Abstract: A biodegradable cultivation tube, particularly designed to minimize root-twisting using specifically constructed tube edge profiles and tube holes. The cultivation tube has evaporation reducing and moisture trapping properties including a fluid absorbing material and an evaporation protection skirt.

Abstract: A planting pot system is provided. In the system, a multi-compartment tray that contains compartments that have either no vertical planes of symmetry or only one vertical plane of symmetry causes pots that have either one vertical plane of symmetry or no vertical planes of symmetry to be limited or precluded from being rotated and consistently urged into a place in only one orientation. Through this system efficient and effective orienting of and displaying of the contents of the pots may be achieved.

Abstract: An improved stake for a pot, in particular a plant pot with a side wall which is provided at an upper side with a rim portion protruding from the side wall is provided herewith. The stake is provided with a connector for at least partially gripping around the rim portion. The connector comprises a first leg and a second leg which in use are connected for forming the connector with a U- or C-shape with an aperture for gripping the rim portion. The stake is provided with a latching arrangement for, in connected state of the first and second legs, snapping the first and second legs opposite each other into one or more relative positions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants in vertical stacks by providing vertically stacked, interconnected pairs of plant platforms and light trays carrying growth promoting light sources. Each light tray is suspended below the underside of the next above plant platform. The stack is vertically raised in succession whereby the plant platforms are suspended and vertically spaced from each other. Thereafter, plants are placed between suspended platforms under the light trays which are regulating during periods of plant growth and non-growth.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway or island and its method of manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the buoyant walkway comprising: an internal frame comprising semi-rigid members that are attached to one another, said internal semi-rigid frame having openings; an internal block disposed in each of said openings, said internal blocks being spaced apart from one another by gaps and forming a top surface and a bottom surface; cured thermoplastic foam disposed in said gaps that attach said internal blocks to said semi-rigid internal frame and to one another; a permeable top layer that is attached to said top surface; and a bottom layer that is attached to said bottom surface.

Abstract: Planter systems allow for the raising, lowering, holding, locking and releasing of a planter on a vertical support structure. The planter assembly may include a carriage, to which one or more planters is attached. Guides such as cables, rollers, sliders, bristles, gaskets, carpet and registration pins maintain space between the vertical support and planter assembly and facilitate raising and lowering. A tether guided over a pulley may be retracted or extended by winding it around or unwinding it from a winch, cleat or windlass to causes the planter assembly to rise or descend. When raised to a locking height, the planter assembly causes a mechanical locking mechanism associated with the planter assembly to move into a locking position, securing the planter assembly to the vertical support. Further raising releases the locking mechanism. Attachable items such as banners, flags, hangers and the like may be coupled to the carriage.

Abstract: A ballast system for roof membranes includes connected modules filled with loose-fill ballast and adapted to hold a predetermined volume of water for at least a predetermined period of time on the roof to control runoff.

Abstract: A plant growing assembly is configured to grow a plurality of plants in multiple directions above a ground surface. The assembly includes a growing container and a support structure for elevating the container above the ground surface. The container presents a generally hollow body to retain a plant-growing medium and the plurality of plants. The body extends along an axis to present opposite axial end margins and a radial peripheral wall. The wall defines a plurality of discrete plant-receiving ports extending therethrough, and disposed generally radially about the wall. A method of growing plants above ground in substantially opposite directions from one another is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular, expandable, growing season augmentation system is described. The system can employ multi-purpose, modular panels to create a free-standing, adjustable shelf system that can be enclosed via an adjustable cover. The shelf system is designed to hold a growth medium in which plants can be nurtured. The system is modular so that a given panel can be employed in numerous roles. Further, the system can be expanded or reduced in size by simply attaching or removing panels and cover components. The cover can be adjusted to minimize the wasted space above the top of the growing plants and can be removed as desired. The cover includes access ports allowing access to the plants therein. Manual or automatic vents can be incorporated in the cover. The cover is supported by an adjustable and removable support structure that can be configured to hold grow lights and/or heating elements.

