The present invention is enclosed in the area of raised beds. It is therefore an object of the present invention a modular structure (1) for a raised bed characterised in that it comprises at least one lower container (3), at least one upper container (2), and means for supplying water (4) to the at least one upper container, wherein: each upper container is suitable for planting or composting, is perforated (22) and is arranged over a lower container, such that at least one upper container is provided on and covers a top opening (31) of the lower container (3) and thereby a liquid within the at least one upper container drips (5) to such lower container by action of gravity, each lower container is configured to store water, and the means for supplying water are configured to bring water from a lower container on to each upper container. Such structure therefore provides for an autonomous system, which maintains unused water and nutrients, which are transported with the water, within the system.

A growing system and/or plant support structure may include one or more feet supporting at least one or more uprights, on which a plurality of plants and/or grow boards for growing plants may be positioned. A nutrient delivery system may be positioned between opposing uprights to provide nutrient supply to a root zone of plants, which nutrient delivery system may be positioned adjacent each opposing upright in an interior chamber of the plant support structure. A light system may be positioned between two adjacent plant support structures such that it simultaneously provides light to the exterior surface of the two plant support structures.

A growing system and/or plant support structure may include one or more feet supporting at least one or more uprights, on which a plurality of plants and/or grow boards for growing plants may be positioned. A nutrient delivery system may be positioned between opposing uprights to provide nutrient supply to a root zone of plants, which nutrient delivery system may be positioned adjacent each opposing upright in an interior chamber of the plant support structure. A light system may be positioned between two adjacent plant support structures such that it simultaneously provides light to the exterior surface of the two plant support structures.

A growing system is described where plants are grown 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 them at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit them at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing means, data logging means, growing means, water and nutrients.

A growing system is described where plants are grown 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 them at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit them at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing means, data logging means, growing means, water and nutrients.

An automated growing system comprises a plurality of vegetative production lines for moving a plurality of planted growing channels from a first end to a second end of a growing area, a plurality of flowering production lines for moving the channels from the second end to the first end, and a first conveyor belt for moving planted growing channels from the plurality of vegetative production lines to the plurality of flowering production lines. Each production line may comprise a frame, a conveyor assembly configured to receive growing channels, a fertigation delivery line comprising a plurality of regulators spaced therealong for depositing fluid into the growing channels, a drainage trough, and an air supply duct positioned under the conveyor assembly, the air supply duct comprising a plurality of openings therein for delivering conditioned air to plants growing in the growing channels. Each growing channel may comprise a trough having a first end higher than a second end, a flange extending laterally from each of a pair of opposed lateral edges of the trough and having a plurality of leach lines on an upper surface thereof extending a different predetermined distance from the first end toward the second end, and a fertigation receiving structure attached to the first end of the trough and configured to direct fluid falling therein into the leach lines of each flange.

An automated growing system comprises a plurality of vegetative production lines for moving a plurality of planted growing channels from a first end to a second end of a growing area, a plurality of flowering production lines for moving the channels from the second end to the first end, and a first conveyor belt for moving planted growing channels from the plurality of vegetative production lines to the plurality of flowering production lines. Each production line may comprise a frame, a conveyor assembly configured to receive growing channels, a fertigation delivery line comprising a plurality of regulators spaced therealong for depositing fluid into the growing channels, a drainage trough, and an air supply duct positioned under the conveyor assembly, the air supply duct comprising a plurality of openings therein for delivering conditioned air to plants growing in the growing channels. Each growing channel may comprise a trough having a first end higher than a second end, a flange extending laterally from each of a pair of opposed lateral edges of the trough and having a plurality of leach lines on an upper surface thereof extending a different predetermined distance from the first end toward the second end, and a fertigation receiving structure attached to the first end of the trough and configured to direct fluid falling therein into the leach lines of each flange.

A method together with enabling apparatuses is disclosed for the rapid controlled growth of vegetable and similar crops in a hydroponic system. The method includes control of light, minimization of exposure to pathogens, control of temperature of ambient air and the water in the system, nutrients, pH and other growth factors such as transfer between ponds as well as specially designed floating flats and related devices.

A method together with enabling apparatuses is disclosed for the rapid controlled growth of vegetable and similar crops in a hydroponic system. The method includes control of light, minimization of exposure to pathogens, control of temperature of ambient air and the water in the system, nutrients, pH and other growth factors such as transfer between ponds as well as specially designed floating flats and related devices.

The present disclosure provides an advantageous pan jig for installing a pan relative to a frame. The disclosed pan jig semi-permanently engages the pan relative to a frame. Specifically, the disclosed apparatus and method of use advantageously facilitates formation and mounting of a drip pan for use with a system that facilitates aeroponic growing. The disclosed aeroponic growing system may include a plurality of drip pans.