Abstract: A cylindrical plant container having a dual sidewall is provided. The inner sidewall is constructed of polypropylene fabric and the outer sidewall is constructed of wire, such as chicken wire. The inner sidewall extends above the outer sidewall and is folded over the top of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The inner sidewall also extends below the outer sidewall and is folded over the bottom of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The present invention is designed to be used in a plant nursery. The woven polypropylene permits air to penetrate through the sidewall permitting air pruning of the roots proximal the sidewall. This forces the roots to grow in both a horizontal and downward fashion resulting in a denser plant root system with no spiraling or circling of roots within the cylindrical plant container. The heat transfer characteristics of the polypropylene reduces the root ball temperature compared to other containers.

Abstract: A system of plastic plant trays is disclosed for conveniently transporting, displaying and removing (for planting) young plants or seedlings. In the preferred embodiment, each tray comprises a plurality of cells for removably housing the plants; unique pull-out tabs for gently lifting plants atop them from individual cells; and a color-coded handle that identifies the price of the plants. By pulling up on a dangling end of a tab, a gardener can lift and later extract a plant with minimal damage to its roots or flowers.

Abstract: A Metamorphic Damping-off Guard (30) accessory for improving the performance of an excess water shedding root shaping plant container (100) is disclosed. Guard (30) is placed on top of the container's protrusion (120). This arrangement reduces soil moisture under a seedling's (70) stem and thereby protects it from damping-off disease. Guard (30) can be used in combination with an insertable protrusion (20) to provide similar protection for a seedling planted in a conventional plant container (10). The Metamorphic Damping-off Guard (30) is made from a durable component and a biodegradable component. The durable component is comprised of a quantity of small, rigid, durable, nonabsorbent, non-biodegradable, non-toxic objects, such as stones (35). The biodegradable component is comprised of a biodegradable, nonabsorbent, non-toxic cement, such as wax (37). The cement binds the objects together into an easily handled whole. The Metamorphic Damping-off Guard (30) changes its properties over time.

Abstract: A hydroponic cultivation receptacle comprising a tray 22 having a board 22a to place seeds of small vegetables like sprouts has plural drainage holes 23 on the board 22a and upper rims of said drainage holes 23 to form protrusion 24 so as to retain a little amount of water to dip lower part of the seeds placed on the board 22a. Accordingly, water remained to the height of protrusion 24 retains enough water to keep lower part of the seeds by surface tension while most water provided inside tray 22 drained from the drainage holes 23. Protrusion 24 prevents the seeds from moving from the place they are uniformly placed and the problem of moving of the seeds when water is poured is also solved.

Abstract: A novel agricultural mulch and improved method of arranging the mulch on a growing field with furrows is disclosed wherein the mulch is made of an extensible paper substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface with side sections near the edges of the substrate capable of being turned up and bent back over the top surface of the paper substrate as the mulch is laid down over the growing field; the bottom surface of the paper substrate will be exposed for receiving soil from the field to anchor the mulch and protect it against the weathering of rain, sun and wind.

Abstract: Protective enclosures for seeds provide a self-contained environment for protecting the seeds in their early growth stages in arid or hostile environments. A protective enclosure (10) for one or more seeds (15) comprising an outer shell (11), said shell (11) being permanently or temporarily liquid-impermeable in at least one direction, and a hygroscopic material (14) contained within the the shell (11) surrounding at least one seed (15), said material (14) being capable of absorbing and storing liquid.

Abstract: An improved plant container (10) having a protrusion (20) with plates (42) is disclosed. A typical protrusion is shaped like the frustum of a cone. It is situated centrally at the bottom of the container. This arrangement creates an annular soil receiving space whose vertical cross section is roughly W-shaped. The plates are thin imperforate members placed radially between the protrusion wall (22) and container wall (12) (i.e. in the notches of the `W`). This placement partitions the aforesaid space into open topped noncommunicating wedge shaped compartments (40).A plant grown in such a container obtains several benefits:1. The soil receiving space's shape causes soil to shed more excess water than does soil held in a conventional container.2. The plates prevent growing roots from becoming convoluted as is typical for plants grown in a conventional container.3. The compartments cause growing roots to form into lobes (80) which are easily spread out when transplanting.4.

Abstract: A plant preservation and growth control bag and method of using the bag are provided. The bag includes an open top, a tapered side and a bottom and is formed of a porous fabric which catches plant roots and prevents root circulation, induces root branching within the bag and resists substantial root penetration. The bag is used in accordance with the method of the invention for preserving a plant while restricting the growth thereof after initially growing the plant in the ground and removing it therefrom in anticipation of transplantation.

