A seed fulfillment system is an automated system for sorting and delivering different types of seeds from different seed containers to a shipping-container loading system which loads shipping containers with the seeds. The seed fulfillment system includes an intermediary-container handling system which conveys intermediary containers of seeds from a filling system to a shipping-container loading system.

A seed fulfillment system is an automated system for sorting and delivering different types of seeds from different seed containers to a shipping-container loading system which loads shipping containers with the seeds. The seed fulfillment system includes an intermediary-container handling system which conveys intermediary containers of seeds from a filling system to a shipping-container loading system.

A packaging article comprising a wall having an outer surface and an inner surface is disclosed along with methods of forming the packaging article. A first patch consisting essentially of an adhesive and one or more materials that biodegrade within about 6 months include a first seed associated therewith. The first patch is adhered to the inner surface of the packaging article and is removable therefrom without a use of a tool, by a human being. The first seed is configured to remain associated with the first patch after removal of the first patch from the inner surface, and the first seed has at least a 50% likelihood of germinating within thirty days after deployment of the first patch under at least about one inch of soil under climatic and meteorological conditions appropriate for germination of the first seed.

A packaging article comprising a wall having an outer surface and an inner surface is disclosed along with methods of forming the packaging article. A first patch consisting essentially of an adhesive and one or more materials that biodegrade within about 6 months include a first seed associated therewith. The first patch is adhered to the inner surface of the packaging article and is removable therefrom without a use of a tool, by a human being. The first seed is configured to remain associated with the first patch after removal of the first patch from the inner surface, and the first seed has at least a 50% likelihood of germinating within thirty days after deployment of the first patch under at least about one inch of soil under climatic and meteorological conditions appropriate for germination of the first seed.

A sterile packaged plant delivery system includes a container having an opening, an amount of growth medium, a plant, and cover. The amount of growth medium is disposed within an interior of the container and part of the plant is disposed within the growth medium. The cover seals the interior of the container thereby maintaining the plant within a sterile growth environment. In one example, the cover is a thin film seal. A user obtains the system, punctures the film seal, removes the plant from the interior of the container, and plants the plant in a growth environment outside of the container. The system provides a low-cost technique for delivering live plants to end consumers without fungus or bacteria as in typical soil growth and without having to apply costly antimicrobial agent. This eliminates the need for watering and maintenance of any kind while the plant remains in the container.

A sterile packaged plant delivery system includes a container having an opening, an amount of growth medium, a plant, and cover. The amount of growth medium is disposed within an interior of the container and part of the plant is disposed within the growth medium. The cover seals the interior of the container thereby maintaining the plant within a sterile growth environment. In one example, the cover is a thin film seal. A user obtains the system, punctures the film seal, removes the plant from the interior of the container, and plants the plant in a growth environment outside of the container. The system provides a low-cost technique for delivering live plants to end consumers without fungus or bacteria as in typical soil growth and without having to apply costly antimicrobial agent. This eliminates the need for watering and maintenance of any kind while the plant remains in the container.

Shelf-life extender compositions, kits, and methods are provided for use with live plant items such as, for example, rootless plant cuttings and plant liners. The shelf-life extender composition is preferably applied on at least a portion of the surfaces of a live plant item prior to shipping the treated live plant item.

Shelf-life extender compositions, kits, and methods are provided for use with live plant items such as, for example, rootless plant cuttings and plant liners. The shelf-life extender composition is preferably applied on at least a portion of the surfaces of a live plant item prior to shipping the treated live plant item.

A bale bagging apparatus and method are provided. The bale bagging apparatus includes a bale feeding station, a bale chute, a bale bagging station, and a transportation system that transports a bale to be bagged from the bale feeding station through the bale chute and into the bale bagging station. The bale bagging station includes a bag receptacle, a first opening, and a bag retrieval assembly. The bag receptacle is positioned on a side opposite of the first opening from the side of the first opening on which the bale to be bagged is to be transported. The bag retrieval assembly retrieves a bag from the bag receptacle through the first opening. The bag retrieval assembly positions a first end of said bag around at least a portion of the bale chute before the bale to be bagged is transported through the bale chute by the transportation system.

A bale bagging apparatus and method are provided. The bale bagging apparatus includes a bale feeding station, a bale chute, a bale bagging station, and a transportation system that transports a bale to be bagged from the bale feeding station through the bale chute and into the bale bagging station. The bale bagging station includes a bag receptacle, a first opening, and a bag retrieval assembly. The bag receptacle is positioned on a side opposite of the first opening from the side of the first opening on which the bale to be bagged is to be transported. The bag retrieval assembly retrieves a bag from the bag receptacle through the first opening. The bag retrieval assembly positions a first end of said bag around at least a portion of the bale chute before the bale to be bagged is transported through the bale chute by the transportation system.