Abstract: The wall or the frontage includes areas receiving plants and photovoltaic panels where the panels, arranged alternately with respect to the areas covered with plants, are cooled by an airflow circulating in contact with the plants, which allows operation of the photovoltaic panels under optimum conditions.

Abstract: A lantern planter wherein an exterior vessel contains inside of it an interior vessel. The interior vessel contains an interior fill material utilized to create mass inside the present invention. Affixed atop the interior vessel is a post support collar used to provide support to a post that is used to provide vertical support and stability to a supported device mechanically fastened to the post. The interior vessel, once filled with the interior fill material, and after the post is inserted via the post support collar has exterior fill material and decorative material installed atop the interior vessel such that the lantern planter provides structural support for the supported device and is aesthetically pleasing to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cultivating plant material in an agricultural or horticultural controlled growth environment is provided. The method includes providing a plant material to by cultivated, generating light having a color temperature in the range with an electrodeless induction lamp, and exposing the plant material to the light for a sufficient amount of time to promote the desired plant growth outcome.

Abstract: A seedling growing container having a plurality of partitions removably mounted therein. The partitions are constructed and arranged to provide a plurality of trough-like configured cells containing seedlings and growing material. A humidity dome is also removably mounted on said container.

Abstract: A garden system is provided comprising: a planter for containing soil for growing one or more plants, the planter comprising at least one port for permitting plant growth therethrough; a water source; a pump connected to the water source at a pump inlet; a water line connected to a pump outlet, the water line extending into the planter for delivering water to soil contained in the planter; a power source for powering the pump for delivering water from the water source to the water line; and a control module connected between the power source and the pump to provide a timing signal to the pump for delivering water according to a water cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for accommodating plant material (4), such as in particular seed, but also a cutting, a seedling or other plant material. The device (1) comprises at least one holder (2) in which at least the plant material (4), and possibly herein a substrate material (5), can be placed, and the bottom of which is substantially open and can be closed with a closing element (6).

Abstract: A system for growing a plant (1) in an at least partly conditioned environment includes a cultivation base (11) for receiving a culture substrate (3) with a root system (4) of the plant therein. Root temperature control elements (12) are provided which are able and adapted to impose a predetermined root temperature on the root system, and lighting elements (20,21,22) which are able and adapted to expose leaves of the plant to actinic artificial light. Leaf heating elements are also provided, which are able and adapted to impose on the leaf of the plant a leaf temperature varying from an ambient temperature. In a method for growing the plant a carbon dioxide assimilation management of a leaf system of the plant is thus influenced, and a supply of actinic light, the root temperature and the carbon dioxide assimilation management are adapted to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabricated landscape architecture system that can simply form landscape architecture of a wall surface or the like. The fabricated landscape architecture system, includes a plurality of support plates (60), a plurality of cultivation boxes (10) and water supply pipes (30). The plurality of support plates (60) are arranged in one or more lines in a vertical or horizontal direction and include a plurality of fastening holes and pipe grooves (13). The plurality of cultivation boxes (10) are formed in the shape of a box of which one surface is open. A plurality of fastening protrusion (25) to be inserted into the fastening holes, pipe grooves (13) positioned so as to face the pipe grooves (13) of the support plates (60) and the assembly holes are formed on the bottom of the cultivation box (10).

Abstract: A floral arrangement rendering an image and usable in various applications, including advertisement applications, notification applications and decoration applications. The floral arrangement may comprise a plurality of modules. Each module renders a portion of the image and comprises: a plurality of grown plants forming image elements that collectively make up the portion of the image rendered by that module; a sustaining medium for the grown plants; and a holding component holding the sustaining medium and the grown plants. The modules are arranged such that the portions of the image rendered by the modules are visually combined to compose the image. Also disclosed are a process and a system for creating such a floral arrangement.

Abstract: A simplified humidifier includes a holding device having a trough for storing water therein, and a water-absorbable, telescopically sinuously extendible vaporizing element submerged in the trough of the holding device for absorbing water from the trough and spreading the moisture through the vaporizing element to be evaporated into the surrounding for increasing the humidity nearby.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a stackable planter support apparatus and methods of utilizing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a planter support apparatus adapted for stacking upon the rim of an additional planter. In one embodiment of the present invention, a stackable planter support comprises a horizontal platform for supporting the weight of a first planter, and a plurality of leg supports extending from a bottom surface of the platform, a distal end of each of the leg supports having a notch for receiving the rim of a second planter.

