Systems and methods for seed germination and planting include: a germinator unit providing an environment for seeds to germinate in water, and means to deliver the germinated seeds in batch form, suspended in an aqueous hydrogel; and a planting unit to accept batches of suspended seeds and dispense the seeds, preferably in singulated manner, to selected locations in a planting environment. The planting unit may be man-portable, mounted on a trailer or autonomous vehicle, or substantially stationary for use in a greenhouse. The planting environment may be a field or it may be a planting tray, pot, or other container for use in a greenhouse.

The present invention relates to a growing system for hydroponics, comprising a gutter and a tape, wherein the gutter is open at the top and comprises a receptacle for a fluid that extends along the longitudinal direction of the gutter and wherein the tape is fixed in the gutter in an upright position in the longitudinal direction of the gutter and partially extends beyond the open top and wherein the tape is for holding or supporting propagating material. The propagating material comprises for example seeds, germinated seeds, seedlings, plantlets or cuttings. In use, the tape is in contact with a fluid in the receptacle for wicking the fluid through the tape. In a preferred embodiment, the tape comprises at least two layers that are partially held together but are preferably not held together at the part that extends beyond the open top of the gutter. The invention further relates to a method of growing plants using the growing system.

A seed-containing crayon. The crayon includes an elongated member formed of a marking composition to leave a colored mark on a surface when the elongated member contacts the surface. The marking composition is formed of a wax, a pigment, and a plant nutrient that is activated by application of water to the elongated member. Plant seeds are embedded in the marking composition of the elongated member. The crayon can include a paper band that at least partially surrounds the elongated member along at least part of the length of the elongated member in which the plant seeds are embedded.

A seed-containing crayon. The crayon includes an elongated member formed of a marking composition to leave a colored mark on a surface when the elongated member contacts the surface. The marking composition is formed of a wax, a pigment, and a plant nutrient that is activated by application of water to the elongated member. Plant seeds are embedded in the marking composition of the elongated member. The crayon can include a paper band that at least partially surrounds the elongated member along at least part of the length of the elongated member in which the plant seeds are embedded.

A method and apparatus for cultivating vegetation at an inhospitable location includes rooting immature vegetation in a mat combined with a super absorbent polymer (SAP) and, in embodiments, fertilizer, sand, and/or soil; providing a water reservoir below grade at the inhospitable location; placing the mat at the inhospitable location over the water reservoir; extending at least one wick from the mat to the water reservoir; and covering the mat with a perforated, transparent or semi-transparent cover. The wick can be infused with nutrients and/or fertilizer. Hollow tubes can extend downward from the mat to enable excess water to flow into the reservoir. The hollow tubes can surround the wicks. The transparent cover can be placed on or suspended above the mat. SAP, seeds, and/or fertilizer can be placed between mats in a stack. A water distribution system can be included for supplying additional water to the water reservoir.

A material for optimizing and maintaining at least one of water, nutrients, biocides, and other protectant or growth supporting chemicals in natural soils by decreasing leaching, evaporation, and volatility through application of agglomerated granules (prills) formed of engineered hydrating particles, a binder, nutrients, and protectants to the soil. Typical application is by applying prills simultaneously with seeds when drilled, broadcast, or otherwise distributed.

The present invention is a manufacture for nurturing plants from a propagative source. The manufacture includes a holder for holding the propagative source, a tail extending from the holder for feeding water to the holder and the propagative source. The manufacture is positioned in a cover for a cup where the cover is inverted so as to support soil and so as to support the manufacture and where the cover has a hole and where the tail extends through the hole and into the cup.

A hydroseeding substrate and a hydroseeding slurry for seeding of grass and other vegetation are disclosed. The hydroseeding substrate includes mulch, a cover composition including bentonite clay and cellulosic water dispersible polymer and/or starch, and optionally surface-treated HPMC. Other desired optional ingredients may also be included. Methods of forming a hydroseeding slurry and methods of using the slurry for seeding are also disclosed.

A hydroseeding substrate and a hydroseeding slurry for seeding of grass and other vegetation are disclosed. The hydroseeding substrate includes mulch, a cover composition including bentonite clay and cellulosic water dispersible polymer and/or starch, and optionally surface-treated HPMC. Other desired optional ingredients may also be included. Methods of forming a hydroseeding slurry and methods of using the slurry for seeding are also disclosed.

An encapsulated seed planting device for planting a seed that is encapsulated in a water soluble cover. The encapsulated seed planting device comprises a frame and a support device for supporting the frame above a surface. A planting unit is provided that comprises a cartridge for receiving the seed. A compression device is coupled to the cartridge for holding the seed. A piston is positioned in a facing relationship with the cartridge. The piston is configured to push the seed out of the cartridge and into the surface. A cylinder is positioned in a facing relationship with the piston. The cylinder is configured to move the piston. A control device is provided for controlling operation of the cylinder.