Abstract: A pet waste containment and disposal system contains pet waste prior to collection, transport and proper disposal thereof and reduces release of pet waste odors therefrom. A pet waste receptacle assembly has a waste receptacle with an open top, a closed bottom and a sidewall which cooperatively define an internal volume thereof. A cover assembly includes a cover member having a closed top and an outer sidewall disposed therearound disposed into an overlying relation to the open top of the waste receptacle, defining a sealing orientation to reduce release of pet waste odors from the waste receptacle. A partition assembly having at least one partition member separating an internal volume of the waste receptacle into a plurality of waste compartments, wherein each of the plurality of waste compartments is dimensioned and configured to receive an amount of pet waste therein.

Abstract: Described herein is a module for covering a surface with vegetation. The module comprises a drainage board having an upper surface for supporting a growth medium. The drainage board has a plurality of moisture receptacles extending downwardly from the upper surface for collecting moisture. The module also comprises a plurality of sidewalls having a multiplicity of apertures therethrough. Each sidewall is coupled to the drainage board and extends upwardly therefrom. The sidewalls cooperate with each other so as to provide a perimeter for surrounding the growth medium. The module may also include other features. For example, the sidewalls may be pivotally coupled to the drainage board (e.g. along a living hinge), the module may include couplers for securing adjacent modules together, the sidewalls may include a reinforcing rib, the drainage board may include an opening for receiving an irrigation nozzle therein, and there may be edging for covering the sidewalls.

Abstract: A grow plant enclosure to maximize plant density for a given growing area has a perimeter frame, a first pane, and a second pane. The first pane is adjacently connected to the perimeter frame, while the second pane is removably attached to the perimeter frame opposite the first pane to form a hollow enclosure. A plurality of plug holder openings traverses through the first pane, and optionally the second pane, being designed to receive a plurality of plant holders for growing various plant types. A plurality of supply tubes traverse into the perimeter frame through a plurality of supply tube openings and each have a plurality of spray nozzles to deliver nutrient solution to the root zone of the plants retained in the plurality of plant holders. Excess nutrient solution is released through a drain fixture positioned about the bottom of the perimeter frame.

Abstract: A modular green roof and/or green wall system includes a plurality of trays adapted to support vegetation and soil therein. The trays are sized such that a person may easily lift them and install them in a pre-vegetated state upon a roof or a wall. The trays are further designed to enable subterranean irrigation lines to be inserted therethrough, thereby hiding the irrigation lines from view. Biodegradable walls may be added of different heights to the trays to support different types of vegetation, as well as to create terracing for a given installation, if desired. A wicking material may be inserted into the tray and positioned such that is makes contact with wicking material in adjacent trays, thereby spreading moisture between trays through the capillary action of the wicking material.

Abstract: A planter reservoir and planter system which is easily converted for different planting environments. The planter reservoir is divided by a permeable partition into different areas. The lower area contains a canal with perforated walls. Multiple openings in the reservoir allow the users options to control liquids. The reservoir may be assembled into a planter system. where two reservoirs are connect by a mounting tray, clip, and handle forming an array. An upper array is supported above the lower array by several support bars. Accessory mounts are located on both the reservoirs and mounting trays.

Abstract: A potted tree support assembly includes a housing with a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. A plurality of interlocking slats is positionable in the housing to define a plurality of compartments each configured for receiving a base of a tree therein. A plurality of slots extends into an inner surface of the perimeter wall. Each of the slots has an associated opposing slot extending into the perimeter wall to define an aligned pair of the slots. Each of the slats has a pair of opposed ends and the opposed ends of each of the slats is removably positionable in a selectable one of the aligned pair of the slots. A plurality of legs is coupled to and extends downwardly from a bottom surface of the bottom wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable planter or holder. The planter or holder of the present invention includes one or more foldable compartments defined by an array of panels. Each compartment includes one or more upright panels to form an upright core; one or more movable panels to form a trough used for planting or storing belongings; and one or more fold lines, wherein at least one fold line is between the one or more upright panels and the one or more movable panels. In an embodiment, each panel is attached to at least one adjacent panel along a fold line. When the planter or holder is not in use, the movable panel pair folds at a fold line between the upright panel and the movable panel.

Abstract: A method for cultivating one or more plants in an apparatus which has at least one first chamber and at least one second chamber which are separated from one another by a first partition wall, wherein the first partition wall has one or more communication openings which connect the inner space of the first chamber to the inner space of the second chamber, wherein the method includes the step that the plant and/or the first partition wall are displaced so that an area of the plant which was initially located in the second chamber is located in the first chamber after the displacement of the plant and/or of the first partition wall, and/or wherein the method includes the step that the plant is offset relative to the apparatus such that a region of the plant which was initially not located in the second chamber is located in the second chamber after the displacement of the plant relative to the apparatus.

