Abstract: An assembly includes a package for plant bulbs, including a holder with a base and side walls, wherein at least two plant bulbs are accommodated in a row, wherein the height of the holder corresponds to at least the height of the plants bulbs, the holder being filled with a substrate surrounding the plant bulbs and the base of the holder, the holder being provided with a number of openings, wherein the number and the size of the openings is such that the development of roots is facilitated, wherein the holder has a removable cover, wherein the side walls extend substantially above the height of the plant bulbs and that the substrate is introduced thoroughly over the height of the plant bulbs.

Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.

Abstract: A roof planter comprising growth media capable of sustaining a desired vegetation, a sack retaining a quantity of the growth media, the sack being formed of moisture permeable material that is capable of retaining the growth media, the sack having an opening capable of accepting the growth media, and a pad in association with the sack and capable of separating the sack from the top of a roof. When the desired vegetation is planted in the growth media being retained by the sack, and the pad is positioned between the sack and the roof, the vegetation may grow in the sack on the roof without causing damage to the roof. Further, a fabric roof planter is disclosed having a sack that is fashioned with vertical sidewalls to facilitate a predictable footprint; handles to facilitate horizontal transport; and sealable windows to facilitate the rapid planting of vegetation in the growth media retained by the sack.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached after the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has an arcuate upper boundary in the flattened condition which when opened gives the sleeve the appearance of having an upper edge which is parallel to the upper rim of the pot disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A container watering system and method are provided. A gardening container can include an interior shell and an exterior shell. The interior shell includes an interior base and an interior wall. The exterior shell includes an exterior base and an exterior wall. The interior shell and exterior shell enclose a fill chamber. At least a portion of the fill chamber is between the interior base and the exterior base. The interior shell includes an interior opening that fluidicly couples the fill chamber with a volume partly enclosed by the interior wall. The exterior shell includes an exterior opening. The exterior opening is adjacent to the fill chamber.

Abstract: A method of producing a horticultural display containing more than one variety of the same or different species of plant is disclosed. The plants are produced from unrooted cuttings that are rooted in a single growth cell and cultivated in a single container so that the final product includes more than one plant species or more than one plant variety or both. A plant growth cell having rooting media and more than one plant cutting from more than one plant species or plant variety or both rooted therein is also disclosed. Further, a horticultural display having more than one plant of more than one plant species or plant variety or both initially rooted together from unrooted plant cuttings in a single growth cell is disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for potting plants are disclosed. The system can include a drain shield, a filling material, and a liner for placing between the filling material and a growing medium. In particular embodiments, the filling material comprises expanded polystyrene spheres. The liner is a porous material allowing passage of fluids and preventing passage of substantial amounts of growing medium. The drain shield can include a top wall, at least two supports, at least two bottom walls, and a bottom member having a plurality of openings. The drain shield may include adhesive strips for securing the drain shield to a bottom wall of the container. Also disclosed are embodiments of a method for potting a plant in a container having at least one drain hole in a bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for supporting various stages of plant growth through layered soils. In embodiments, a soil adapted for supporting a first plant growth phase (e.g. germination) may be proximal, adjacent, or partially surrounded by a second soil adapted for supporting a subsequent growth phase (e.g. a vegetative phase) such that the roots of the plant encounter the second soil as the plant progresses from the first growth phase to the second growth phase. Some embodiments may provide one or more additional soil layers positioned proximal to the second soil, with the additional soil layers adapted to support additional subsequent plant growth phases. Apparatuses suitable for practicing embodiments of such methods are further provided.

Abstract: A self watering planter device and method of watering allowing water to be supplied by means of standard garden water hose and existing water faucet. A plurality of said self watering planters capable of being daisy-chained in a serial configuration to allow a single source of water from a standard water faucet and standard garden water hoses to provide irrigation water to all of said plurality of self watering planters.