Abstract: A collapsible rack and row self watering planter and rain water collection system consists of a fully enclosed frame of columns and rows of planters used to grow crops or plants on a small or large scale. Each row of planters consists of at least one horizontal wick tube spanning the distal length of said row, whereby each planter of said row is individually irrigated by means of a plurality of rubber wick hoses which in turn are fed from the horizontal wick tube. Rain channels and gutters are built along the perimeter of said unit to catch and store rain water in the poly mesh storage reservoir. A solar panel sits aside or atop the unit to gather solar energy and in addition, when mounted atop said frame, provides shading for the planters. A plurality of wind turbines are mounted along the main frame atop, or beside the unit and act to gather wind energy. Both solar and wind energy are stored in battery units or sent to nearby power grids.

Abstract: A semi-automated crop production system, the system comprising a growing module which has an opening access for insertion of a grid with a plurality of cells, wherein the growing module further has a self-contained lighting system and fan unit, wherein the growing module can slidably be inserted into a shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for cultivating biological material, comprising a solid inert substrate, a growth medium and biological material arranged in or on the substrate, wherein the container is substantially closed, wherein the volume of the container is sterile and wherein the biological material comprises sowing material, and to a method and the use of the container for cultivating biological material.

Abstract: A raised bed garden assembly, kit, and method are provided. The garden assembly comprises a prefabricated enclosure along with additional components useful for creating a raised bed garden or similar growing enclosure, such as an irrigation system and greenhouse covering. The garden assembly can be provided in a kit for easily establishing a garden and growing fruits and vegetables at home, along with soil and plants. The garden enclosure can be a monolithic, self-sustaining body that is unitarily formed, or it can be modular. The modular enclosure comprises sidewalls and corner members, which are unitarily formed modular pieces that can be detachably-connected to define the enclosure shape. Advantageously, the enclosure is devoid of any non-integral attachment elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the arrangement and display of botanical specimens. In particular, the invention relates to supporting plants within a confined environment or where a vertical arrangement is required. The invention provides a planter assembly (2) for the growth and/or display of plants comprising at least one side support panel (10; 110) having a longitudinal axis and one or more plant supports (30; 130) connected to the at least one side support panel for supporting a plurality of plants in at least one row and/or column extending in a plane at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the at least one side support panel.

Abstract: A system and method of modular gardening is disclosed which may include a planter, a planting medium such as peat, coconut husk (coir), etc., a planting template for determining the proper locations for planting seeds, and a planting guide which indicates locations on the planting template that should be used to maximize the amount of vegetables or other plants that can be grown in the planter. The planter may have a raised base with openings for water drainage. The modular planter may also include a channel to retain water which allows for proper hydration of the soil and decreases the frequency needed to water the plants. The modular gardening system may also include a drain pan for receiving the planter and a lid to protect plants grown in the planter from adverse environmental conditions. Additionally, a planting stick may be provided to ensure proper planting depth of seeds for germination.

Abstract: A plant growth array device includes an aerial growth chamber configured to receive aerial shoot portions of a plurality of plants and a root growth chamber configured to receive root portions of the plurality of plants. A dividing member is between the aerial growth chamber and the root chamber and has a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of plants therein. The plurality of apertures are configured so that the root portions grow substantially in a common orientation.

Abstract: A modular wall mounted agricultural system that includes a mounting structure having a first end, a second end, a fluid conduit extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, and at least one longitudinally extending channel. The system further includes at least one planter box that is adapted to mount within the at least one channel of the mounting structure, and wherein the at least one planter box includes a plurality of sidewalls and a bottom wall that cooperate to form a compartment adapted to receive plant matter therein, the plurality of sidewalls cooperating to form an upwardly opening aperture adapted to receive a fluid from the conduit.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To simplify an air supply path without damaging the merit of conventional culture apparatus. [Solution] A culture apparatus 10 includes a row 11 of a plurality of box-shaped containers 21 for plant cultivation, and a row 12 of lower stage containers 21 arranged in the lower portion of the row 11, holding the upper stage container 21 spaced as high as the height after growth of the plants to be cultivated. In each container 21, a support 22, a blocking film 24 stretched between front and rear, right and left supports of the container 21 are provided. In the one end of the rows 11, 12 of the containers 21, an air conditioner 17 is arranged, in another end, a turnaround chamber 14 is provided.