Abstract: A garden pot assembly comprising a pot having an open upper end and a separator tray snap-fitted into the open upper end of the pot. The separator tray has a plurality of spaced-apart plant pot receiving openings formed therein each of which are adapted to receive and support a plant pot therein. The bottom of the pot has a unique structure including a central hub and a plurality of radially extending stand-offs extending outwardly therefrom to the periphery of the bottom wall. The pot or container may be circular, oval, rectangular or square in shape.

Abstract: An improved ornamental planter for gardening and the like is provided.

Abstract: A partitioned planter for expandable compartmentalized plant growth includes an outer container and removable progressively smaller inner compartments. The planter provides water drainage and molded features to retain and position the inner compartments. The removable compartments each have a plurality of flat wall sections which are assembled to form a structure which contains the plant roots during growth. The wall segments also include stiffening brackets which engage top perimeter edges of forwardly adjacent wall members for additional structural stabilization.

Abstract: A planter capable of being hung from an elevated support includes an open-topped container for containing dirt or potting soil placed therein and a plurality of suspension elements, or cords, which are disposed about and are attached to or act upon the container for suspending the container from an elevated support. The suspension elements extend upwardly from the peripheral edge of the container top and are joined together at a common point disposed above the container for suspension of the planter from the elevated support. In addition, a spacer member is arranged and spaced above the top of the container and cooperates with the suspension elements for preventing the suspension cords from converging toward one another for a distance above the container which corresponds with the spaced distance between the container top and the spacer member.

Abstract: The invention includes a box, vertical and horizontal dividers, a plant-growth mat, and a mounting bar. The dividers are permanently linked to form an insert, which slides into insert grooves inside the box. Insert grooves have upper and lower rails. At the insert groove openings rail ends feature upward bends. The plant-growth mat is secured against the box inner-back by the insert which is prevented from sliding out by the upward bends of the lower rails. A support mount and a fastener on the back of the box and compatible groove surfaces on the mounting bar prevent box movement when mounted. The invention increases the rigidity of the dividers and reduces their deformability. It facilitates inserting the integrated dividers into the box with convenient insert grooves. The plant-growth mat can store water, prevent soil erosion, and provide aeration to plant roots. The mounting bar stabilizes the module for easy installation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable planter. The planter of the present invention includes one or more foldable compartments defined by an array of panels. Each compartment includes one or more upright panels to form an upright core; one or more movable panels to form a trough used for planting; and one or more fold lines, wherein at least one fold line between the one or more upright panels and the one or more movable panels. In an embodiment, each panel is attached to at least one adjacent panel along a fold line. When the planter is not in use, the movable panel pair folds at a fold line between the upright panel and the movable panel.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head including: a channel member including: a ejection openings; a liquid channel communicated with the ejection openings; and a liquid-supply opening for supplying liquid to the liquid channel; an ejection-energy applying portion configured to apply an ejection energy to the liquid in the liquid channel; an electronic part connected to the ejection-energy applying portion; a cover member defining an accommodating space with the channel member, the accommodating space accommodating the electronic part and at least a part of a liquid-supply pipe connected to the liquid-supply opening; and a liquid absorbing member disposed in the accommodating space so as to cover at least a part of a surface of the liquid-supply pipe; wherein the cover member has a through hole formed therein for communicating the accommodating space with an outside of the cover member; and wherein a part of the liquid absorbing member is exposed to the outside of the cover member from an entirety the through hole.

Abstract: A tree surround planter pot with a pair of identical planter pot halves, a plurality of male and female locking members and a pair of false floor panels. The identical planter pot halves attach to each other at their vertical perimeter edges by the locking members. The resulting planter pot surround has a large aperture in its base to allow a tree that is planted in the ground to appear as if it is growing from within the confines of the pot. The false floor panels rest on internal ledges near the top of the pot so that decorative rocks or soil and flowers can be placed near the top portion of the pot.

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

Abstract: A plant pot has a main central portion having an opening providing access to a main planting area, and a pair of wings extending from the main central portion, namely a left wing and a right wing; and a pair of dividers, namely a left divider and a right divider. The pair of dividers is inserted between the pair of wings and the main central portion. The pair of dividers is formed as sheets, and the pair of dividers is removable from a divider attachment area. A plurality of water openings are disposed on the pair of dividers, and the plurality of water openings allow water to pass between the main central portion and the pair of wings.

