Method, apparatus and systems for managing product distribution and a data hub for connecting and integrating related systems are described herein. Data hubs are integrated with external sensors and automated systems to remove stress points for operating such systems. A distribution system which may interface with the data hubs allows for efficient distribution of products produces and monitored by environments that suffer such stress points.

A system for the optical detection of objects includes a first source for generating light, microwaves, or ultrasound of a first wavelength. An object is illuminated by the light, the microwaves, or the ultrasound, wherein the illumination is distorted by the object. The system further includes at least one color light source for the generation of color light of a second wavelength, wherein the same object is illuminated by the color light of the color light source. The first wavelength is different from the second wavelength. Further, a sensor is provided for the detection of the object illuminated by the first source, and a second sensor is provided for the detection of the color light generated by the color light source, which is reflected by the object.

A raised bed planter box includes a first corner post, a second corner post, a third corner post, and a fourth corner post. Each of the corner posts defines a first open-ended channel and a second open-ended channel positioned at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the first open-ended channel. A first sidewall extends between the first open-ended channel of the first corner post and the first open-ended channel of the second corner post. A first end wall extends between the second open-ended channel of the second corner post and the second open-ended channel of the third corner post. A second sidewall extends between the first open-ended channel of the third corner post and the first open-ended channel of the fourth corner post. A second end wall extends between the second open-ended channel of the fourth corner post and the second open-ended channel of the first corner post.

Methods for growing plants and seeds are described. Methods may include blending a polyacrylamide polymer with the uppermost portion of the soil, usually top 1 inch of the soil at a rate of around 1 pound polyacrylamide per 100 square feet of soil. The polyacrylamide attaches to the roots of the plant and acts as an extension of the root system facilitating the uptake of water by the plant and increasing the soil permeability around the root system. The method also improves germination of the seeds and facilitates the growth of the resulting plants. The method may be utilized with a variety of plants, sod, and trees.

It is provided a plant infiltration device for infiltrating plants with an inoculum and method of using same, the device comprising a frame having one or more tray racks adapted for receiving at least one tray of plants to be infiltrated; an automated manipulation mechanism mounted to the frame and operable to displace the plant trays within the device; a plurality of inoculum reservoirs mounted to the frame and containing one or more inoculum fluids; an infiltration tank mounted to the frame and within which the plant trays are received when disposed in the infiltration position; and a vacuum generating device in communication with the infiltration tank to apply a negative pressure within the infiltration tank, thereby opening pores of the plant leaves immersed in the inoculum within the infiltration tank and causing the inoculum fluid to infiltrate into the plant leaves.

It is provided a plant infiltration device for infiltrating plants with an inoculum and method of using same, the device comprising a frame having one or more tray racks adapted for receiving at least one tray of plants to be infiltrated; an automated manipulation mechanism mounted to the frame and operable to displace the plant trays within the device; a plurality of inoculum reservoirs mounted to the frame and containing one or more inoculum fluids; an infiltration tank mounted to the frame and within which the plant trays are received when disposed in the infiltration position; and a vacuum generating device in communication with the infiltration tank to apply a negative pressure within the infiltration tank, thereby opening pores of the plant leaves immersed in the inoculum within the infiltration tank and causing the inoculum fluid to infiltrate into the plant leaves.

A system for identifying and displaying one or more optimal locations within a lot for a garden in which to plant and grow suggested plant varieties is discussed. The system includes a robotic device positioned and configured to scan the lot and to generate at least one lot parameter. The system also includes a soil sensor positionable in soil in the lot and configured to generate at least one soil parameter. The system further includes a computing system configured to execute a location optimization module that determines varieties of suggested plants based on the soil parameter and the lot parameter. Based on a user selection from the varieties of suggested plants, the computing system identifies optimal locations for a garden within the lot for the one or more selected plants. The computing system transmits the optimal locations for the garden to a user computing device for display.

A system for identifying and displaying one or more optimal locations within a lot for a garden in which to plant and grow suggested plant varieties is discussed. The system includes a robotic device positioned and configured to scan the lot and to generate at least one lot parameter. The system also includes a soil sensor positionable in soil in the lot and configured to generate at least one soil parameter. The system further includes a computing system configured to execute a location optimization module that determines varieties of suggested plants based on the soil parameter and the lot parameter. Based on a user selection from the varieties of suggested plants, the computing system identifies optimal locations for a garden within the lot for the one or more selected plants. The computing system transmits the optimal locations for the garden to a user computing device for display.

Provided is an expandable, modular tower planter having an internal vertical composting capability, and a method of assembling and using the same. Provided in various example embodiments is a modular composting garden container system comprising a base and a plurality of stackable rings forming a tower upon the base, including an optional base ring specially sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the tower to the base. A plurality of perforated, stackable tube sections are provided that are removably assembled into a compost tube assembly of selectable height and mounted within the interior of the tower and above the base. A plurality of holding struts are sized, shaped, and positioned to removably connect the compost tube assembly with the tower and to securely locate the compost tube assembly relative to the tower. Means are provided for recovering nutrient-rich drainage and selective recovery of compost material for reintroduction into the system.

A hand cropping tool includes arm members that have handle portions and jaw portions. The jaw portions include curved surfaces that are at least partially covered by deformable materials. The hand cropping tool is configured to be moved from an open configuration in which the first and second jaw members are spaced apart from one another and a closed configuration in which at least a portion of the first jaw member is in contact with at least a portion of the second jaw member. In the closed configuration, the first and second deformable materials collectively define at least one first plant-receiving area.