Abstract: A watering and feeding system for plants, comprising a container enclosing a platformed water reservoir, housing a water supply unit, a fertilizer dispensing unit, a nutrient conveying wick and a water level indicator unit, all of which are interacting to provide automatic and adequately measured amounts of nutrients to the plants, embedded in soil on top of the platformed water reservoir.

Abstract: Plant watering apparatus comprises a trough incorporating a water reservoir, and a number of separate growing units each of which is removably received within the trough and is provided with a hollow portion which is filled with growing medium and extends into the water reservoir, when the growing unit is installed within the trough, so that water is supplied from the reservoir to the growing unit by capillary action. A ballcock is provided for controlling the water level in the reservoir.

Abstract: A plant container having a peripheral step thereon defining a base and a pair of soil bearing plates resting on the peripheral step and defining with the base a water containing space below the plates. The base has a plurality of peripheral raised sections in the shape of truncated cones disposed at a regular spacing and of a height equal to the peripheral step on the body and a raised section in the central area of the base having a height equal to the peripheral raised sections to respectively support interior portions and contiguous edges of the plates.

Abstract: A plant tissue culture device is disclosed for the culturing of a plurality of plant cell tissue cultures or callus cultures on a liquid medium. The cultures are maintained in culture wells on a culture plate and a porous wick is used to transport nutrient medium to the cultures from a supply of medium in a medium vessel underneath the culture plate.

Abstract: An organic growing medium for plants or seeds placed in standing water having substantially all the major and minor fertilizer elements is exposed to humid air over its substantial outer side surface thereby making air available to plant roots. The growing medium may be in a pot having porous sidewalls which allows air to be admitted into the pot or air openings may be formed in the pot sidewalls. The pot may further sit in a container wherein an air passageway is formed between the container and the pot to provide humid air around the growing medium. Alternately, the growing medium may be spaced from the container wall having air openings and an air chamber is formed between the growing medium and the container wall.

Abstract: A soil-implantable reservoir for use with conventional flower pots and the like for upgrading them to automatic watering capability. The reservoir is formed of a relatively thin, blown film plastic material and includes opposed, abutting insets integrally formed in the top and bottom surfaces thereof to help support the weight of soil when implanted. Water and/or plant nutrients are drawn from the implantable reservoir by capillary action of fibrous wicks which contact the soil and extend into the reservoir through orifices. A free-swinging feed tube rests in a filling orifice of the reservoir for replenishing the fluids therein. The feed tube may freely be positioned to match the incline, if any, of the side walls of the flower pot. Also, the feed tube includes a float gauge to permit visual observation of fluid level in the reservoir.

Abstract: A watering device for potten plants comprising a support disc and a plurality of arcuately spaced legs extending downwardly and outwardly from the disc so as to elevate said disc from the bottom of a tray. A pad is positioned on said disc, with the pad having a hinged movable tab which can be bent downwardly through an opening formed in the disc for submergence in the water in the tray. The tray is formed with arcuately spaced pockets which receive the legs of the support and which extend below the bottom wall of the tray so as to elevate the same from a supporting surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling moisture content in soil having a first fabric to be immersed in a water reservoir and to move into and out of contact with a second fabric to transfer moisture to the second fabric and then to an absorbent fabric underlying the soil. Movement of the first fabric into and out of contact with the second fabric to control moisture content in the soil is controlled by a lever which hangs downwardly from a pivot and holds the first fabric at its lower end. The lever is urged in one direction to break contact between the first and second fabrics, by a biassing means. It is urged in the other direction to renew the contact by the pulling action of a moisture-responsive stretchable and shrinkable material which shrinks during drying of the upper regions of soil and so creates the pulling force.

Abstract: A device for watering plants which utilizes a capillary mat having an upper material layer of reduced wettability and a lower material layer of increased wettability. The mat may be supported by resilient fingers.

Abstract: A device for feeding potted plants, consisting of a plant pot comprising a slot for the introduction of a wick, the said wick being attached to a tongue forming part of an adapter, a device for varying the level of the plant pot arrangement in a re-potting unit and a level indicator.