Abstract: Provided are a plant cultivation container, a plant cultivation method, and a method of producing a rooted cutting, in which a plant can be cultivated under a desired humidity condition, whereby a rooting rate can be enhanced and extension of a root can be promoted. In the plant cultivation container in which a plant cultivating medium (2) is provided in an inside of a container body (1) with a substantially hermetically sealed structure, a partition wall (3) that partitions the inside of the container body (1) into two upper portion and lower portion and supports the medium (2) is provided in the container body (1). The upper portion of the container body (1) defined by partitioning of the partition wall (3) constitutes a high-humidity chamber (4), and the lower portion of the container body (1) constitutes a low-humidity chamber (5). A bent hole (7) that allows the medium (2) and the low-humidity chamber (4) to communicate with each other is provided in the partition wall (3).

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

Abstract: A container-grown seedling protective device includes a flexible expanse including an array of generally cylindrical pods or pockets, each pod in the array of pods configured for holding a container-grown seedling root ball therein. Each pod is configured for holding a single seedling therein separate from one or more adjacent seedling root balls held by adjacent pockets, and each of the plural pods is detachably connected to an adjacent one of the plural pockets by a frangible web extending therebetween. Each pod can be perforated in at least a bottom region thereof to provide permeability and each pod can be infused with fertilizer of the like.

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: A vegetation block frame and a vegetation block. The vegetation block frame includes a bottom plate; outer walls 120, which define an inner space with the bottom plate; and a plurality of partitions extending crosswise and lengthwise inside the inner space, thereby forming a plurality of unit vegetation spaces. Each of the bottom plate and the partitions has a plurality of holes, and concavities and convexities are alternately formed in the upper and lower parts of the outer walls. A step block is selectively inserted into one of the unit vegetation spaces. The internal space is partitioned into the unit vegetation spaces by the partitions having the holes, so that herbs, plants and trees can easily take root and grow. The concavities and convexities are formed in the outer walls of the vegetation block frame engage with each other, thereby preventing twisting and upward separation after construction.

Abstract: A planter insert extends the usefulness of a planter by creating a plurality of containers that fit within a planter. The containers may be supported by a planter platform suitably adapted to fit within the inside of the planter. The planter platform may suitably include an expansion member adapted to stabilize the planter platform. A suitably planter platform may also be modular enabling the planter platform to be disassembled and suitably stacked during storage or shipping.

Abstract: A container-grown seedling protective device includes a flexible expanse including an array of generally cylindrical pods or pockets, each pod in the array of pods configured for holding a container-grown seedling root ball therein. Each pod is configured for holding a single seedling therein separate from one or more adjacent seedling root balls held by adjacent pockets, and each of the plural pods is detachably connected to an adjacent one of the plural pockets by a frangible web extending therebetween. Each pod can be perforated in at least a bottom region thereof to provide permeability and each pod can be infused with fertilizer of the like.

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

Abstract: A culture tray, in particular for the rooting of young plants, includes channels that run in parallel and at predefinable distances and serve to accommodate young plants. To enable removal of individual young plants preferably without harming them and to enable relatively economical consumption of water for the young plants the space for each young plant is limited by the sidewalls of the channel and across the longitudinal direction of the channel by partition webs. This arrangement will, in particular, ensure that the water is directly supplied to each plant space and, moreover, that the plants can be pushed sideways out of the culture tray by pushing out of the culture tray the web and ledge skeletons, and the plants are easy to take out, because there are then no sidewalls.

Abstract: A plant border system includes a flat and a plant tray. The flat defines a flat cavity and a flat top opening communicating with the flat cavity. An upstanding rim surrounds at least a portion of the flat top opening. The plant tray defines a tray cavity and a tray top opening communicating with the tray cavity. The tray cavity has a tray width and a tray length that is greater than the tray width. The plant tray includes a collar surrounding at least a portion of the tray top opening, the collar defining a downwardly opening channel. The flat is adapted to receive the plant tray in the flat cavity such that the rim is received in the channel and the flat is thereby structurally reinforced by the plant tray to resist flexure.

Abstract: This allows for modular floating gardens that can be fabricated into forms chosen by the end user to be aesthetically pleasing even before planting has matured. Because composite floating gardens created from these modules can be large, their form can be pleasing from a distance. Because these are significant structures, they can be incorporated into a process to improve water quality.

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

Abstract: A plant border assembly includes a plant tray defining a cavity and a top opening communicating with the cavity. The cavity has a width and a length that is greater than the width. The plant border assembly further includes a plant border including a growing medium disposed in the cavity and a strip of plants disposed in the growing medium in the cavity. The plant tray is adapted to allow removal of the plant border from the plant tray without lifting the plant border through the top opening.