Abstract: A barrier for deterring slugs, snails, and other gastropod mollusks from entering an area, and a method for using the same are provided. The barrier includes an elongate tubular support having a plastically deformable core member and an outer sheath. A plurality of outwardly extending projections are attached to the tubular support. Means for fixing the position of the barrier may also be provided. A planter having an integrated mollusk barrier is also provided.

Abstract: There are provided a device for fixing biomass-based solar heat and carbon dioxide gas with a similarity to containerized culture having high crop productivity, which is capable of fixing carbon dioxide gas highly efficiently, while being compact and easily managed, and a house equipped with the fixing device having an energy circulation system. The fixing device for biomass-based solar heat and carbon dioxide gas is configured to include an air intake unit which takes air into a box, a mesh-like air and water flow-through unit laid in the bottom of the box that is configured to be open to the atmosphere, a water reservoir tray on which the box is mounted, and cultivation soil which is held inside the box. Further, in the house relating to the present invention, the fixing device for biomass-based solar heat and carbon dioxide gas is arranged in an area that gets a lot of sunshine.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a grain germinating system comprising a temperature controlling device, an incubation device, a drying device and a monitoring device. The temperature controlling device comprises a heat pump module, an air conditioning module and a piping module. The heat pump module can output a high or low temperature heat exchanging liquid. The temperature of a culture medium of a grain is adjusted by the incubation device. The incubated grain is dried by the drying device. The air conditioning module is for a plant building. The piping module is connected with the heat pump module, and is provided for the high or low temperature heat exchanging liquid to flow. The incubation device and the drying device are heated by the high temperature heat exchanging liquid. The drying device is cooled by the low temperature heat exchanging liquid provided for the air condition of the plant building to use.

Abstract: A container surrounding a pole and base stand of a freestanding floor lamp or similar device. The container includes a sidewall integrally attached to a base panel to form a ballast volume, a fixture void, and a wedge void extending into the ballast volume. The container can take on a variety of shapes and can be split into two sections comprising an upper planter section and a lower reservoir section. The upper planter section includes a ballast volume, a pole void and a wedge void and can include a plurality of drain ports with or without integrally attached circumferentially arrayed stands. The lower reservoir section includes a ballast volume, a wedge void, and a base void and can include a watering port. A wedge section can be provided to close off the wedge void and define the aperture in which a freestanding device such as a floor lamp is housed.

Abstract: A device for holding and 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 plant and plant supporting medium, the cage including a plurality of bars spaced apart to prevent a cat from reaching through the bars while allowing 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: A green wall planting module has a rear wall, two side walls and a top and bottom wall, the top wall having a concave shape for receiving within its cross section a bottom wall of a green wall planting module mounted approximately one to four millimeters above it on a grid wall structure to suppress splashing and retain rain water. The grid wall structure comprises horizontal rods associated with a vertical wall structure of, for example, a building. The top wall of a lower mounted green wall module comprises an integral slot adapted to receive a horizontal irrigation pipe or hose, collectively referred to herein as a tube, which may lie horizontally in and longitudinally along the slot when the green wall modular apparatus is mounted to the grid wall. Tapered louvers are provided within the green wall planting module slanting upward from the rear wall at a predetermined angle within the module so as to collect and retain water as does the bottom concave wall of the apparatus.