Abstract: A nursery container that provides an improved root structure for plants intended to be transplanted into the ground. This container is characterized by a base that is constructed to direct initial root growth towards an elevated opening that is centrally located in the base. It is through this opening where initial root growth is air pruned thus encouraging the early development of secondary lateral roots. The base design also serves to aerate the growing medium in the center of the container thus aiding in the reduction of medium compacting and drainage. This container is also characterized by a plurality of vertical indentations that protrude towards the periphery of the container, each one being open at the bottom. Because of these indentations the root tips are encouraged to grow down towards the openings for air pruning thus continuing the development of lateral roots. The indentations also serve to aerate the growing medium in the sidewall area.

Abstract: There is provided a container or tray for growing, planting and transplanting plant, having a plurality of growing compartments arranged in adjacent rows. Each growing compartment is formed by four walls. An air opening is located adjacent to each wall of each growing compartment. The walls of the growing compartments are offset at a non-right angle with respect to the major axis of the tray. Air slits are formed in the walls of the growing compartments. The bottoms of the growing compartments have openings, each with a pair of ledges adjacent thereto so that the root ball of the plants may be aerated while holding the plants within the growing compartment. The center-to-center spacing between adjacent growing compartments is the same throughout the tray.

Abstract: A novel agricultural mulch is disclosed comprising a paper substrate having coated thereon on the top and bottom side film forming latexes resistant to water permeability. The superior paper mulch according to the invention is degradable but possesses most of the beneficial aspects of polyethylene-type mulches.

Abstract: A flower pot is provided having an upper pot section and a base reservoir section. The upper pot section is formed with an open top, a closed side wall and a slotted or perforated bottom wall. A concave depression is formed on the lower edge of the side wall and outer edge of the bottom wall tapering off upward and inward. Downwardly protruding from the slotted bottom wall of the upper pot section is a shaped footing section adapted to hold both soil and a substantial portion of the flower root system that has its own closed side walls and a bottom wall. A footing section extends down below the side wall of the base section. The downward protruding footing is perforated to allow water deposited in the base section to enter up into the roots.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a growing container in which plants are hydroponically grown on a support medium is disclosed. The growing container includes a plurality of openings in which seals are installed. The seals include holes through which the plants grow. When seeds are planted, a hollow tube is placed through the seal hole to maintain the seed in position. After the seed germinates, it grows through the tube. As continued growth expands the plant's stem to the size of the tube, the tube breaks apart and does not constrain future plant growth. Moreover, as the plant grows further, the seal hole expands to accommodate the plant stem. The seal surrounds and contacts the plant stem to reduce evaporation of nutrient solution from the growing container and to keep insects and contamination out of the growing container. A holding container is positioned above the growing container and coupled to the growing container through a manifold arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling and preventing the growth of plant roots using a water-permeable, non-woven fabric made of synthetic fibers coated or otherwise impregnated with a water-insoluble polymeric binder in which is dispersed a water-insoluble inorganic copper compound in an amount effective to stop root growth. The polymeric binder is bound to the fabric and retains and confines the copper compound to the fabric. The coated fabric is used to stop or prevent the growth of undesirable rootlets or radicles which come in contact thereto.

Abstract: An improved container for growing a plant intended to be transplanted is provided. In one embodiment, the sidewall of the container includes an outer sidewall portion and at least one inset sidewall portion. The outer sidewall portion has a plurality of upwardly facing internal ledges positioned in spaced relationship one above the other. Each internal ledge serves to direct laterally growing roots to grow along the internal ledges. The inset sidewall portions of the sidewall are connected to and displaced inwardly from the outer sidewall portion, defining a plurality of root-pruning openings between the inset sidewall portion and the outer sidewall portion. Each root-pruning opening is aligned with an internal ledge so that roots growing along the internal ledges are directed to the root-pruning openings for air-root pruning. In an alternative embodiment, the sidewall of the container comprises a plurality of connected, rectangular sidewall sections disposed one above the other.

