A fodder growing apparatus includes an insulated housing having a draining floor, a door-closable open face, and a plurality of vertically-spaced platforms being supported in a position inclined downward between 3° and about 6°. The apparatus further includes pass-through irrigation system including spray nozzles supported over each of the platforms and supplied with water. An illumination system of the apparatus includes an LED equipped lighting assembly supported over each of the platforms. A ventilation system of the apparatus includes forced ventilation means. The apparatus further includes a programmable controller selected to deliver a time-variant program of at least irrigation and lighting, and temperature control means controlling the temperature within the housing.

A method and container for developing seedlings includes germinating the seeds and air pruning the seedlings to a depth of about 3 inches.

An open plant cultivation device has a container, a medium layer, a plant, and a separation layer. The container has an inner side surface, a sterile accommodation space, and an open growing space. The medium layer is disposed in the sterile accommodation space. The separation layer is disposed on the medium layer and adjacent to the inner side surface. The sterile accommodation space and the open growing space are isolated by the separation layer. A method for preparing an open plant cultivation device includes: putting a container in a sterile space; feeding a medium colloid into the container and immersing a part of a plant in the medium colloid; solidifying the medium into a medium layer; disposing a separation layer onto the medium layer to form the open plant cultivation device. The present invention has the open growing space and the effect of protecting the medium layer from contamination.

The disclosure relates to a plant growth apparatus and related system to grow and maintain plants under controlled biotic conditions, for example to grow axenic (microbe-free) plants, gnotobiotic (defined microbiota) plants, and holoxenic (complex, or undefined microbiota) plants. This system allows aseptic bottom irrigation with water, soluble nutrients, chemicals, and/or microbiota. Plants can be inverted for dipping and/or vacuum infiltration. The system also allows for passive (gravity) drainage, thereby allowing for gas exchange and preventing root anoxia. A variety of plant growth substrates can be used within the plant growth apparatus as a plant growth medium. The plant growth apparatus, containing the growth substrate medium, can be completely flushed via the drainage port to remove potential toxic byproducts of the sterilization processes. The entire system is suitably constructed using autoclavable material.

Process for making a foam suitable as plant growth medium by reacting a polyisocyanate, a polyether polyol mixture and water at an isocyanate index of 90-150 wherein the polyol mixture used comprises at least 2 polyols and wherein the polyol mixture comprises less than 50% by weight oxyethylene calculated on the weight of the polyol mixture.

A plantlet holder (25) is formed of nutrient solution-absorbing, open celled, phenolic foam, with an upper handling portion (55), an insertion well (60) for a plantlet and a lower portion (56) adapted to laterally locate in a ring (30) in a work stand (24), the handling portion (55) adapted to be frictionally gripped for robotic or manual handling. Robotic handling apparatus includes a pair of plantlet holder gripper manipulator arms (40) adapted to engage the handling portion (55) for movement of a plantlet holder (25) between a material source portion, an operator work portion (14), and a material delivery portion. The operator work portion (14) is characterised by the work stands (24) locating the plantlet holders vertically by a step portion (32).

An all Natural growing medium is taught wherein all natural ingredients are incorporated and bound with an all natural latex rubber. The all natural ingredients can include bark, ground bark, Finland peat moss, biochar, coconut fiber and worm castings. In some embodiments the biochar is specially processed in a vacuum chamber to remove small particulates and open pores enabling the absorption and holding of water. The growing medium is then formed into grow plugs or mats.

A device and method for retaining freshness of a cut flower by retaining the fragrance of flower head and providing stability to flower stem. The device comprises a plastic molded container for placing within a flower head of the cut flower, the container having a centrally located well filled with a gelatinous material impregnated with a fragrant liquid for emitting fragrance for an extended period. A bendable metal wire extending from a base of the plastic molded container, configured to be spirally wound around the flower stem for providing stability to the flower head attached to the stem.

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 process for creating a shaped seed wafer is described. Ingredients for a growth medium are selected and mixed together. Pulverized remains or cremains from a pet or human are added. One or more varieties of perennial and/or annual seeds are added to the mixture. Water may be added during processing to get the mixture to stick together. The mixture with seeds is sheeted and shaped into a silhouette shape with a cutting tool before drying the shape to a final product. The product is a memorial flower or plant generating seed wafer that may be packaged and distributed for placing and germinating of plants at a desired location in memory of the deceased.