In accordance with the present invention, the Alpha Planter provides total protection to new seedlings and small plants purchased for the purpose of growing and maturing for the early development of plants.

In accordance with the present invention, the Alpha Planter provides total protection to new seedlings and small plants purchased for the purpose of growing and maturing for the early development of plants.

A plant cover apparatus includes a bag having an interior encompassed by a wall that extends from a top end of the bag and tapers inwardly to a bottom end of the bag. The bottom end includes a rim that laterally circumscribes a plant-receiving opening formed through the bag. The bag has a slot that extends vertically from the opening through the wall. The slot includes opposed margins having cooperatively interlocking parts that can temporarily be joined and separated to increase the size of the opening. The bag may be vertically suspended from a support member positioned next to the plant. An exterior perimeter of the bag may be rigid enough to help the bag maintain its shape when suspended.

A shield for protecting a plant having; a stem having an upper end and a lower end; a first plurality of sticks having a proximal end and a distal end; and a pad associated with the upper end of the stem, the pad having a second plurality of holes distributed all around the pad and oriented at various angles in relation to a horizontal plane, the holes being configured for removably receiving the proximal ends of the entire first plurality of sticks or a portion thereof and securing the same therein through friction-based insertion; the second plurality of holes distribution and orientation allowing the formation of a support structure for a protective cover in which the entire first plurality of sticks or a portion thereof extends in a circular arrangement above the plant at an angle conforming to the shape or size of the plant.

An apparatus and method for training a grape vine. The apparatus is a swing arm supporting a linear grid composed of transverse and longitudinal elements that are configured to result in a network of spaces that are sized to capture and separate the grape vine shoots. The apparatus is mobile within the vine canopy serving various functions as the growing season progresses. The mobility of the grid apparatus allows repositioning throughout the growing season while still retaining the shoots within the grid openings.

A plant cover transformable between collapsed and expanded states and including: a frame including a plurality of rods; a foldable canopy secured to the rods; and a pivoting support assembly operatively coupled to the frame. The pivoting support assembly includes: a brace having a central base and a plurality of projections extending radially outwardly from the central base and defining a longitudinally extending socket, a pivot support defining a pivot axis, and a latch receiver; and a plurality of rod supports pivotally coupled to a respective projection of the plurality of projections of the brace. Each rod support including a split hearing collar at one end pivotally mounted to the pivot support of a corresponding projection and a latch member at the opposite end, the latch member engaging the latch receiver to secure the corresponding rod support in the open position.

Most of the time, the disclosed plant husbandry and food preparation apparatus encloses a garden plant, such that the plant is protected on all sides from animals. It may comprise a planter in which the plant is grown, a cage that is attached to the lip of the planter, and a dome containing apertures, which is seated atop the cage. The seated dome may be opened, while the dome is still attached to the cage, allowing the gardener to harvest produce. The opened dome is configured for use as a receptacle into which the harvested produce is deposited. The dome is also configured to be effortlessly detachable from the remainder of the apparatus, so that produce within it may be conveniently transported and rinsed. The dome may also be configured to serve as a strainer/steamer basket and as support for an auxiliary irrigation and/or animal deterrence system.

Most of the time, the disclosed plant husbandry and food preparation apparatus encloses a garden plant, such that the plant is protected on all sides from animals. It may comprise a planter in which the plant is grown, a cage that is attached to the lip of the planter, and a dome containing apertures, which is seated atop the cage. The seated dome may be opened, while the dome is still attached to the cage, allowing the gardener to harvest produce. The opened dome is configured for use as a receptacle into which the harvested produce is deposited. The dome is also configured to be effortlessly detachable from the remainder of the apparatus, so that produce within it may be conveniently transported and rinsed. The dome may also be configured to serve as a strainer/steamer basket and as support for an auxiliary irrigation and/or animal deterrence system.

The Weed Blocking Mini Conservatory is a device which blocks weed, plant, root, and some predator encroachment. When connected to the light penetrating top, the invention allows a protected area for photosynthesis, seed and rooting cultures, with containers, mediums, and associated accessories and garden storage. The device functions as a hollow, washable, durable container in which both living and nonliving items can be enclosed. Its structure blends harmoniously with architecture and outdoor environments. It is safe for use around humans and pets. It is also adaptable to large scale garden use.

A mobile trellis may be expandable and/or may include reusable components (i.e., components that are used with a second plant following use of the mobile trellis/component with a first plant). A mobile trellis may be incorporated into a horticultural environment. An expandable mobile trellis may include modular components. A mobile trellis may create a microclimate for an associated plant. A mobile trellis may anticipate changes in an associated horticultural environment based upon an event (e.g., a door opening, a component failure, etc.) and/or the mobile trellis may preemptively alter an “input” to, and/or an “output” from, a horticultural environment based on anticipating a change in the horticultural environment.