Abstract: A root control and containment system for holding and growing a plant in a cavity in the earth for controlling and containing vertical and horizontal root growth is disclosed. The system includes a vessel having upstanding sidewalls and a base therebelow and an open top thereabove. A root inhibiting carbon bound material is in chemical communication with the vessel and stores and releases the root inhibiting carbon bound materials over protracted periods of time. The root inhibiting carbon bound material is disposed in a discrete pattern relationship on an inner surface of the sidewalls and the base. The controlled release of the carbon bound material rejects lateral root growth therethrough the wall and vertical root growth therethrough the base of the vessel. An arcuate collar is attached to an upper edge of the sidewall of the vessel and is disposed above the surface of the earth surrounding the cavity for rapid identification of the cavity by field personnel when performing field tasks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planting and maintaining bulberous and tuberous plants is described. The apparatus includes a bulb container having a top open end and a bottom closed end for planting the bulb, and a placement container having a top open end and a bottom closed end for preserving the hole that is created upon removal of the bulb container. The bulb and placement containers may be color coded to correspond to a particular bulb. The method for planting and maintaining a bulb includes placing the bulb and soil in the bulb container, planting the bulb container, removing the bulb container at the end of the bulb's active growing season, replacing the bulb container with the placement container to preserve the hole left upon removal of the bulb container, storing the bulb container during the bulb's dormant season, removing the placement container at the start of the bulb's active growing season, and replacing the placement container with the corresponding bulb container.

Abstract: A rubber composition or a rubber composite which is biodegradable in soil and is used to hold pot soil to the roots of plants to facilitate transplanting, said rubber composition containing a natural or synthetic rubber component and a water-soluble additive which does not bind to the rubber component and thus can elute into the soil.

Abstract: An air pruning plant growth system comprising an air-pruning tray having a plurality of plant growth cells with upper elliptical openings within an upper plane, lower elliptical openings with diameters larger than the diameters of the upper elliptical openings within a lower plane spaced from and parallel to the upper plane, continuous, upwardly tapering, side walls joining the upper and lower opening, and a continuous, horizontal bottom wall joining the cells; and a support tray having an air permeable floor and upwardly extending tray side walls.

Abstract: A liner for a planting pot has a generally tubular body with an upper open end and a lower end with a transverse floor. The body has a plurality of openings in the wall thereof. When plant material is planted in a pot having such a liner, the plant material may be transplanted to a larger pot by removing the liner and plant material from the first pot and planting it in a second, larger pot.

Abstract: A pot for culturing a plant, particularly bulbous plants from which sprouts elongate while stem roots stretch out such as Liliaceae wherein the plant can grow upright in good condition, has a good appearance, and moreover, the grown plant may not fall down and assure a satisfactory number of flowers.In other words, a pot for culturing plants has a lid having a stem opening at the center, a guide tube having openings for the passage of stem roots and a pot having a side wall and a bottom portion, wherein the lid is attached onto the upper edge of the pot with the pot combined with the guide tube.

Abstract: A nursery container that provides an improved root structure for plants intended to be transplanted into the ground. This container is characterized by a base that is constructed to direct initial root growth towards an elevated opening that is centrally located in the base. It is through this opening where initial root growth is air pruned thus encouraging the early development of secondary lateral roots. The base design also serves to aerate the growing medium in the center of the container thus aiding in the reduction of medium compacting and drainage. This container is also characterized by a plurality of vertical indentations that protrude towards the periphery of the container, each one being open at the bottom. Because of these indentations the root tips are encouraged to grow down towards the openings for air pruning thus continuing the development of lateral roots. The indentations also serve to aerate the growing medium in the sidewall area.

Abstract: A tray assembly for containing plants is disclosed that has cells with an open top and side walls extending therefrom to a bottom floor of the cell having at least four holes, each defining an opening in the floor of 0.75 to 2.25 sq. in.

Abstract: A deep, free-standing, convertibly subdivided plant container adapted particularly for use in growing deep rooted plants. The container comprises an outer case having a floor comprising a plurality of bands arranged in a selected pattern as required to form ventilating openings. An inner, removable divider comprises a plurality of telescoping, interfitting plates having a cross sectional pattern predetermined to position the plates in bearing engagement with the bands when the divider is inserted in the case. Means also are present for manipulating the divider and for stabilizing it against displacement during use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a support-free vegetation mat which is particularly useful for roof greening. An earth substrate and plants with roots or moss having a stackable, dimensionally stable substrate with raised edges is provided. The vegetation mat is cultivated and transported and on laying the mat is separated from the substrate by sliding or drawing off. Thus, the vegetation mats are not only cultivated, but also transported in a stackable, dimensionally stable substrate with raised edges. Only at the time of laying the vegetation mat is the latter separated from the substrate by sliding or drawing off.