Abstract: A flowerpot 1 made of plastic, in particular in a deep-drawn embodiment having a bottom 7 that is provided with holes and hollow layer regions of the bottom 7 on the bottom side for connecting the holes to the environment on the bottom side is designed so that the holes 12, 13 are arranged at least partially in the bottom areas 8, 9, 10, 11 which sit without any spacers for distancing on a supporting surface and have channels 14, 15 in the form of a bottom channeling crisscrossing through the lower area in at least two directions and leading out to the edges. These channels ensure drainage of the flowerpot at the bottom and optionally watering of the pot without providing feet or edge webs on the bottom that would be susceptible entanglement when being shifted on working surfaces or in conveyance with the help of conveyor belts and which can lead to deformation and resilient recoil movements when work is done by machine, in particular when the pots are being placed on a substrate.

Abstract: A transplantable plant container assembly is provided for containing a growing medium for a plant that significantly promotes air root pruning. The container assembly includes a container device that includes a sidewall support and a bottom support collectively defining an interior cavity. The sidewall support is comprised of a lattice framework defining a plurality of spaced apertures that extend from an interior wall to an exterior wall thereof. A relatively thin, moisture absorbent liner material is disposed adjacent to the lattice framework. The liner material is sufficiently penetrable to enable root penetration therethrough, by the plant, at the apertures. However, the liner material must also have sufficient structural integrity, when moist, to bound the growing medium and moisture across the spaced apertures of the lattice framework when contained in the interior cavity.

Abstract: A method of containing a floral grouping or potted plant in a sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve has first and second panels, and at least a portion of at least one of the first and second panels is constructed of at least two layers of material. At least a portion of the at least two layers of material may be connected.

Abstract: A flower pot in combination with a retaining medium for holding and retaining a floral grouping. The flower pot includes a base portion defining a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of the retaining medium so as to hold and retain the retaining medium. The base portion is constructed of a thermoformed plastic material, and has an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper end and the lower end. The sidewall is substantially devoid of overlapping folds and has decorative ornamentation associated with at least a portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: A flexible floral container comprising an inner membrane for acting as a reservoir or “catch basin” to minimize water spillage when the flexible floral container having a fluid medium therein is tipped over. The stems of a floral grouping disposed in the flexible floral container provide structural support to the flexible floral container and cooperate to maintain the flexible floral container in a substantially erect condition.

Abstract: There is provided a planting base, a planting body, a planting system, and a planting method capable of effectively supplying water to the entire region of a greening target area. For that purpose, a planting body is composed of a planting base in which intersected groove lines are formed on one surface and a water-impermeable layer is formed on the bottom surface of the groove line, and a plant layer which is fixed to a surface on which a groove line of the planting base is formed and has a pre-grown ground cover plant. A water supply pipe is buried in the groove line to form a planting system.

Abstract: A biodegradable plant pot comprising at least one container wall for containing a growing medium and a container base attached to said at least one container wall, whereby said at least one container wall and said container base are made of ply-starch material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the early afforestation of the useless ground by using an airplane, more specifically to a method for the early afforestation of the useless ground by aerial dropping the vegetation structure in which plant has been vegetated with an airplane such as helicopter onto the dune ground, the barren ground, the steep slope ground, the bedrock ground of rocky mountain, the inclined ground as well as the extinguished ground due to a fire. The method of the present invention has a superior effect on epochally reducing a labor power and maintaining a stability of afforestation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and method for facilitating root growth and convenient planting. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system is provided with a plant pot and a cover, such as a tray, a shrink-wrap, a base, etc. The plant pot has a plant chamber for containing soil, a plant, etc. The plant pot has a pot bottom portion with at least one opening, and can be completely open, such that the bottom portion of the plant pot is at least substantially open to allow root growth from the plant chamber, through the at least one opening and into surrounding soil. The system can be provided with a tray, for example, that securingly receives the plant pot. As other examples, the system can be provided with plastic for wrapping the bottom portion and/or a cover for forming a friction fit with the plant pot.

Abstract: A plant watering apparatus has a container (1) filled with a suitable growth medium (2) and is attached to a foliage support plate (3) by a bar (4) operatively coupled with a spring loaded water control valve (6). Decreasing weight of the container opens the valve to feed water to container. The plate (3) is supported by a wall or ceiling bracket (10) by means of suspension rods (11). Plants (12) are added through holes (14) in the plate (3) and the plant root ball (13) is embedded within the medium (2) with the plant foliage overlying the plate (3). When sufficient water is present in the container 1 the spring loaded valve 6 will be closed. As the medium (2) in the container dries out the weight will reduce and the valve will commence opening. The foliage is supported by the plate (3) and foliage growth will not significantly add to the weight of the container and thus will not affect the operating point of the valve over extended periods of time.