Abstract: A green wall planting module has a rear wall, two side walls and a top and bottom wall, the top wall having a concave shape for receiving within its cross section a bottom wall of a green wall planting module mounted approximately one to four millimeters above it on a grid wall structure to suppress splashing and retain rain water. The grid wall structure comprises horizontal rods associated with a vertical wall structure of, for example, a building. The top wall of a lower mounted green wall module comprises an integral slot adapted to receive a horizontal irrigation pipe or hose which may lie horizontally in and longitudinally along the slot when the green wall modular apparatus is mounted to the grid wall. Tapered louvers are provided within the green wall planting module slanting upward from the rear wall at a predetermined angle within the module so as to collect and retain water as does the bottom concave wall of the apparatus.

Abstract: A flower pot assembly including at least one axle and two wheels near a lower region of a pot-shaped element. The axle is located from the bottom of the pot by a distance greater than the radius of the wheels such that the wheels are not in contact with the surface on which the assembly rests. Tipping of the flowerpot assembly brings the wheels into contact with the surface, and further tipping frees the bottom of the pot from contact with the surface. In this attitude, the assembly may be readily wheeled to a new location. A vertical handle, preferably detachable, is attached to a side above the axle to facilitate tipping and moving. The element may be cylindrical, conical, rectangular, or any other convenient shape. Preferably, the element is tapered to facilitate stacking of pots without wheels for shipping and storage.

Abstract: A casket and memorialization accessory combination comprises a casket comprising a casket shell having a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls and a casket lid closable on the casket shell, a decorative ornament, and a planter adapted to receive a plant therein. The casket shell and ornament are configured such that the ornament is removably attachable to the casket shell. The planter and ornament are configured such that the ornament is attachable to the planter. The ornament can be removed from the casket in which a deceased was displayed for viewing and attached to the planter so that the planter and ornament can be presented to a loved one of the deceased as a memorial to the deceased.

Abstract: A growing unit includes a tub onto which may be received a lid that receives a plurality of plant cuttings. The plant cuttings are received such that the roots extend into a cavity defined by the tub. A pump unit and production manifold distributes nutrient solution as a mist into the tub cavity, thereby feeding the plant cuttings. The tub unit has an external fan module that forces air into the tub cavity. A recess in the outer surface of the tub extends underneath the tub. The recess directs air from the fan module to the base of the tub where a well receives the pump. Air circulating around the well removes heat produced by the pump from the growing unit and helps maintain a desired temperature within the unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing plants comprises a rotatable plant-holding member having an axis of rotation that is at an angle from the vertical, for example a horizontal axis. Holding means are provided on the plant-holding member for holding plants for growth in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the plant-holding member. The apparatus includes support means for supporting the plant-holding member for rotation about its axis of rotation and means for rotating the plant-holding member. The plant-holding member may be a disk, cylinder, or helical blade.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices for rooting and/or dormancy for plant bulbs. The devices can include at least two components configured to form a chamber when engaged and at least one of the components can receive electronic communication and control the environment within the chamber. The devices can include at least one tray, which supports one soil vessel within the chamber. The chamber is environmentally controlled to provide rooting and/or dormancy for plant bulbs and can include at least two elements that engage and define a space substantially free of ambient light. At least one of the elements can control the environment within the space. The present method provides for bulb rooting and/or dormancy by coupling at least two components to form a chamber and providing an environment conducive to bulb rooting and/or dormancy within the chamber by maintaining a predetermined temperature within the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plurality of at least 1000 plant pots for use in cultivating plants. Each plant pot has a side wall and bottom which delimit an interior space for substrate which is open at the top, in which the bottom has a bottom side which is turned away from the interior space. Each plant pot is provided with a tag which has an optically readable code. The tag is arranged on the bottom side of the bottom, and the optically readable code is turned away from the bottom so that it can read from below when the plant pot is upright. The invention furthermore relates to an assembly with these plant pots as well as to a method for cultivating plants.

Abstract: A container surrounding a pole and base stand of a freestanding floor lamp or similar device. The container includes a sidewall integrally attached to a base panel to form a ballast volume, a fixture void, and a wedge void extending into the ballast volume. The container can take on a variety of shapes and can be split into two sections comprising an upper planter section and a lower reservoir section. The upper planter section includes a ballast volume, a pole void and a wedge void and can include a plurality of drain ports with or without integrally attached circumferentially arrayed stands. The lower reservoir section includes a ballast volume, a wedge void, and a base void and can include a watering port. A wedge section can be provided to close off the wedge void and define the aperture in which a freestanding device such as a floor lamp is housed.

