algaecide in the body of water. The floatation ring ensures the proper floatation of the straw or lavender in the water.

Abstract: Aerated plant pots having a side wall and a bottom wall, at least one hole disposed on the bottom wall of the pot, at least one aeration tunnel extending upwardly from bottom wall of the pot, the at least one aeration tunnel having side wall(s) or/and a top wall, a plurality of holes/slots disposed on the wall(s) of the aeration tunnel, the shape of the aeration tunnel may be vary and may extending to side wall of the pot and without end wall, at least one air chennel may be applied for more air flows in/out the aeration tunnel. The aeration tunnel may be used in self watering pot apparatus. The aerated plant pot further comprising a tray while the aerated plant pot is used inside of building.

Abstract: A combined water feature and planter is in the form of a rectangular trough formed by a one-piece plastics material hollow moulded shell. A base of the planter has drainage openings therein leading to respective drainage passages which extend through a water reservoir for water recycled through an ornamental pump. The drainage passages are thus isolated from the water reservoir so that liquid draining through the passages to the exterior of the trough does not mix with the water recycling through the pump and cannot thus contaminate it.

Abstract: A portable planter for high-density growth of plants is described. The planter contains a bottom and at least one wall disposed on the bottom for forming a cavity. The at least one wall contains a plurality of holes configured for allowing plant stems to extend therethrough in a generally horizontal orientation. At least one drain hole is formed in the bottom or the at least one wall for draining water from the cavity. Plant growth medium is placed in the cavity, and plants are planted in the plant growth medium such that the stems extend through the holes in the wall.

Abstract: A revegetation and greening system is used to control erosion and to decorate infertile environments or steep structures. This system comprises one or many revegatation devices. Each device holds self-sufficient materials for growing plant with minimal need for frequent watering or advanced care. A layer of synthetic nets or grids can be placed on the surface of these structures to secure these devices. This system creates a stable and suitable environment for the growth of many plants in various conditions. Furthermore, by using many layers of this system simultaneously, it can provide erosion control and structure decoration in a very short time.

Abstract: A plant container has a semi-spherical opened top cup-shaped receptacle permanently attached to a vertical back panel. The cup and back panel form a pocket for retaining soil for a plant. The back panel has at least one opening for receiving a mounting element, such as a suction cup, for removably mounting the container to a vertical supporting surface, as for example, a window pane. The back panel also defines a reservoir for water and openings in communication with the receptacle for watering a plant received in the receptacle.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern has a curved or non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a curved or non-linear upper skirt extending from the base portion.

Abstract: A plant container comprising a lower section, an upper section removably securable to said lower section so as to define a cavity therein, said upper section presenting a top opening communicating with said cavity, fastening means associated with said upper and lower sections for fastening said upper section to said lower section.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting ice build-up in a gutter, the apparatus deployable in a gutter which has a bottom, the apparatus comprising a housing comprising sidewalls and a base comprising a top side, the sidewalls joined to the top side of the base with the side walls defining a salt block opening through which the salt block is loadable into the housing, with one of the side walls defining a flow opening for allowing frozen precipitation to pass therethrough and contact the salt block and melt.

Abstract: A combination pot includes an outer pot, one (1) or more inner pots and a support frame to support the inner pots in the outer pot. The support frame has a main frame structure and one (1) or more basket supports. The basket supports are connected to the main frame structure and extend downward into the interior of the outer pot. The size and shape of the basket supports are similar to the size and shape of the inner pots. To create the combination pot, filler soil is partially filled into the interior of the outer pot. The support frame is then positioned in the outer pot. The remainder of the filler soil is filled in around the support frame. Next, filler plants are planted in the filler soil. Finally, the inner pots having plant soil and decorative plants are inserted into the basket supports.