Abstract: A vertical plant support includes a wall having a panel and an anchor layer, and a matrix of tubes being connected to the wall. The anchor layer is located intermediate the panel and the matrix of tubes. The panel can be liquid impermeable and the anchor layer can be liquid permeable.

Abstract: A pot (1) with steam-recovering self-irrigation is disclosed, comprising at least one vessel adapted to contain mould or another organic substance for an implant of at least one plant, at least one cover equipped with at least one opening for making this plant go out therefrom, the cover defining at least one descending slanted surface arranged above the mould. A process for using a pot (1) with steam-recovering self-irrigation is further disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for shipping flowers that provides moisture and nutrients to the flowers during shipping which significantly increases their life expectancy and provides protection to the fragile stem ends against handling damage.

Abstract: A plant is grown to maturity in a transplant container and transplanted into a recipient's container. The transplant container has side walls that can be easily detached from the bottom after the transplant container has been placed into the recipient's container above growing media. After the side walls have been removed, growing media is added to a level above the roots. The bottom of the transplant container is easily penetrated by the roots of the plant and is left in the recipient's container with the plant.

Abstract: A hanging planter provides a growing environment that allows a plant to grow in a substantially downward direction. The planter includes a structure with an interior surface that defines an interior chamber. The interior chamber receives a liner made of a material of the type suitable for retaining growing medium therein. The structure and liner include at least one opening that permits the plant to be positioned within the growing medium such that the root structure grows within the interior chamber and the stem portion grows downward without the need for external structure. Optionally, a self-watering system is included.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached after the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has an arcuate upper boundary in the flattened condition which when opened, gives the sleeve the appearance of having an upper edge which is parallel to the upper rim of the pot disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A system and method for rotating multiple plants through light on a continual basis and feeding plants while they are rotated. This system is able to provide the plants with food and water at levels inputted into its control panel. The water which runs through the system can be re-circulated and used by the plants. The system aerates the water in the re-circulation chamber before it is put back onto the plants. This system also has the capabilities to test the pH and nutrient level of the growing media which can include but is not limited to one or more of the following: spun rock, clay pellets, soil, or any other hydroponic growing media.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for supporting plant growth on a roof of a building, comprises: a water-impervious base structure; a water-permeable cover; porous material, held between the base structure and the cover, for providing a root base for the plant growth; one or more irrigation channels for permitting delivery of water through the base structure or cover to the synthetic or natural soil; the cover being further adapted to permit growth of plant material from the porous material through to an exterior of the cover.

Abstract: A plant pot comprising a base and at least one side wall, the base and the side wall together defining an at least one chamber of fixed dimensions for receiving an at least one plant and a growing medium, wherein a plurality of apertures are formed in the at least one side wall, each aperture permitting passage of a root of the at least one plant from the chamber through the side wall to an exterior of the plant pot. Plants, typically trees, are normally grown in such pots in the ground and their recovery for onward sale is facilitated by the use of such pots.

Abstract: A method for planting a living fence of different lengths with a height or design which varies, from saplings of different species. The fence can be transported ready for planting in an intended location, with the transport device provided as an integral part of the growth apparatus, and with the transport device intended to protect the fence from damage during transport.

Abstract: Described is a planter system, comprising: at least one water retaining vessel; a bedding material layer disposed above the at least one water retaining vessel; a structure surrounding the at least one water retaining vessel and the bedding material layer; and at least one fill tube extending from above the bedding material layer, through the bedding material layer, and into the at least one water retaining vessel, through which water is supplied to the at least one water retaining vessel to a predetermined level. Also, a method of making such a planter system having an elevated bedding material layer.