Abstract: A portable container for living botanicals such as rooting plants, bulbs or seedlings, composed in part of either inert and/or biodegradable fillers, characterized by securing the plant and its root structure against dislocation while insuring adequate access to water and/or nutrient vapors. Use is made of soiless growth media may be in a plant net container or a natural soil as the media, for initial plant growth and in a larger pot container for sustained plant growth. The larger soiless media portion is molded in two halves whereby the net rooting container may be compressibly secured in place by molded flaps. A given young plant may continue growing therein, suffering little or no shock in the shipping and transplanting process. Water and/or nutrient overfill is precluded by coactive relationship between an overfill tube and the larger soiless media portion.

Abstract: A plant growing apparatus for growing plants having a tube for a rooting medium and openings in the tube for plants grown in the rooting medium to pass therethrough. First and second end members cooperate with open ends of the tube and have openings therein communicating with the rooting medium. One end member has a reservoir to contain water at an essentially constant level, and a support member extends between the two end members to locate them relative to each other. A flexible web extending from the tube is secured to the support member and restrains the tube against excessive relative movement. A wick extends between the end members and is disposed generally adjacent a side of the tube which is adjacent the web and the support member. In one embodiment, the plants pass generally radially outwardly through openings spaced along a side wall of the tube.

Abstract: A horizontal water reservoir pipe includes plant support riser pipes spaced along its length, each of which contain a growing medium in a mesh tube, extending into the water in the water pipe. The riser pipes are corrugated and provide air circulation from the atmosphere along the corrugations and between the mesh tube and the riser pipe. The growing medium may be Hasselfors peat or any other medium which has large and small pores with enough pores of large enough size to limit the saturation capillary fringe from the water table to a small fraction of the height of the growing medium and enough pores of small enough size to hold sufficient moisture in the root zone to provide abundant water for seed and plant growth. The growing medium is in communication with the atmosphere to provide for continuous entry of oxygen and escape of carbon dioxide to provide abundant oxygen for seed and plant growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plant growing unit which is generally flexible and comprises upper and lower compartments formed of flexible polyethylene or other plastics materials. The flexible upper compartment constitutes a plant root-ball container open for upward growth of a plant when placed in the container, while the flexible lower compartment constitutes a reservoir for water optionally containing added fertilizer nutrients or other dissolved materials. Level restricting means, such as at least one aperture in the walls of the lower compartment, is provided for establishing a maximum level of water in the reservoir which in use of the unit results in an air space between the water level and the root-ball of a plant when in the container. The unit also has one or more openings between the upper and lower compartments allowing root growth from the container to the reservoir.

Abstract: A wick support is disclosed which is employed to support a wick used in wick-watering plants. The wick support insures proper insertion of the wick into the plant soil and also insures proper positioning of the wick in a water reservoir.

Abstract: A multiple use container is made by modifications to a tapered wall, plastic, utility bucket and its associated lid. The parts may alternatively be specifically manufactured for the container. The utility bucket from which the container is made is of the type having reinforcing ribs about its upper sidewall. The bucket lid has a groove on its upper surface and a pair of concentric grooves on its lower surface. The bucket is cut along two horizontal lines to form a ring structure which may be split; an open top container; and a reinforcing ring which is inverted and placed around the upper edge of the open top container. The bucket lid is inverted with the upper edge of the open top container received in the single groove on what was the top of the bucket lid. Holes are placed in the lid. The ring structure is inverted and its rim is inserted in the outer concentric groove of the lid.

Abstract: A watering system for flower pots and plant boxes which uses watering cylinders located adjacent to the plant roots with the watering cylinders connected to a water supply unit through a closed pipeline system with the water supply unit maintaining a constant supply of water to the watering cylinders. One can regulate or control the water level in the watering cylinders by vertically adjusting the ventilation tube located within a transparent water pipe in the water supply unit.

Abstract: A watering device for potted plants comprising a support disc and a plurality of legs extending downwardly froom the disc so as to elevate said disc from the bottom of a tray. A pad is positioned on said disc, with the pad having a hinged movable tab which can be bend downwardly through an opening formed in the disc for submergence in the water in the tray. Thus, water is transmitted by capillary action from said tab to and uniformly throughout said pad for providing water to a pot positioned on said pad.

Abstract: A device for supporting a plant contained in a pot, and having a water reservoir and wick having a portion thereof retained in the water reservoir and a portion thereof extending into the soil of the pot.

