A trellis and planter system comprising an upper support member that is suspended below a support surface, a lower support member in spaced apart relation to and positioned below the upper support member, a trellis disposed between and interconnecting the upper and lower support members and a planter suspended below the lower support member. Preferably, each of the upper and lower support members and the planter are elongated and the trellis is substantially flat. Support devices engage and suspend the upper support member, and therefore the system, in an easily removable manner so the system and plants can be moved without harm to the plants. Planter support devices position the planter below the lower support member such that the plants grow upwardly and are supported by the trellis. Water can be delivered to the upper support member so as to drip or spray onto the plants.

A trellis and planter system comprising an upper support member that is suspended below a support surface, a lower support member in spaced apart relation to and positioned below the upper support member, a trellis disposed between and interconnecting the upper and lower support members and a planter suspended below the lower support member. Preferably, each of the upper and lower support members and the planter are elongated and the trellis is substantially flat. Support devices engage and suspend the upper support member, and therefore the system, in an easily removable manner so the system and plants can be moved without harm to the plants. Planter support devices position the planter below the lower support member such that the plants grow upwardly and are supported by the trellis. Water can be delivered to the upper support member so as to drip or spray onto the plants.

A method of growing grapes comprising fitting a plurality of longitudinal sleeves to posts, respectively, each sleeve having at least one retainer; attaching at least two lines so that they are held by the retainers in an elevated disposition so that the lines at least partially support a grape vine; mechanically removing the lines from the retainers after harvesting grapes, each sleeve being secured to its respective post by fixing means so that the sleeves remain fitted to the posts when the line is being mechanically removed; pruning parts of the grape vine that remain with the lines when they are removed; and reattaching the lines so that they are again held by the retainers in an elevated disposition for further use.

A system for building a reconfigurable trellis includes at least one slidable pole connector configured to slide along a pole and at least one cable connector configured to connect at least one strand connector configured to connect a strand such as a rope or wire to a pole. The slidable pole connector includes a first portion configured to slide along a first pole and a second portion extending perpendicularly from the first portion and configured to receive an end of a second pole. The strand connector may be a rope connector including a cylindrical sleeve configured to slide along a pole and a pad eye configured to hold an end of a rope. The connectors may be used to secure a plurality of vertical poles, horizontal poles, and strands to one another in a variety of adjustable configurations.

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 system for building a reconfigurable trellis includes at least one slidable pole connector configured to slide along a pole. The slidable pole connector includes a first portion configured to slide along a first pole and a second portion extending perpendicularly from the first portion and configured to receive an end of a second pole. A tightening mechanism may be provided to secure the first portion against the first pole and to prevent further sliding of the first portion when the connector is in a desired position. Several slidable pole connectors may be used with one another and with cable connectors to secure a plurality of vertical poles, horizontal poles, and ropes or wires to one another in a variety of adjustable configurations.

A system for building a reconfigurable trellis includes at least one slidable pole connector configured to slide along a pole. The slidable pole connector includes a first portion configured to slide along a first pole and a second portion extending perpendicularly from the first portion and configured to receive an end of a second pole. A tightening mechanism may be provided to secure the first portion against the first pole and to prevent further sliding of the first portion when the connector is in a desired position. Several slidable pole connectors may be used with one another and with cable connectors to secure a plurality of vertical poles, horizontal poles, and ropes or wires to one another in a variety of adjustable configurations.

A novel collapsible plant support includes a collapsible coil adapted to rest on a flat surface. In a particular embodiment, the collapsible plant support includes a plurality of vertical support structures coupled to the collapsible coil so as to provide additional support. In another particular embodiment, a collapsible plant support includes plant receptacle receiving element that supports both a collapsible coil and also a plant receptacle. In a more particular embodiment, the plant receptacle receiving element includes fluid ducts for connecting multiple plant receptacle receiving elements into a fluid network. In another embodiment, the coil is disposed within a helical sleeve coupled to a flexible, cylindrical mesh.

A novel collapsible plant support includes a collapsible coil adapted to rest on a flat surface. In a particular embodiment, the collapsible plant support includes a plurality of vertical support structures coupled to the collapsible coil so as to provide additional support. In another particular embodiment, a collapsible plant support includes plant receptacle receiving element that supports both a collapsible coil and also a plant receptacle. In a more particular embodiment, the plant receptacle receiving element includes fluid ducts for connecting multiple plant receptacle receiving elements into a fluid network. In another embodiment, the coil is disposed within a helical sleeve coupled to a flexible, cylindrical mesh.

A heated spray system for frost protection and prevention is described. Heated water, such as groundwater, is delivered through a spray system to the area surrounding the irrigated crops, thus increasing the temperature near the crops and preventing frost damage. Surface water is provided, by a drip irrigation line. The crops are protected from excessive irrigation with the addition of protective covers, a protective curtain, and a drainage system. When spraying groundwater for temperature control, the covers, curtain, and drainage system prevent the water from reaching the roots of the crops, and thus prevent the groundwater from damaging the roots due to contaminants and pollutants in the groundwater.