Abstract: Methods of growing transplantable nursery stock plants are provided wherein the root growths of the plants are controlled. The methods basically comprise forming a plurality of spaced holes in the ground and placing a porous fabric blanket over and into the holes whereby depressions in the blanket conform with the holes. The porous fabric blanket has sufficient strength to constrict penetrating roots whereby root growth below the blanket is restricted and enlarged root nodule formation and root branching are promoted within the depressions above the blanket. The depressions are filled with a growing medium, and a plant is planted and grown in each of the depressions. The plants are subsequently removed from the depressions for transplanting.

Abstract: The present invention is a reusable nursery stock container (1) which is designed to receive the root ball directly from the tree diging machine (2) which may be disassembled at the time a plant (3) is transplanted so as to substantially reduce damage to the root ball of the plant. The container(1) is formed of detachable container halves(9,8) which are securely attached to each other to form an integrated container by means of flanges. A bottom member(19) is secured to a bottom region of the container by a shelf(14) which is spaced above the bottom edge of container and held in place by means of tabs (25). The side walls may be tapered to facilitate vertical stacking, and molded in handles(6,7) are formed near an upper region of the container so as to facilitate handling.

Abstract: A plant root growth training device in the form of a plant pot, particularly suited to the early development of juvenile trees or shrubs. The pot is designed so as to have four hollow legs 11, 12, 13 and 14 which define generally pyramid shaped root growth passages to confine lower root growth to four separate regions of the pot. The pot includes upstanding root growth training means in the form of ridges 15 disposed inside the pot about midposition so that a plant planted generally centrally within the pot will have its root growth influenced to form a root structure having clumps of roots. These clumps are confined to the legs 11, 12, 13 and 14 so that on removal of the juvenile plant from the pot 10, the root structure of the plant will have a divergent root pattern.

Abstract: The pruning-cloth is a heavy duty fabric supported by two light weight poles which can be guided under any type or size shrub with very little effort. Once the cloth has been positioned under the shrub, the pruning is ready to begin. The clippings will fall onto the cloth, saving valuable time and energy, as there is virtually no clean-up or raking. After the shrub is totally pruned, carefully shift the clippings toward the center of the cloth, bringing the poles or guides together, holding them horizontally until they are held vertically over a container, such as a 30 or 40 gallon trash can. The clippings will fall with ease neatly into the container. You are now ready to begin your next shrub with no clean-up behind you.

Abstract: The present invention entails a plant tray that includes a plurality of individual plant cells with each cell having an open top and bottom. Each plant cell is designed to contain and hold a plant growing medium such as peat cake or peat-soil mix. A detachable screen secured to the bottom of the plant tray to provide air-pruning of plant roots can be conveniently removed from the plant tray to facilitate extraction of the individual plants from the plant tray. Air-pruning is the phenomenon in which plant roots emerging through the screen base of the plant tray shrivel due to contacting drier air. This promotes secondary root growth or root branching and eliminates root binding and root tangling resulting in enhanced plant growth. A number of different structural designs are provided for detachably securing the screen to the plant tray.

Abstract: An air root pruning cylindrical container with a corrugated sidewall to lead growth of the root tips along the inner surface of the sidewall to a plurality of apertures in the sidewall. The container will inhibit spiral root growth by air pruning root tips and encourage lateral root growth.

Abstract: A method of growing nursery stock in-field, in reusable, permanently buried containers, combining the advantages of both container and in-field planting techniques. Apparatus for practice of the method includes an in-ground container with root-escapement apertures, and a harvesting tool conforming to the shape of the container which coacts with the container to facilitate removal of a plant and its root ball from the container, while leaving the container buried in the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall material for a cell-structure plant growing container comprising several layers out of which at least one is of a decayable material, such as paper, and which is characterized in that it comprises at least three material layers bonded together, all the layers being permeable to water and nutrients and the middle layer being formed by a nonwoven or reticulate material impregnated with a growth control agent or comprising firmly attached to its both sides a growth control agent, or a layer of decayable material, such as paper, in which the side facing said middle layer is coated with a growth control agent. The invention is also concerned with the use of said wall material, and to a cell-structure plant growing container made of the material.

Abstract: A mold for retaining a seedling during handling and transportation, whereby the mold is formed of turf, water, nutrients and a synthetic molding material. The dried form retaining mold form receives a seedling and then is packaged as needed for further handling prior to being planted and watered. The seedling then grows directly in the mold. The invention also includes the process and device for manufacturing such molds.