Abstract: A plant container (22) formed of two readily releasable half-container parts (32), each part having a plant container portion (38). The two parts combine to define therebetween an opening (28) adapted to permit access of any plant growth (16) extending from beneath the plant container (22). The plant container (22) is adapted to be located adjacent the upper portion of a conventional plant hire container arrangement of an outer decorative container (4) housing an inner plant container (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the in situ manufacture of plant extracts from living plants. Since the plant remains intact, a flower or other component of the plant can be extracted one or more times. Following the extraction process, the plant is typically able to continue with its lifecycle. Such extracts have a variety of uses including use for, but not limited to: herbal and homeopathic medicines, hair and skin treatments, and cosmetics. The present invention also relates to apparatus useful for manufacturing plant extracts from living plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plate-shaped carrier for flowers, having in its plane a number of accommodating openings for the respective flower stems, comprising, for easing the insertion of the respective flower stems in an accommodating opening, a flower stem infeed slot, starting from a longitudinal edge of the carrier and running downwardly under an acute angle with this edge into the accommodating opening.

Abstract: A live plant container comprises an elongated trough, a hydratable propagating medium positioned in and substantially filling the trough, and a cover closing off the trough to form an oasis for the plants with the cover including a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings configured and dimensioned to form cells to retain live plants in an upright position when inserted through the opening into the propagating medium.

Abstract: A rodent barrier device for use on the ground engaging tires of a vehicle. A continuous wall barrier made of a weather resistant and low outer friction slippery material, such as the slippery plastic LEXAN material, having an upper concave surface rim encircles the tires of the vehicle to be protected from the rodents. Initially before made into a continuous wall, the material making up the wall barrier may be a single elongated flat strip that is processed and bent into a continuous tire encircling wall by having the two opposite ends of the strip meet at a common edge.

Abstract: A container for shipping or transporting one or more young plants or seedlings, especially through the mail. The container has an open top and is made preferably of a thin, very light-weight, thermoformed plastic. The container is divided into two sections: a bottom section for receiving the plant pot and/or root ball and an upper section for receiving the stem and leaves. A cover is connected by a living hinge to the bottom section. The cover acts to hold the plant pot and/or root ball in place and to reduce evaporation of moisture from the root region of the plant. The container is provided with a wall separating the upper and bottom sections. The wall is supplied with a smoothly contoured notch that permits the plant stem to pass from the bottom section to the upper section, and the cover or lid utilizes a "V"-shaped projecting member to gently direct the plant's leaves and stem into the contoured notch. A combination of engaging recesses and projections form a closure system that holds the lid in place.

Abstract: A seedling planter is formed by an elongated hollow container component of square cross section open at its upper end and closed partially at its lower end by crossed webs which provide support for the lower ends of a plurality of elongated tray components each having two joined walls secured together at their lower ends by a bottom wall. Anchor grooves on the lower inner sides of the container side walls slidably receive the lower edges of the tray components, with the inner sides of the tray walls facing the inner sides of a pair of adjacent walls of the container component. Four tray components thus are receivable removably in the container component, and plant growth medium may be filled into the four components formed by the four tray components and confronting walls of the container component. Seeds deposited in the growth medium grow into seedlings, and each seedling with its growth medium is removable with its associated tray component from the container component.

Abstract: A modular soil conserving planter is definable in terms of a longitudinal trough having open transverse end faces and longitudinal side walls which are axially compressible, laterally flexible integral accordion-like surface, the surface including elements for control of drainage from the trough and each end face of the trough further including snap-fittable selectable connections to open end faces of adjoining like planters. In the bottommost region of the planter are provided drainage openings which control the rate at which water can escape from the planter through the effect of gravity and of osmosis from the surrounding soil.

Abstract: A multi-purpose automatic filing basin is provided for containing a selected amount of water which is used for various purposes. The water may be transferred from the basin by wicks or by a pump to water using devices such as plant pots or toys or may be provided for direct use from the basin for devices such as animal feeders and habitats. The basin is kept supplied with water from a pressurized source by a specialized valve which opens in response to a drop in water level below a first selected level and closes in response to the water level reaching a second selected level.

Abstract: The assemblage consists of an in-ground assembly container 100 for plant propagation, formed of plastic strips 112 joined together to form, when compressed, a honeycomb configuration of container cells 110. Each cell is used to grow individual types of trees or plants. Walls of the cells are respectively embossed to enhance containment of potting soil. By combining the honeycomb container cells 110 with a pervious mat 120 and an impervious supporting liner 130, applied nutrients and water will not escape into the ground soil except by controlled pipe drainage 140. This combination will thus allow for total water and nutrient recirculation back through the system. The outlay includes a PVC liner 130, an optional drainage layer 120 and weed control fabric 122.