Abstract: A self-watering planter having reduced evaporative losses is disclosed. The planter includes a water reservoir having at least one sealable opening for receiving water therein, a wick and mat assembly disposed atop the reservoir, and a plant container disposed atop the absorbent mat. A portion of the wick is immersed in water contained in the reservoir to transfer water to the absorbent mat. Openings formed in the base of the plant container allow moisture from the mat to be drawn into growing media disposed within the plant container. The plant container includes a downwardly extending rim formed as part of its base which completely covers and seals the absorbent mat when the plant container is seated atop the water reservoir to prevent evaporation of moisture from the mat directly to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A plant growth and care system, wick veins, for all containers, utilizing a multi-treated combination of flat sheets of layered wick materials combined and formulated according to the best knowledge of the horticulture science per species of plant, said treated wicks, coated and veined with preferred plant aids are placed flat out across the bottom of container covering drains, preventing soil leakage, two or more strips for larger containers according to size. Wick veins provide plant food treatment and moisture storage, also dissolution and distribution throughout. They also provide oxidation aeration to condition plant aids and foods. They also furnish adequate drainage to all types of sealed surface containers, glazed, plastic, glass, etc., now known as beautiful but deadly.

Abstract: A normally horizontally arranged sack-like bag formed of a capillary type, wicking sheet material which is filled with a plant growth material such as peat moss, soil compositions and the like. At least one loose flap, which is part of a lower surface forming portion of the bag, extends downwardly from one edge of the bag for immersion in a liquid, such as water, water-fertilizer mixtures and the like. The liquid is continuously flowed by capillary action up the flap and along at least the lower surface of the bag for continuous dispersion into the filler material for feeding liquid to the roots of plants which are grown through the upper surface of the bag. Preferably, the sheet material is pre-selected to provide a capillary flow which roughly corresponds to the expected loss of liquid to the plants and the atmosphere to thereby create a generally equilibrium flow of liquid to and from the bag.

Abstract: A hydroponic assembly in the form of a tray having spaced through-openings serving as growing stations, the tray being supported by a trough containing a body of nutrient solution. At each growing station there is a wafer of dry growing medium having a seed-receiving surface on its top side and having a wick communicating with its underside and extending downwardly into the nutrient solution, the growing medium being of the type capable of expanding three-dimensionally into a porous root-supporting block as the solution is fed via the wick by capillary action. The land surface surrounding each opening is formed into a well or receptacle for maintaining the porous block seated and generally aligned with the opening. A transparent cover of hollow inverted shape defines an enclosed space developing high humidity for sprouting of the seeds and growth of the resulting seedlings, the cover, tray and trough being interfitted.

Abstract: A planter formed of an open top box having a platform supported within and above the bottom of the box. A generally flat, horizontally arranged bag, containing a plant growing filler material rests upon the platform and substantially covers the open top of the box so that the box provides a liquid reservoir beneath the platform. A capillary type wick sheet arranged upon the platform and having a portion extending downwardly into the reservoir flows water, through capillary action, to the filler which may be exposed to the sheets through openings formed in the bag. A frame extends around the bag and is supported upon the box to extend the height of the box for appearance purposes, as well as to protect and contain the edges of the bag. Plants may be grown in the filler material through appropriate openings formed in the upper surface of the bag.

Abstract: A self-watering planter having a base divided into two compartments, one for soil and one for water, separated by a divider wall. A wick extends from the water compartment over the divider wall into the soil compartment. A common upper rim encircles both compartments and a cover which defines a single compartment is seated on the rim, so that the cover forms with the base an enclosed space communicating with both lower compartments. Thus evaporation from either lower compartment is recycled. The lower surface of the cover top wall can be dimpled to distribute condensate more evenly over the plants.

Abstract: A plant watering system including a tray having a platform thereon in which a water absorbent mat is located. The mat extends into the tray in which water is located and water is absorbed from the tray into the mat by capillary action. The plants are located on the mat and are provided with water directly to the plant bottom and water is available to provide humidity to the leaves. A stackable arrangement is provided so that one tray can be stacked on top of another one.