Abstract: The present invention entails a plant growing tray system which includes a tray with a plurality of individual plant cells having an open top and bottom and a detachable screen or perforated bottom. Each tray cell is designed to contain and hold a plant growing medium such as peat cake or peat-soil mix. A detachable bottom secured to the bottom part of the plant tray provides air-pruning of plant roots and can be conveniently removed from the plant tray for easy removal of the individual plants or seedlings from the tray bottom. Air-pruning of plant roots eliminates root binding or tangling and accelerates root branching resulting in enhanced plant growth in the cell or after transplanting.The plant tray has a surrounding edge to hold a water level above the top of the tray cell or micro-feeding holes of each cell for self watering and to maintain uniform root zone temperature throughout the tray.

Abstract: A peripherally defined, truncated conic plant pot provides two releasably interconnected portions that are maintained in interconnected relationship by a cup-like bottom element. The interconnected pot portions each define substantially diametrical halves of the pot and are joined by an overlapping seam which has complementary nubbin and indentation structures to aid releasable fastening. The adjacent surfaces of the pot and fastening cup have complementary nubbin and indentation fasteners communicating therebetween to aid releasable fastening and positional maintenance of these elements. The pot structure is particularly adapted for formation by injection molding from plastic materials.

Abstract: In order to reduce labor costs, enhance handling convenience, and encourage resource reutilization, a reusable tree-shrub carrier is disclosed. The carrier includes a plurality of side wall sections each configured so as to be arranged into a root ball container. Each of the side wall sections is substantially identical in shape and has an edge to be placed in juxtaposition to an edge of an adjacent one of the side wall sections such that the container has at least one open end. the carrier also includes a plurality of corner locking channels for releasably securing the edges of the side wall sections and retention strap assemblies for releasably securing a root ball during carrier transport.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for propagating, growing and handling plants. A tray is provided having a pluralilty of spaced apart elongated containers which are removably attached to one another. Each container has a plurality of planting compartments with adjacent planting compartments being separated by an air compartment each having an elongated opening which permits the movement of air into the root system of a plant located in an adjacent compartment. The air compartments also provide for vertical airflow to the leafy parts of the plants. The elongated containers are readily separated from one another and reassembled using automated apparatus. The automated apparatus removes the plants from the container for grading, transplanting and/or packaging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for growing embryonic or other undeveloped plant material in a controlled, biologically sterile environment to produce plants capable of surviving in soil in an uncontrolled environment. Cloned somatic embryos of a particular plant are individually embeddeed in separate sterile plugs comprised of a soil-like particulate medium. A volume of aqueous medium comprising a source of carbon and energy for the somatic embryos, and plant growth regulating substances, if required, is added to each plug. The sterile plugs are then isolated from the ambient environment while permitting exposure to light and atmospheric gases sufficient to effect development of photosynthesis in the developing embryos in the plugs. While in such isolation, the resulting plantlets develop roots and shoots.

Abstract: The flowerpot assembly comprises a flowerpot whose upper edge portion has formed thereon two diametrically opposed and radially outwardly oriented grip noses with which the flowerpot is hung or suspended in corresponding recesses formed in the upper edge portion of a flowerpot holder. The projections of the flowerpot are partly exposed to the outside, so that they can be gripped from underneath in order to remove the flowerpot from the flowerpot holder in a simple and easy way. The upper edge of the suspended flowerpot extends slightly below the upper edge of the flowerpot holder. A predetermined water accumulation chamber remains between the bottom of the flowerpot and the bottom of the flowerpot holder.

Abstract: An improved method and fabric container for controlling the root growth of nursery stock planted in the groud prior to transplanting are provided. In accordance with the method, the root growth is confined in the ground within a porous fabric container formed of needle punched continuous fibers whereby the roots are readily caught and caused to initially penetrate the container, but the fabric constricts the roots sufficiently to produce nodule formation and root branching within the container.

Abstract: A plug seedling extractor for use with a plurality of variously-sized plug seedling trays is disclosed. The extractor has a base plate assembly with a plurality of extractor pins and an extraction table assembly with a plurality of holes aligned with the extractor pins. A plurality of threaded bolts having lock nuts mate with coupling nuts on the base plate assembly to slidingly connect and vary the height between the extraction table assembly and the base plate assembly. Each of a pair of hand-actuated levers are connected to the extraction table assembly and the base plate assembly on one side to cause relative motion between the extraction table assembly and the base plate assembly. The plug seedling tray slides over the extraction table assembly and is held in position by the cooperation of vertical restraining bars directly over the tray with rear and side alignment bars.