Abstract: A reinforcing slope planting structure includes a plurality of vegetation bags filled with stuffing and a plurality of fasteners. The vegetation bags are ventilative and pervious to water, and provided with plant seeds. The vegetation bags are laid on a slope. The fasteners penetrate into the vegetation bags for securing the vegetation bags to the slope so as become an integral whole. A reinforcing layer is provided between the vegetation bags and the slope. With the reinforcing layer between the vegetation bags which are filled with the stuffing and the plant seeds or paved with sod and the slope, the present invention provides a green layer for plant growing, firming and protecting the slope as well as greening and beautifying the slope. The present invention also provides a green ecology to improve the air and to absorb heat and noise.

Abstract: A combination mailbox housing, pedestal and planter is constructed of recycled materials to be all in one unit. The pedestal is constructed from four expended five-gallon buckets, which are screwed together and covered with wire lath and stucco, and artificial plastic rocks which rocks have in turn been constructed from expended plastic bottles. The mailbox housing is constructed from used cedar fence boards in a board and batten style to enclose a standard metal or plastic mailbox. When the mailbox housing and pedestal is assembled into one unit and installed, soil is put into the planter sections of the pedestal wherein plants and/or flowers can be planted.

Abstract: A container for substantially surrounding a pole and a base stand of a device such as a floor lamp is disclosed. The container includes a sidewall integrally attached to a base panel to form a ballast volume and a fixture void extending into the ballast void. The container can take on a variety of shapes and can be split into two sections comprising an upper planter section and a lower reservoir section. The upper planter section includes a ballast volume and a pole void and can include a plurality of drain ports with or without attached protruding hollow legs. The lower reservoir section includes a ballast volume, a watering port, and a base stand void extending into the ballast volume. A wedge section can be provided to partially close off the fixture void to define the aperture in which a freestanding device such as a floor lamp is housed.

Abstract: A planter system includes an adjustable height and angular orientation planter and an optionally adjustable irrigation system for controllably supplying water to the planter and/or surrounding terrain. The planter is configured to controllably travel up and down a vertical support, such as a section of a planter pole or other suitable vertical support structure, from a highest to a lowest position using a pulley and winch, block and tackle, rotating shaft, continuous pulley driven belt, continuous sprocket driven chain, lead screw, ball screw, a ballast, hydraulics, pneumatics, spring or other lifting subsystem. The irrigation system may be configured to supply water to the planter and or to the surrounding terrain. The planter is carried along the pole, allowing it to be controllably rotated at any height along the travel.

Abstract: A solar illuminated planter consists of a base of plastic or of a metallic substance that is attached to a vertical light post which is directly attached. The planter is fitted unto the base with the vertical post rising upward in the center of the interior of the planter. The vertical post is then fitted with an outer tubing of various sizes, the space created between the post and the outer tubing comprising a container for storing liquids. This outer tube is capped by plastic or metallic covering. Along the perimeter of the cap is a plurality of openings fitted with rubber hosing and encapsulating a wicking material which is netted at either end of the rubber hosing to transport moisture from the storage container to the planter.

Abstract: A plant pot having a built-in soil moisture audio alarm that provides a caretaker of the plant pot with an audio alarm when the moisture in the soil in the plant pot falls below a prescribed level.

Abstract: The present invention includes a reservoir on a base supported at an elevation by a support member above a plurality of plants to be watered. A mechanical fill assembly, containing a flush valve and a float connected to a water supply line, automatically keeps the reservoir filled with water for extended periods. The plants are watered by gravity through a plurality of main valves in the reservoir that provide a controlled amount of water to main lines extending to each group of plants. Branch lines extend from each main line that terminate at perforated plant lines at each plant to be watered. A plant valve controls the amount of water each plant will receive on a continuous basis. In a further embodiment of the invention, a bird porch is attached to the reservoir to automatically provided a bird waterer and to provide a bird feeder. Also, a removable fertilizer tray can be provided to fertilize the plants.