Abstract: Method of making a soil support for a plant container having a water reservoir beneath the support. The support is made by providing a fabric of water-absorbent fabric which is carried by support members. To hold the fabric in place, at least one fabric region is deformed and held in deformed state by a support member. In a preferred arrangement at least two spaced regions are deformed so as to stretch and tension the fabric between these regions and the regions are retained in deformed state by the support members and maintain the tension. In practice, support members are made by plastics injection moulding. The injection pressure deforms fabric extending across mould cavities and the plastics hardens to retain the deformed shape.

Abstract: A three-dimensional decorative planter having a frame for securing a vertically disposed cultivation body and having a liquid reservoir and conduit for liquid from the reservoir to the cultivation body. The frame also has a trough for collecting excess liquid. The cultivation body includes culture material and filler in arrangements necessary to secure the culture material and provide watering, drainage and ventilation.

Abstract: A planter system is provided which controls the rate of evaporation of moistening liquid and continuously supplies liquid to growth media contained therewithin. The planter system comprises a means for housing the growth media and a means for storing moistening liquid. A transferring means within the housing and storage means transports the moistening liquid from the storage means to the growth media. The housing and storage means are adapted for movement to an open or closed position. In the open position, a passageway is formed for adding water to the storage means. In the closed position, the storage means is completely enclosed, thereby minimizing evaporation so that it is not necessary to add water thereto for extended periods of time.

Abstract: The subirrigation of soil in a container for container-grown plants is accomplished upwardly through an opening in the container bottom by placing the container on the upper surface of a capillary sheet in the form of a sheet wettable plastic having a multiplicity of capillary openings therein and by disposing the capillary sheet so that its undersurface directly overlies in unbonded face-to-face contacting relation an essentially continuous and substantially smooth wettable surface presented by a substantially flat member comprised in a support bed for the container as, for example, by a sheet of plastic overlying a substantially rigid member or by a substantially rigid slab comprised in the support bed and feeding an aqueous liquid into the interface between said surfaces as through feeder tubes by gravity or by capillary travel from a reservoir disposed below the interface, whereby the so fed aqueous liquid becomes distributed by capillary action to any portion of the capillary sheet directly underlying a

Abstract: A soil support for a plant container having a water reservoir below the support in which water-absorbent fabric in the support carries water to the soil base from the reservoir. To provide uniform watering to the soil, the fabric is provided with pathways to distribute water as evenly as possible throughout the fabric. These pathways are defined by regions of non-absorbent fabric which channel the water along the absorbent pathways. In a practical construction, interstices in the fabric are blocked, as with injection moulded plastics, to make the non-absorbent regions. Also, a main absorbent pathway, which is separated from the soil, is provided along longitudinal edges of the fabric to encourage water flow along the whole length of fabric before the water is brought into soil contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flower pot holder comprising a spun aluminium holder mounted on a vertical stand and containing water. Within the holder is an insert member suspended from the holder and carrying a flower pot. A wick dips into the water and includes a pad on the insert and on which the flower pot rests. The space between the insert member and the holder is ventilated by openings in the insert member.

Abstract: A first tapered container is arranged to hold a supply of water and supports a second tapered container which contains soil and one or more plants. A wick extends up through an aperture in a lower portion of the second container and is arranged to feed water from the water supply in the first container to a plant in soil in the second container. The assembly may also include a third container which seats in inverted relation on the second conveyor. The containers used are preferably transparent and in one arrangement the first and third containers are of like size but the second container is of a wider taper to provide the selected wedging engagement of the three containers. In another arrangement the second container has an enlarged upper portion forming a downwardly facing shoulder for seated engagement on the first container. Also, the second container may have a top flange for seated engagement on the first container and furthermore may include a recess to receive the bottom edge of the third container.

Abstract: An agricultural device which comprises three strata of soil air and water. The soil is retained on a permeable floor and spaced apart from the water. The floor is supported by hydrophilic columns which are received in the water. Water is transmitted through the hydrophilic columns, generally with air, and introduced into the soil. The columns may or may not extend into the soil.

