A vertical aeroponic growing apparatus is disclosed which includes a hollow structure having a top wall, a sidewall, and a bottom wall. A plurality of openings is formed through the sidewall. A thermal, light refractive cover is wrapped around the sidewall. The cover has a plurality of openings formed therethrough which correspond to the plurality of openings formed in the sidewall. A fitting is positioned in each of the plurality of openings in which a plant will be supported. A cap closes off any of the plurality of openings which are not needed to support a fitting. A drain pipe is secured to the bottom wall for allowing excess nutrient laden water to be removed. Lastly, an irrigation tube routes nutrient laden water to the hollow structure. A nozzle attached to an end of the irrigation tube delivers a fine mist of the nutrient laden water to the plant roots.

The invention relates to a planter forming part of a hydroponic system. The planter includes a longitudinal body defining at least two longitudinally extending liquid channels and at least two plant holders defined in the body, the plant holders spaced on the outer circumference of the longitudinal body, each one of the at least two plant holders in fluid flow communication with one of the at least two longitudinally extending liquid channels.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there are provided automated plant training systems and related methods. An automated plant training system is designed to train medium to tall plants to grow in a height restricted space by adjusting the plant's direction of growth through the use of phototropism. The device can physically control the plant's main stem, branches and foliage from excessive vertical growth.

A system for storing and cultivating plants and enhancing usable area or space is provided. One or more racks are provided for housing plants, such as potted plants, in arrays extending in at least a vertical direction. Lighting is provided to provide ultraviolet and infrared radiation in the system. At least one rack is selectively moveable with respect to at least one lighting element, such that proximity between plants and at least one lighting element may be selectively varied.

A drawer-type plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a body unit configured such that a hexahedral frame is erected on the ground and a plurality of support bar pairs is symmetrically installed on inner surfaces of both sides of the hexahedral frame to be vertically spaced apart from each other; plant units each configured to provide at least one plant box that is provided such that both sides of the top end thereof are inserted into the body unit, so that the plant box is seated on a corresponding one of the support bar pairs; and piping units each disposed inside the plant box, and each comprising a piping part connected to the rear of the plant box to supply a nutrient solution and supply oxygen and one or more corrugated pipe parts connected to the bent points of the piping part.

A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. Each container may be provided with connectors having a push fit male connector located at a top edge of the container and a female connector at a bottom edge of the container. Adjacent containers in a stack can be linked by routing means, which form moldings on each container. The connectors can also have spring-loaded contacts. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.

An rotational shelf garden system and device, including methods of use, are provided. The garden system and device include multiple hanging shelves mounted on a rotatable frame. Rotating the frame positions a shelf at a desired height for the user, wherein the user of the device may perform gardening activities while sitting or standing. Multiple vertically stacked shelves on a rotating frame, each shelf supporting garden plants, greatly reduces the footprint of the garden system versus a conventional outdoor garden, increasing the capacity for generating higher yields while using less ground space. The system and device includes a watering system integrated with each shelf.

An aeroponic column comprises a base, a planter section attached to the base, wherein the planter section defines a hollow interior, a channel and plant holder openings adapted to receive a plant holder, a nutrient distributor attached over the planter section with fluid openings adapted to allow fluid to flow down the planter sections, and a conduit assembly operatively connected between the base and the nutrient distributor, and adapted to carry fluid from the base to the nutrient distributor. The conduit assembly comprises a conduit formed separate from the planter section, the conduit extends through the channel of the planter section, and the conduit has a male threaded first end and a female threaded second end.

The invention provides a crop cultivation receptacle. The receptacle comprises a base and side walls that project from the base to define a receptacle space between them. In the receptacle space, a body of growth medium for the cultivation of crops can in use be contained such that a major portion thereof is spaced from the base. The receptacle also comprises at least one recess that is defined in the base. Into the recess, a minor portion of the body of growth medium can extend and in which the minor portion of the body of growth medium can be contained. The receptacle further comprises water feed control means that limits water feed to the receptacle space so as not to exceed a predetermined depth of water in the receptacle space above non-recessed portions of the base.

A modular assembly is disclosed to support, feed, and water live vegetative growth on an inclined or vertical surface, using a series of horizontally mounted troughs affixed to an impervious backing panel.