Abstract: A container for growing plants includes a side wall defining an open top, an open bottom, and a cavity for receiving a plant and a plant growth medium. The side wall may be composed of a biodegradable material and may be flexible, yet rigid enough to be self-supporting. The side wall may also be smooth on its outer surface for receiving selected printed indicia, such as product information and growth instructions. In certain embodiments, the side wall may be laminated, contain openings, or have a handle disposed thereon. The container is used by placing a plant and a plant growth medium in the container, then exposing the resulting potted plant to selected conditions of temperature, moisture, and light. The potted plant may also be placed in soil or in a larger container without the need to remove the biodegradable container.

Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.

Abstract: [Object] To use ecopots convertible to a regenerated compost in horticultural plant cultivation, eliminate the disturbances in fruit growth due to disturbances in oxygen feeding and due to a lack of sunshine, prevent the infection by pathogens and enable the standing and facing working position without cultivation soil tillage.

Abstract: The inventive vegetated wall includes supports arranged on a wall to be covered or at a small distance therefrom, an integrated irrigation system and a plurality of open mesh baskets which are provided with a vegetable culture substrate arranged therein and which are removably associated with the supports in such a way that the baskets are enabled to be displaceable.

Abstract: This invention is an automatic sprout vending machine which provides racks for seeds to rest upon for automatically sprouting or germinating such seeds. In one embodiment, the automatic sprout vending machine comprises a housing having, preferably, an upper compartment, a lower compartment and a middle section. The middle section has a plurality of racks which are adapted to slidably receive and release a corresponding plurality of modules. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of modules includes at least on seed germinating tray having seeds mounted in the bottom thereof.

Abstract: A striplike body of vegetation which is used to cover roofs with thin layers of vegetation. The inventive body of vegetation is comprised of structural matting arranged on at least one base. The structural matting can be filled with a substrate and germinative plant material, especially seeds, shoots, spores or parts of shoots. The base consists of a feltlike nonwoven material which is only slightly permeable with respect to wind but which has a substantial water storage capacity. According to the invention, the striplike body of vegetation is characterised in that at least the base is permeable with respect to wind as a result of the introduction of holes.

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 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 method of making tree seedling plugs which permits the plug to be transplanted earlier is provided. The tree seeds are planted in a structured soil growing medium, and a miniplug is formed which may is then transferred to a standard size growing cell for further development to form the plug.

Abstract: A growing system for plant seedlings that takes into consideration the varied requirements of the seedling; seedling and transplant environment; seedling cell size; mechanical transplanter requirements; seedling leaf, stem and root development and coordinates all these requirements to increase transplanting yields which may include larger containers that maximize yield and minimize damage. Aspects may eliminate left-over seedlings, reduce the number of manual steps, decrease labor, and increase transplant yields.

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 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: The soil mulching process, includes the following stages: mixing together at least two liquid starting substances able to react together to give rise, within a determined time period, to an inert solid final substance while still in the liquid state, pouring the obtained mixture onto the soil surface in a quantity such as to obtain on the soil surface, when the reaction between the components is complete, a layer of the solid substance of a thickness which prevents light passage through it.

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: Growth of a plant can be properly controlled, when a flower pot made of a transparent plastic and detachable light shades to the flower pot for controlling light are employed, as growth and increase of roots of the plant being observed through the transparent flower pot.

Abstract: A method for the propagation of and aeroponic growing of plants comprises transplanting a living plant into a vessel of polymer foam having at least one cavity distal to the plant; applying water to the foam sufficient to saturate the foam, whereby roots of the plant extend into and grow within the cavity.

Abstract: A transplanting system including both methods and specific types of transplant apparatus such as propagule transplant trays(3, 4, 5, 6) addresses the need for the use of a propagule punch machine (8) on a variety of adolescent tray configurations (9, 11, 12, e.g.) and the increased operational efficiency that such enhanced operational capability affords. The system may involve at least one areally continuous propagule tray (3, 4, 5, 6) that is operationally compatible with a numerically significant number of adolescent plant trays. Other embodiments of the invention disclose punch pins (59) for use in a plant punch machine transplanter that are user-detachable and differentially designed so that plant punch elements of a certain design may be installed as part of the machine to customize the transplant process for a given species and transplant modality. The invention also provides for a consultable collection (such as printed documents or an electronic database, e.g.

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: 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.