Abstract: A plant growing assembly comprising a first housing adapted to retain water therein, the housing having an opening in an upper surface thereof, a second housing adapted to retain a plant therein, the opening being shaped complementarily to the second housing and being adapted to receive and retain the second housing therein, a support in the first housing for supporting the second housing at the bottom of the second housing, and a water transfer element extending through an opening in the second housing and interconnecting the interior of the first housing and the interior of the second housing, whereby to transfer water in the first housing to the plant in the second housing.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device includes a tank, a floating body, a U-shaped tubular capillary syphon mounted in the floating body for vertical adjustment with respect to the floating body with an inlet end extending beneath the floating body and a discharge end for delivering liquid from the tank. In a second embodiment, the discharge end of the capillary syphon discharges into a vertical hollow tube inside the tank open at its bottom and on which the float member is positioned for guided movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a flower pot and watering the contents thereof. The watering system uses a separate base having a liquid reservoir therein for holding water or water and plant nutrients. A separate flower pot container has a bottom portion shaped to fit over the liquid reservoir and onto the base, and is shaped to receive a flower pot therein. The inside bottom portion of the container is shaped to receive a fiber-pad mounted therein, and has an opening for the fiber-pad to pass through into the reservoir. The liquid in the reservoir maintains the fiber-pad damp, which is absorbed through openings in the base of the flower pot. A filling spout and float level are provided in the base.

Abstract: A moisturizing mat, and process for making it, are disclosed. The moisturizing mat is suitable for use as a base to promote trickle watering of plants in greenhouses. The mat comprises a wood pulp/fabric layer having an impervious plastic film backing layer. The moisturizing mat is produced by a process including the steps of (a) depositing wood pulp on a first fibrous layer, (b) placing a second fibrous layer on top of the wood pulp, (c) bonding the product of step (b), and (d) bonding an impervious plastic film to one face of the product of step (c).

Abstract: An organic growing medium for plants or seeds placed in standing water is exposed to humid air over its substantial outer side surface thereby making air available to plant roots. The growing medium may be in a pot having porous sidewalls which allows air to be admitted into the pot or air openings may be formed in the pot sidewalls. The pot may further sit in a container wherein an air passageway is formed between the container and the pot to provide humid air around the growing medium. Alternatively, the growing medium may be spaced from the container wall having air openings and an air chamber is formed between the growing medium and the container wall. A plant or seed may be placed in a growing medium centrally located of alternate air chambers and growing mediums formed by pairs of spaced apart walls having air openings therein allowing air to communicate to the growing medium and to allow the plant roots to grow from one growing medium into an air chamber and thence into the next growing medium.

Abstract: A method of potting plants to optimize the environmental growth conditions thereof, and a combination that results from the practice of the method. A plurality of loose fibers comprising the fiber fraction from the break up of used tires which fiber fraction is normally a disposal problem is placed in the interior of a pot adjacent to the bottom thereof. Soil and the roots of the plant being potted are disposed over the loose fibers and a combination results including the pot, loose fibers, soil and plant. The loose fibers from the break up of used tires prevents the loss of soil through drainage holes in the bottom of the pot while providing for proper drainage, provide micronutrients and otherwise provide optimum growth conditions for the potted plant. Thus, worthwhile use is made of an otherwise worthless product.

Abstract: Plant holder formed of flexible material and having a pocket for a plant, a water reservoir, and straps for hanging the device from a curtain rod or other suitable support.

Abstract: A receptacle for growing plants includes a pot and a bowl-shaped inset piece or liner disposed in the pot. The floor of the pot has a plurality of upstanding tubular projections each having a passage open to the underside of the pot ands closed at its upper end. This arrangement allows simple and secure attachment of casters, feet, or other supports to the underside of the pot without destroying the aesthetic appearance of the pot itself. Various other projections and tubular members serving various technical purposes can also be provided in a similar manner without destroying the aesthetic appearance of the receptacle. The inset piece is adapted to conform to and cooperate with the projections and technical devices provided for a particular receptacle.