Abstract: A decorative, terraced planter provides separate plant beds in individual compartments defined within an integrally formed housing of rigid, unitary construction. Each compartment can hold plants and soil separately from those in the other compartments, so that a mix of plants having differing soil and watering needs can be grown together within the planter. The compartments have holes at their bottoms to permit excess water to escape, and the planter preferably has a drip pan beneath the housing to catch the excess water. Stand-offs between the housing and the drip pan permit evaporation of water from the drip pan. Preferably, the tops of the compartments are at different levels, so as to form tiers or rows of plant beds, one above another, much like those of a hillside, terraced garden.

Abstract: A generally flat composite structure has building blocks in the form of a plurality of multipurpose plastic building components. Each of the components includes an encompassing outer frame having a lateral surface and an interior. At least one coupling device is disposed at the lateral surface for joining two adjacent building components. Crosswise members and lengthwise members divide the interior of the outer frame into a grid of individual openings. The outer frame and the crosswise and lengthwise members are formed of plastic waste having been previously comminuted, then melted down and then injected or cast into a suitable mold. A method for laying out the components includes seeding or grassing down the components individually or in the composite structure before laying out the components, and then laying out the components in a seeded or grassed down (vegetated) state.

Abstract: A method of growing tissue culture callus on a nutrient substrate comprises the steps of preparing a semi-solid slab of the nutrient substrate and placing it on top of a honeycomb-like forming plate, which defines a plurality of hollow passages surrounded by thin walls. A series of the callus is deployed on the slab, so that each callus is located in alignment with one of the passages. The callus are allowed to grow to a desired extent under conventional conditions. A pneumatic pressure is then applied to the slab so that it becomes pushed through and sliced by the walls of the forming plate into a respective number of blocks, each carrying a single plant, and ejected out of the bottom side of the forming plate for further plantation thereof.

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: A self-watering dish garden includes a lower container section which defines a liquid holding reservoir, an upper container section which fits on the lower container section and has an open top, and a tray which fits into the upper container section. The tray receives plant material in a growing medium and has a depth such that the bottom of the tray is above the top of the lower container section. The tray includes a supporting flange for supporting a partition which includes an outer rim and retaining members. At least one water absorbing member extends from the growing medium through the bottom of the tray into the liquid holding reservoir.

Abstract: A plant package [12] for a live plant having a stem [S], roots [R] and rooting medium [D] surrounding the roots. The package comprises a self-supporting, light transmissive, sealed polymer shell [14] having an internal surface [22] defining a package interior [24]. A shelf [16] is provided on the internal surface, and defines first and second interior compartments [18, 20] for containing the roots and stem, respectively. The portion of the shell defining the first interior compartment has a greater thickness than the portion of the shell defining the second interior compartment, and the second compartment is substantially more permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules than the first compartment. An inner container [60] is provided for the roots and rooting medium, and an outer container [62] engaged with the internal surface is provided for the inner container. Together the containers and first interior compartment form a substantial water vapor barrier.

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: A twin-sheet thermoformed thermoplastic aquatic biomass containment barrier with reinforced hinges is disclosed having a formed first extended linear thermoplastic sheet member which is fused to a formed second linear extended thermoplastic sheet member of substantially the same dimensions as the first member to form a composite unit member having two ends and air pockets formed between the two sheets to give buoyancy to the segment. Reinforcing thermoplastic inserts are located between the first and second members at each end of the composite member. Each insert has portions defining a central pinhole and is fused to the first and second members to form reinforced hinged sections. The hinged segments may be connected by pins to form a floating aquatic biomass containment barrier cell or a network of cells. Such a network is effective for the growth and harvesting of small aquatic plants such as the duckweed plant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for propagating plants is illustrated wherein provision is made for aeration and drainage of the root plug with increased air flow to the upper or leafy parts of the plants extending across a growing tray in a predetermined pattern. Provision is also made for filling the compartments of a growing tray with growing medium in a predetermined pattern to permit air flow across the tray from the bottom. Provision is also made to support strips forming a growing tray permitting horizontal movement of the strips as well as rows of compartments containing the plants, and a shelf is provided in the strips or partitions of the trays extending for a limited distance over a minor area of the compartments to confine the growing medium within the trays while permitting insertion of a member for pushing the plant upwardly from the bottom out of the respective growing containers.