The present invention relates to a self-contained growth system that functions as a stand-alone growth system or combined with a hydroponic or aeroponic growth system for the controlled growth of plants. A Spiral Tower having an entry port for seedling or seeds embedded onto trays floating on a downward spiraling water flow provides a closed environment with optimum nutrient and growth conditions for each plant type. The Spiral

Tower is capable of germinating seedlings in a closed environment for subsequent maturation in an aeroponic or other system. As a stand-alone growth system, the Spiral Tower is capable of the continued growth of certain early life plants. Other applications as a seed to harvest system used in harvesting wheatgrass and similar plants. The system is designed for cost-effective use in restricted space and in regions not conducive for commercial plant production.

A tower assembly for use with an overhead conveyor of a hydroponic vertical farm system. The tower assembly includes a tower frame, a face plate, and a connector. The tower frame has a top portion opposite a bottom portion. The face plate is configured to be removably attached to the tower frame. When the face plate is attached to the tower frame, the face plate is configured to support at least one plant as the at least one plant grows. The connector is attached to the top portion of the tower frame. The connector is configured to be removably attached to the overhead conveyor.

A modular hydroponic growth system is presented which supports a variety of plant growth with flexible conditions. The modularity is supported in part by quick-connect systems which allow liquids and air to be brought to and from subunits in an efficient manner. An advanced HVAC system allows for fresh air to be brought down one wall and stale air to be extracted from an opposing wall. The system allows for automation through the use of intelligent trolleys.

A crop production system for a controlled plant growing environment is provided. A first assembly comprises a first sub-assembly that itself comprises a first plurality of arms radiating outward from a central portion, wherein each arm is separated from two adjacent arms of the first plurality of arms by respective angles, each arm has a first end proximal to the central portion and a second end distal to the central portion, and each arm is configured to support a plurality of plant growth modules. The plurality of plant growth modules may be moved in a first direction miming from the first end to the second end of each arm of the first plurality of arms.

Automated pickup and laydown systems for an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that includes vertical grow towers. Some implementations of the invention can be used to create a horizontal-to-vertical interface between a vertical grow structure that includes vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, and a central processing system that processes (for example, harvests, cleans, transplants, etc.) the grow towers.

A cart having a wheel and a cart-computing device communicatively coupled to the wheel, where the cart-computing device receives an electrical signal via the wheel. The electrical signal comprises a communication signal and electrical power. The communication signal corresponds to one or more instructions for controlling an operation of the cart and the electrical power of the electrical signal powers the cart-computing device.

A plant watering apparatus comprising: a watering trough, for receiving and holding a growth-sustaining liquid therein; an actuator for actuating the watering trough between a first position and a second position; and a carrier system comprising a pair of conveyors and a plurality of cradles, the cradles supported by the pair of conveyors and spaced apart therealong, the cradles holding supported plants therein. The conveyors convey the cradles along a path, thereby transporting the cradles to and from a watering position disposed above the watering trough. When a cradle is at the watering position, the watering trough can be elevated to the second position, thus immersing the supported plants in the growth-sustaining liquid in the watering trough so as to permit uptake of the growth-sustaining liquid by the supported plants.

A plant watering apparatus comprising: a watering trough, for receiving and holding a growth-sustaining liquid therein; an actuator for actuating the watering trough between a first position and a second position; and a carrier system comprising a pair of conveyors and a plurality of cradles, the cradles supported by the pair of conveyors and spaced apart therealong, the cradles holding supported plants therein. The conveyors convey the cradles along a path, thereby transporting the cradles to and from a watering position disposed above the watering trough. When a cradle is at the watering position, the watering trough can be elevated to the second position, thus immersing the supported plants in the growth-sustaining liquid in the watering trough so as to permit uptake of the growth-sustaining liquid by the supported plants.

A container gardening structure has a grow tray with multiple growing stations that extend a radially from a central point of the grow tray. A light fixture has multiple lighting elements disposed above the grow tray to radiate light to the grow tray and extending outwardly from a central axis for the light fixture, with the central axis extending upward from the grow tray through the grow tray central point, and the lighting elements extend along the light fixture such that a distance from lighting elements to the grow tray increases in length from a lowest lighting element to a highest lighting element. The light fixture and grow tray move relative to each other such that the growing stations are moved away from lights that are disposed closer to the grow tray and toward lights that are disposed further from the grow tray.

A container farm provides a grow zone and a work zone within an enclosure. Plants are grown in vertical grow towers within the grow zone supported by a rotatable carousel grow structure. The grow towers can be moved within the grow zone to a location in which they are accessible from the work zone. A seedling station can be provided within the work zone. Other systems, including an irrigation system, a lighting system, and a climate control system, can be provided to support the growth of plants within the container.