Abstract: Flower pot construction having a container formed of plastic, said container having a bottom wall and outwardly and upwardly extending generally frusto-conical side wall. A rim is formed integral with the upper extremity of the side wall and this is substantially in the form of an inverted U defining an annular recess underlying the rim. The bottom wall has a hole therein. A removable plug is disposed in the hole and forms a water-tight seal with respect to the hole. A disc-like member having drain openings therein is provided. Cooperative means is carried by the disc-like member in the container so that it is spaced above the bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: A flower stand employs a vertical post which can be supported at its lower end by a horizontal cruciform shaped base having downwardly curved tips at the free ends thereof. The upper end of the post is threaded. A vertical hollow container open at its top end has a downwardly and inwardly tapered bottom section with a vertical threaded bore engaged by the upper end of the post. A flat perforated disc is disposed in between the top open section of the container and the bottom section and is held in place by a vertical spacer extending upward from the top of the bore to the bottom of the disc at the center thereof. A hollow flexible tube used for filling can be attached to a nipple extending from the interior of the bottom section which serves as a water reservoir. A wick extends from the bottom section through the perforated disc into the top open container section.

Abstract: A watering device for growing plants. A container which may be a flower pot filled with soil or the like which has an aperture in the bottom. A second container for water is provided below the first container. A rigid probe having a central bore is provided that can be inserted through the aperture in the bottom of the first container or pot and extended up into the earth in the container. A wick has a part immersed in the water and a part extending up through the bore in the probe and is then wrapped around the probe and fastened. The probe is axially slotted to allow moisture to be drawn up through the wick and to transfer to the convolutions of the wrapped wick and for dissemination into the soil in the container.

Abstract: A well and wick type watering device for engagement in the bottom of a flower pot, including a formable container with flexible walls defining a water supply chamber, an elongate vertical tubular neck with a lower end communicating with the container and an open upper end above the top surface of the soil deposited in the pot above the container, an elongate wick with an inner portion in the chamber and an outer portion extending upwardly into said soil and support means in the container to support the overburden of soil above the container and to maintain adjacent and opposing portions of the chamber defining flexible walls in spaced relationship.

Abstract: A plant feeding apparatus for providing a continuous supply of liquid to the soil surrounding potted plants. The apparatus includes a fluid reservoir portion with a reservoir body and a cover assembly, and a soil probe portion with an axially extending, wick-receiving opening disposed therein. A soil moisturizing wick is provided which extends from the reservoir and into the opening in the probe. The soil probe is relatively rigid and includes a variable-area aperture in a part thereof for permitting at least a portion of the wick to be exposed through the aperture for moisturizing the soil received in a container. A neck or shoulder is found where the probe meets the reservoir body, and this shoulder facilitates mounting the apparatus on a rim of the pot or other receptacle. An adjustable slide serves to expose more or less wick through the aperture in the probe.

Abstract: An organic growing medium for plants or seeds placed in standing water is exposed to humid air over its substantial outer side surface thereby making air available to plant roots. The growing medium may be in a pot having porous sidewalls which allows air to be admitted into the pot or air openings may be formed in the pot sidewalls. The pot may further sit in a container wherein an air passageway is formed between the container and the pot to provide humid air around the growing medium. Alternately, the growing medium may be spaced from the container wall having air openings and an air chamber is formed between the growing medium and the container wall. A plant or seed may be placed in a growing medium centrally located of alternate air chambers and growing mediums formed by pairs of spaced apart walls having air openings therein allowing air to communicate to the growing medium and to allow the plant roots to grow from one growing medium into an air chamber and thence into the next growing medium.

Abstract: An improved device for continuously watering plants growing in flower pots or boxes, comprising a body formed by the combination of at least two shells which have a similar geometric configuration and are disposed one within the other and the side walls of which are oppositely inclined with respect to the verical direction in a manner such that they are converging toward each other from the bottom to the top thereof while the top edges of said side walls are interconnected by a generally horizontal top wall. Said shells and said top wall define a hollow space within said body while surfaces of said shells opposite the surfaces defining said hollow space are forming outer and inner walls of said body. The concentrically inner shell is provided with a series of apertures at the bottom free edge thereof.

Abstract: A plant watering device for use in conjunction with a plant pot having a rim, the watering device responsive to maintain a desired moisture condition within the planting medium, and having housing means adapted to be readily applicable and removable from the rim of the plant pot with retaining means extending downwardly from the housing means to peripherally encompass the rim to prevent lateral movement relative thereto so that the housing means is retained in seated position relative to the plant pot. Reservoir means extends upwardly from the housing means and in partially overlapping relationship to the planting medium in the plant pot, and fluid transferring means extends between the reservoir means and into the soil medium for a gradual transfer of fluid from within the reservoir means to the planting medium.