Abstract: In a tape or packaged tape provided along the length thereof with pockets disposed transversely to the tape and with a desired spacing, said pockets are containing viable plant material such as seeds, other kinds of sproutable germs, cuttings, meristems, or tissure culture fixed thereto and intended for development into seedlings or bedding plants within the packaged tape before being transplanted as a continuous tape. The pockets comprise two wall-forming layers being fixed to each other at intervals and being adapted to enable the necessary supply and regulation of air and water for the development of the plant material inside the tape without the coexistence of any further growth medium thereabout. One of the layers prevents the roots of the plants from penetrating through said layer, and one of the layers is adapted to allow the roots to penetrate into or adhere to said layer, thereby securing the plants inside the pockets. The pockets are open at the top and bottom thereof.

Abstract: A plant growing receptacle having an open top, a closed bottom wall and at least one opening provided in the receptacle side wall at a distance above the bottom wall. A mixture of soil and fertilizer is placed within the receptacle to promote further growth of the plant therein, and an irrigation system is provided for feeding water to the upper portion of the receptable and to the mixture of soil and fertilizer therein so that some of the water, soil and fertilizer gravitates to the bottom of the receptacle to form a slurry thus providing a moist environment within the receptacle. The opening in the receptacle side wall forming a combined root exit opening and a drain opening.

Abstract: An apparatus in combination with a conically truncated pot, including spaced shells mounted within the pot underlying and in surrounding relationship relative to a soil core mounting a plant therewithin. The shells are defined by arcuate walls complementary to an interior surface of the pot and of a height substantially equal to an interior surface of the pot wall height. The shells each include a lower semi-annular rim to underlie the soil core, wherein the upper ends of the shells include rigid handles mounted to and directed exteriorly of the shells and the associated pot. The shells formed of a memory retentent flexible material are deformable upon downward rotation of the handles to separate the soil core and shells from the interior surface of the associated pot and to accordingly enable removal of the soil core by upwardly grasping the handles and removing the shells relative to the pot.

Abstract: A device especially for use as connected cultivation containers with containers provided obliquely in relation to a rail. The rail is intended for being placed for use in such an erect position that the containers open upwards. Advantageously, the device is manufactured from a stamped out blank of a foldable water resistent sheet material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of out-of-ground cultivation, and more precisely to a cultivation support comprising superabsorbant particles. According to a preferred embodiment, the support is comprised of an envelope (2) consisting of two sheets (3, 4) of polyethylene welded at their edges. The envelope comprises a layer of superabsorbant particles (8) provided between two sheets of cellulose wadding (9). When using the support, openings are made at regular intervals and cultivation plant-containing lumps of earth are inserted therein, and watering is carried out with nutrient solutions. Application for out-of-ground cultivation.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the planting out of the plants wherein the plants to be planted out are fitted into pieces of substrate. Said pieces of substrate are located in compartments formed between blocks fitted onto strips. Usually these strips are located adjacent and each second strip is shifted lengthwise over the length of a block, being equal to the length of a compartment so that a chess-board-pattern develops in plan view. For the planting out, the strips are separated and subsequently supplied to a pushing element which pushes the pieces of substrate including the plants in a transverse direction out of the strip and into bigger containers. To use only a single directional movement the strips are inclined relative to the bigger containers. To compensate for this inclination the pieces of substrate are slightly rotated during the movement.

Abstract: A pot for nursery plants having opposed walls joined along their edges with margins of the walls having a series of openings to promote air-pruning of the plant roots. The wall edges may be joined to one another by various means including fusing, adhesives, taping or the pot may be a molded structure. A rack is disclosed having receptacles of appropriate shape to receive a multitude of pots of similar external shape for pot support in a snug manner. A modified form of the pot includes three wall members each having a series of edge located openings. The walls are joined along their edges with each wall member having legs to provide a free-standing pot.

Abstract: A double-walled plant pot has a single water-permeable bottom, a permeable inner side wall, and an impermeable outer side wall. The space between the walls is filled with a fertilizer mixture whose concentration of fertilizer increases with depth. Thus larger plants obtain more fertilizing nutrients. The inner wall, bottom, and outside may be separable.